Performance!!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 27, 2010 | 09:59 PM

michaelwhit83

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

Performance!!

Ok. I am really wanting to build my 1990 Ford F150 4x4 XLT Lariet up to a good street/offroad truck. Im starting with the drivetrain as it already has a good suspension setup.

Right now I have a 351W EFI implanted from a Bronco.
I want to upgrade the old crappy Mazda 5 speed to a ZF 5 speed HD Tranny.
I am planning on adding a locker setup to it. ( I posted a question about this in another earlier thread)

Now for the engine setup. What is the best power setup for the money on a 351W EFI? Mainly looking for quick easy power upgrades. (if there are any). I need some good tricks for pulling some good power out of this motor and having the best drivetrain setup that I can get for the least amount of money. I will slowly add more expensive parts for ex. heads, intake manifolds.

Truck specs as is:
1990 Ford F150 4x4 XLT Lariet
Engine: 351W EFI (5.8L)
Tranny: Crap Mazda M5R2 5 Speed
Rear End: 8.8 NON limited slip
Front End: ??? NO IDEA
Lift Susp: 3" Body 3" Susp Rancho
35" Courser MT's

Jul 28, 2010 | 05:23 AM

lew52

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 4,558

Likes: 2

Some easy things are a good tune up , autolite copper plugs , MSD wires , cap & coil , advance the timing a few degrees . Gears , with 35s i would go with atleast 4.56 , headers & free flowing exhaust is a good mod....Lew

Jul 28, 2010 | 09:54 AM

zxwut?

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 1,964

Likes: 2

From: Fort Worth

All that ^^ and a supercharger.

Jul 28, 2010 | 10:06 AM

ymeski56

Der Postmeister

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 6,859

Likes: 560

From: Long Beach, Calimexiforia

FullSizeBronco.com - 78 - 96 Ford Bronco offroad club, forums, tech, installs

Jul 28, 2010 | 09:38 PM

michaelwhit83

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

Thanks guys. I really think I need some better gearing up from the stock 3.55. Which throws my speedometer off about 5 miles an hour with the 35's and lift. If I move up to 4.56 what would that do to cruising rpms down the highway, in other words gas mileage? Would it be much of a difference? I plan on tearing into the rear end soon and adding a limited slip to it so I will prob change the gearing out at the same time but I am not the best at gears so I just need a little help getting the best setup for that.
Also I plan on putting a whole msd ignition setup on the truck, actually just about bought it today. haha, but my wife said I already spent my limit this week.

Thanks for the input.

Jul 28, 2010 | 10:00 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Your speedo is off a LOT more than 5mph.. at an indicated 60 you're actually doing 73mph. The truck needs 4.30 gears just to get back to the final drive ratio it had with 3.55's and stock tires, and adding a little more gear will help compensate for the additional rotating mass of those big meats so 4.56 is the minimum recommended. Apparent gas milage should improve dramatically with the gearing.. mainly because the odometer will be accurate again but also because engine load will be decreased under most conditions and that will allow the computer to stay in closed loop more.

Jul 28, 2010 | 11:15 PM

leavy20

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 219

Likes: 0

look at a decent off road cam, gives you power at lower RPM's. but also as other have said, gears will make the truck seem like you just put in a brand new motor.