I was wondering what kind of mods I could make to my truck to give it some more hp and torque. I guess stock 302's (1990) have somewhere in the neighborhood of 215 hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque? I was hoping to boost my hp to somewhere around 260 and my torque to at least 300 ft/lbs. But, once again, I don't exactly have an arm and a leg to spend. The superchip really sounds tempting. Are the air raid kits or the K&N filter charger worth it? Any help would be appreciated!

P.S. I'm estimating my hp to be around 220-225 right now.
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1990 F-150 4x4 Lariat, 302, 2 tone grey, short bed, regular cab, delta diamond plated toolbox, 4.10 gears with rear limited slip, flowmaster exhaust with dual chrome tips, shorty headers, K&N air filter, great Alpine cd player, modest amp, tweeters and subs, and 31x10.5" p.o.s. all terrain tires.

P.S.S. I've heard someone say that 31's are the biggest that will fit on stock 150's and even they might rub. Well, I still have plenty of tread on my tires (unfortunately) and they don't come close to rubbing. I've been told by numerous sources that 32's will fit, although with my front end being lower than my rear end, they would probably rub off road, which is why I want to do something about my front end suspension.

 

Check my signature. See what you think, I'll be happy to answer your questions.

The 1990 302's had 185hp and 270ft/lbs.

I also have 31's on my 89 truck exactly like yours. I was told to expect rubbing, but so far have none.

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toydestroyer1@yahoo.com

"Sleeper"


1993 F-150 302/e4od/355 Limited slip. dual exhuast w/o mufflers, 2 1/4" pipes, Echo Tips, Summit Racing headers, accel plugs/wires(8.6mm)/rotor/cap, hypertech powermodule, 4 degree advance,Blaster Coil,MSd 6A Ignition, TPS Mod,hopefully roller rockers in the future,possible 4:10 gear swap 5% dark tint, Ford Bed mat, Bundy Chrome Drop bumper, Wrap-around bug deflector, 2-tone tan/brown. Alpine cd player and Pioneer speakers, with tweeters No room for anything else.

1989 F-150 XLT 4x4 Future 300hp engine build!

2000 Superduty CrewCab v-10, auto,2wd.

 

Are you sure the 90's only have 185 hp stock? That seems pretty weak for my truck. I can't imagine stock Chevy 350's having a whopping 70 more hp than mine! For a vehicle that ways nearly 4000 pounds, only having roughly 200 hp, it can sure get up and go! And besides, talk about underpowered! It's hard to believe that 185 hp is all the power 302 cubic inches can make! And with such sh***y gas mileage too! I know that the 5.0 Explorers have 215 hp stock, so I just figured it would be the same figure for the F-150's. Talk about a disappointment!

 

The Explorer motor is much more stout than the older F150. GT40P heads and intake as well as headers.

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86 F250, 351W 4bbl.

 

I have to agree with you, it DOES seem like more, but Ford clearly states 185hp and 270ft/lbs. The TBI 350 only had 200hp and 310ft/lbs. The 302 is capable of 300hp. Stock setup restricts the engine alot. I get 14 with my 89 302, which isn't bad, and a regular 20 with my 93 2wd. Should get better with both this summer. Most people complain about the mileage and performance of the 302, but the tritons and etc, haven't impressed me yet. I am/was very happy with the 5.0, and the 5.8L, I wish they would still have them.


Bill: are you sure about GT40P heads and intake as well as headers? I haven't seen a stock explorer 5.0L with these. They have a distributorless ignition, which helps generate more power. If you put the same extras on our 302's it would be the same.


[This message has been edited by Pastmaster (edited 03-02-2000).]

 

I didn't think the Explorers came stock with headers either. As a matter of fact, I think the 302 Explorers are also underpowered, as the 4.0L OHC engines have 210 hp. Not a big jump, only 5 measley hp for an extra 60+ ci. Also, I'm sorry, what engine is the 350 TBI 350? Is that the Chevy? 'Caus I knew the newer Chevy 350's claim 255 hp and something like 310-320 ft/lbs of torque.

I'm new to this board so I'm not sure what a signature is-- well I know what a signature is but not here. So now, this seems more difficult than I thought, having about 30 hp less than I once figured, maybe I'll have to lower my expectations. I'm still in shock though! So now I really want to do something. I'm also a beginner at this, so I'm not sure exactly what many of these mods. are and what they do and how much they cost.

 

I drove a 2wd 5.0 explorer with 3:73's and I thought it was a beast from hell. A 350 TBi is the early efi'd 350(5.7). From 1987-1995. The vortecs do have 255hp and 330ft/lbs. My 89 like yours supposedly only has 185hp, but with 270ft/lbs it will keep up with any other 5.0L (stock). I myself think 185hp is a bit underrated. I have been told 195 for most. Only real way to find out is to have it dyno'd. As far as modifications, your at the right place. People here (most of them anyhow) are kind and help the new guys out. You just have to live and learn.

 

From what i can tell there is very little difference between the 88 and the 92-94 as far as the engine goes. Am i right in guessing that either the air box or the exhaust is different. I looked at my buddies 90 a couple of weeks ago but i forgot the differences i saw.
JB

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Built Ford Tough
Check out my truck at www.geocities.com/fattron/jb

 

I believe, there is a ignition difference, my diagnostic and computer terminals are all over under the hood, not in a box like my 93, and a few other mods. TF, the 302 may be pushing 195hp stock. The world may never know!~