351 power mods (chip it?)

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Jul 11, 2005 | 05:12 PM

PWRSTK2K

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From: Bremerton, Wa

351 power mods (chip it?)

My step-son just bought an ex-canadian forest service truck - it's a F350 crew cab long box 4X4 with the 351 motor and 5 speed transmission. It's just fine with a light load but when loaded and pulling a trailer it lacks power. Do any of you know of a chip that he can add for power or any other mods for the 351?

Jul 11, 2005 | 06:15 PM

Popa Tim

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From: Central NY

What year is the truck?

Jul 11, 2005 | 09:08 PM

Rotor

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I have no direct experience with chips for this reason. Aside from the people who make or sell the things I have never met a tuner who recommends them. From what I have been told, and read about, most chips just tweak the signals coming from certain sensors to fool the CPU about running conditions so it over/under compensates settings. The small gains you might see in one area of the power curve do not make up for the losses you will see through out the rest of it.
On the plus side you have (what seems to me) the most popular engine in the Ford family. I say this because of the amount of after market performance parts I see available for the 351 when I look through catalogs. No matter what the year you should be able to find a plethora of goodies to suit your power needs. Ford Racing is the first place I would look. Summit Racing Equipment would be the second.
If your step son thinks that the truck is a keeper then I would strongly suggest you spend the money and build it right. If he is just looking for a mule for a year or two then don't even spend what a chip would cost and drive it till it dies. Just my 2-cent's, Karl....

Jul 11, 2005 | 09:41 PM

Blurry94

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From: Calhoun GA

On a mostly stock application, I wouldn't mess with a chip. I'd say that could achieve better results by advancing the timing and install a cold air intake and exhaust.

I would do a complete tune up on it first though: plugs, wires, rotor and dist cap. If it is in poor tune then it wont perfrom like it should.

Jul 12, 2005 | 01:42 PM

PWRSTK2K

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Cross-Country

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From: Bremerton, Wa

It's a 1992 - low mileage - around 65k. Good looking truck - he plans on keeping it for a while.

Jul 12, 2005 | 02:11 PM

Towmanjbo

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From: Manchester, CT USA

Try browsing the performance forum for this engine there is a bit of debate about chips and their supposed benefits. I just read a great post about a member who built a 393 motor for his truck ( stroked 351).