Hey im just looking for some suggestions about my 4x4 f-150 with a 4 speed manual. I have been playin with the idea of making some more power out of my 300 six but at the same time would like to increase the milage some without spending a ton of money Im also thinking about lifting it....This truck is my daily driver and id just like a little more get up and go.....any pointers?

 

Probably the simplest thing you could do is to switch out the TFI ignition & carb. TFI was a kinda cross-breeding of carb & EFI that worked great at first, but over time degraded. It was used on the 300 from '84-6. Your cheepest & simplest route would be to basically backdate the truck a little. The benefits of this system are that its relatively simple & easy to use, just about any parts store will have the parts right off the shelf & its reliable.

- Find/get an older version of the current carter yf thats on the truck right now, it won't have all of the wires coming out of it. Mid-70s would probably be just fine.

- Backdate your ignition to the duraspark 2 system, basically the ignition from the mid-70s to '83. There are 3 main parts to it, the distributor, module & harness. The distributor & module can be purchased off the shelf at most decent parts places (the modules are not engine specific, they can be used on any DS2 engine - 4, 6 or 8 cylinder), the harness is the harder part (its also not engine specific). Sometimes you'll see them on ebay, or they can be found at a wrecking yard. You might be able to still get the connectors from ford & make your own harness. Check on www.fordsix.com. Some guys use a GM or MSD module, you'll need to look that up if you're interested. Best bet is to get the entire set-up from a wrecking yard & if you have any doubts about the distributor or module, use it as a core for a new one.

I'm not totally sure, but I know that many (most/all?) '84 had dual connections - for both TFI & DS2. Ford may have continued this with the '85s & '86s. Maybe. If so, you might be able to just simply 'plug & play' the ignition & carb & be on your way. The conversion was all ready done on my '84 truck, but I did it on my '65 falcon. Took me longer to get the parts & work up the courage to do it. Started in the morning & after lunch I was driving the thing.
Edwin

 

Do you have to worry about emissions testing? If not, then the Offy intake, Holley 390 cfm 4 barrel, and EFI exhaust manifolds for the most bang for the buck. You will also be looking at a new exhaust if you move to the EFI exhaust manifolds.

Might have to switch to a duraspark2 ignition if you move away from the feedback carb.

 

hey thanks for the help. right now for exhaust i've just gutted out the cat and added a glass pack after i got pulled over for being to loud one night while cruising main haha. it sounds nice but is there something better to slap underthere?