Engine Performance
Engine Performance
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
Without breaking into the engine the three things to improve are exhaust, intake, and ignition.
Exhaust would be best to have good headers and an aftermarket dual exhaust with crossover.
Intake should be 4 barrel if it isn't already, stock ones are good but heavy, if you go aluminum get the Edelbrock RPM with the 1406 (600 cfm) carb.
I like MSD ignition personally, but there are a few other good choices out there.
If you have interest in breaking into the engine try out the FE engines forum, lots of good advice in there.
Exhaust would be best to have good headers and an aftermarket dual exhaust with crossover.
Intake should be 4 barrel if it isn't already, stock ones are good but heavy, if you go aluminum get the Edelbrock RPM with the 1406 (600 cfm) carb.
I like MSD ignition personally, but there are a few other good choices out there.
If you have interest in breaking into the engine try out the FE engines forum, lots of good advice in there.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 9
From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
The best improvement for any FE engine is a good free flowing exhaust system. Depends on your budget but a good set of headers and dual exhaust.If headers aren't in the budget then at least go for the duals.There are lots of good choices for mufflers depending on the level of performance and sound you are looking for.I'm sure I'm gonna hear about this but I've found Dura Spark II a good ignition system for a daily driver.Its an easy system to wire up and it's reliable.I carried a spare module for years but never used it.Hope this helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 9
From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
Headers should be available from 1 or more of the advertisers on this site.For the rest of the system you will likely have to go to a muffler shop that custom bends pipe.The setup that I used and liked best was Cherry Bomb glasspacks mounted at the header collecters then 2 and 1/2 inch pipe for tailpipes.I ran the pipes back a couple feet then put a 45 degree bend in them so they ended just ahead of the rear tires.The very end of the tailpipes I cut at an angle flush with the body line.I love the sound and could still here the radio.I once built a set with 90 degree bends but it sounded like a popcorn machine between jersey barriers or buildings.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Ha okay, I might even look into doing the exhaust myself because i have done it befor on a 68 powerwagon, what fun that was lol
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
New ignition will give a more complete burn of the fuel in your combusion chamber, especially if you have the points set up right now, which are often not maintained/tuned properly to begin with.
Intake, ignition, and exhaust upgrades can also easily be transferred over if you plan on building a new engine in the future (a great time to go for a 390 or 410).
For headers I am planning to go with Stans headers out of Washington (google search it if you are interested). They are quite expensive, but I believe strongly in the philosophy that you get what you pay for. They have also had great reviews from many of the posts in this forum.
Intake, ignition, and exhaust upgrades can also easily be transferred over if you plan on building a new engine in the future (a great time to go for a 390 or 410).
For headers I am planning to go with Stans headers out of Washington (google search it if you are interested). They are quite expensive, but I believe strongly in the philosophy that you get what you pay for. They have also had great reviews from many of the posts in this forum.
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