Ok can someone tell me where i can find Performance parts for my 96 F-150 5.0....I want it to run as fast i can get it to run and i would like to find a place that has parts that i know will work or not for my truck before i order them. Thanks

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96 F-150 XL 5.0 southtexas edition
pioneer DEH-8000 cd deck

 

Hi Optimus,

Sure, there are *plenty* of parts out there to make that thing go just as fast as you want to spend, as the saying goes.

I think it's important to set some boundaries, have some sort of goal in mind of what you really want to accomplish. You can certainly bolt a supercharger, ported heads, and many other things on if you want to really spend thousands of dollars.

However, most people tend to do the relatively lower-cost bolt-ons, at least to get them started, so they can do things one at a time, and decide after installing each part just how much faster they want to go, and how much more money they are willing to part with to get that performance.

You have a heavy truck there, so if you want to go *really* fast, it's going to cost you plenty. Of course that all depends on what your definition of "really fast" is.

But you can certainly improve the performance noticeably by doing a few of the most common mods that people here tend to do to their F-150's, that won't cost you an arm & a leg.

The top 3 best "bang-for-the-buck" mods are first, optimize your powertrain programming wiht the Superchip, second, to reduce restriction on the intake air tract using an airbox eliminaiton kit, like K&N's FIPK kit or the Airaid brand of that same type of part, and then third, to use a good cat-back exhaust system.

Doing those 3 changes will make a very nice improvement to the overall performacne and towing ability of the vehicle, without being too expensive. They can be done in any order you like, all at once or one at a time, as you prefer. We provide the Superchip, and in fact we have an online ordering system right here, and the link to it is just below in my signature line. The other parts, like the airbox elimination kit & exhaust systems, are in F-150 Online's store, which you can access by just clicking on the link on the left side of your screen here that says "Online Store".

Now if you are going after seriously expensive performance with things like superchargers, or say, gear ratio changes, etc., these mods above will also work well with them, though you'd need to have a custom program done in the Superchip for the blower.

Now obviously we've covered some very broad strokes here, without knowing just how far you want to go with this, or what budget you may have in mind. If you'd like to give us a call, we'd be happy to go over all of this with you, and try to point you in the right direction for you to do further research; even though all we supply directly is the powertrain programming, we work with many other manufacturers making programs to work with their products, so we can usually get you headed where you want to be going. Our number is just below if you'd like to call.

Best of luck with your project!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

 

As Mike said, there are a plenty of parts out there. I have found speed shops to be the most helpful. I have a 96' 302 also and so far i've done the basic stuff and it responded nicely. Just in my opinion, the mod I have done so far that gave the biggest improvement was a rear gear change. Find out which ratio your truck has. If it is a 2.73 or 3.08 ratio, i'd swap them for 3.73's. If it is a 3.55 you are probably ok. I've added a cat-back exhaust and a chip and a K&N FIPK and those mods worked well also. Most parts can be found at a speed shop and at some auto parts stores, depending which mood they're in. I had my exhaust done at a custom shop, so I could get it like I wanted it. My truck was a dog when I got it, but it pure gets it now. With the sacrifice of a few mpg's of course. But in my opinion worth it. Especially when towing. When I want good mileage I drive my Escort, when I want to tow or just kick a wheel I drive my truck. Then of course, like mike said, if you want more power look for blowers, cams, intakes, etc. Depends on what you want.

-Hank

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"RED ROCKET"
1996 F-150 XLT, 302, 5sp., 3.73 Precision Gears, Traction-Lok, K&N FIPK, Jet Module, Flowmaster 40 series, "Duals", Toreador Red, Tow Pkg, Optional Payload Pkg, Raven Cap, Bumper Guards, Hood Ornament, Lariat Emblems, Unity Fog Lights, Jet Chip, Wilson 5000, B&M Shift ****, Hidden Hitch w/ Ford Motorsports Aluminum Cover

 

There are LOTS of parts for your truck.

I have a '95 302 4x4. I found that the biggest restriction on the intake side is from the box to the initial intake point. Heavy drilling of the box produced good results. I have a friend with the EXACT truck (except the color). He spent $$ on a tube type intake. We switched trucks and seat of the pants, you can't tell the difference. My cost.... 45 minutes of my life. His cost $180 and 45 minutes.

Ford Racing makes a pulley set that will set you back right about $100. I got the blue powder coated because that's what they had in stock. Seat of the pants.... not a big gain, mostly higher end power. Mileage slightly up though, so still well spent money.

Jacobs ignition. Got the full deal with new wires. Much improved low to mid range, better throttle response. Mileage was up enough that the unit will pay for itself in less than two years! Money well spent that will soon turn in to money saved.

Obviously there are plenty of other options. Exhaust, Superchip, throttle bodies, and the list goes on. So far I have been very happy with the mods I've done on my truck.

As a side note.... I usually do the exhaust first when I start playing with a vehicle. On this one I decided to wait and do the other mods first. Even with the bone stock exhaust, the truck has responded well. With the exception of some intake noise it's as quiet as ever. You should see the looks I get when it walks away from some of these loud trucks! Ha! I always did like sleepers...

 

Thanks for the info guyz
SingMaster- What exactly do you mean by heaving drilling...do you think you could explain to me what i would need to do for this Mod?..

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96 F-150 XL 5.0 southtexas edition
pioneer DEH-8000 cd deck
Dual Rockford Fosgate 12s
Phoneix Gold Amp
@ Infinity 6X8s and Infinity Tweeters
2 3.5 Rockford Fosgates

 

Optimus Prime,

I took off the lower part of the airbox. Then I drilled a LOT of holes in the sides, bottom and outside edge. I used a couple different sizes of spade bits. I would estimate that I removed close to half of the airbox plastic.

I plan on picking up a used box and completely cutting off the bottom and sides. I didn't want to do this until I have a "backup" in fear that removing too much might mess up the filter seal.

I left the forward running air supply tube in place. By experimenting with a leaf blower, we found that it does help feed some fresh air in to the airbox.

Like I said, seat of the pants just as good as aftermarket. I'm sure on a dyno it's not as good, but it's also free.

It does make some intake noise under moderate to heavy throttle, but not bothersome. If for some reason you don't like it, you can always put some black duct tape around the box and cover the holes back up.

 

Well, I have a custom tube running from the front grill around the radiator to the origianl air box collector on the bottom. Provides a little more fresh air the the other....But my next question would be, should i drill holes or just cut some large areas out of the bottom and sides ?...

 

I'm sure the cutting would work just as well. I originally went with the drilling in fear of weakening the wrong area are messing up the seal, or causing the area that holds the cool air tube to bend.

The box is also a no brainer to drill, quick and easy. Cutting might take a little more time because of the mounts and "fins" that could get in the way of a power jig saw.

Either way you go, it's free HP!