So I have my truck finally on the road and have put almost a 1000 miles on the new clutch and brakes so I figure it's time for an engine tune up.
I know I'm going to want to do the plugs and wires, Suggestions?
Also the distributor, should parts be replaced, the whole thing? Timing be adjusted? That's where I am really lost.
Also the air filter, I hate how the stock box basically uses 1/4 of the filter. I have heard that a K&N filter in the stock box will provide some gains but at 52 dollars is it worth it?!
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...S_448452898___

A cold air intake is way out of my price range for the small gains it will provide, I'd rather spend that 200 bucks on a nice hurst shifter.

The engine is a 1990 4.9L with somwhere around 242,xxxk
Thanks in advance to anyone who helps.

 

Plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor. Fuel and air filters, PCV valve. K&N is not worth the money in my opinion, you probably won't notice any performance difference.

Now, what brands? I honestly don't have any experience with 4.9's, but if I were going to do it, I'd order OEM Motorcraft wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, air filter, and PCV valve from Rock Auto. I don't know what the best plugs are - maybe Autolite?

It wouldn't hurt to check the timing - but it shouldn't need adjustment unless the distributor has been disturbed.

Please don't take what I say here as gospel - I'm sure there are people here who have better info than me.

 

Where is the PCV valve on these trucks? I thoughts what the tube from the front of the valve cover to the airbox with another small filter was for..
I may be wrong though.

 

The PCV is located at the rear of the valve cover, rather hidden.
The other filter in the air box is the crankcase air filter.
I just completed a complete tune-up, purchased all parts from AutoZone. MotorCraft plugs, Fram filters, and Duralast (house-brand} rotor, dist cap, wires & EGR valve. Everything was an exact fit.
K&N is probably not worth the bucks. The truck breathes pretty well as it sits.

 

Here is where we differ - I wouldn't touch Fram filters or Duralast ignition parts.

 

I thought about a fram filter, it's like 5 bucks on rockauto, I don't even know what brand I would go to for ignition parts. I guess whatever is cheapest but still quality.

 

I would definitely look at Motorcraft for the main ignition components (cap, rotor, wires). As for plugs, either Motorcraft or Autolite work just as well in the old 4.9s.

As for timing, stock initial is 10* BTDC. You can go as high as 16* BTDC for better acceleration and fuel economy, but I stay near stock here in Hell's Foyer (Phoenix).

I would stay with good Motorcraft or Wix filters for both air and oil. The K & N system is overhyped for little, if any, improvement.

 

What about the 'purolator' brand from advanceauto for the air filter?

 

How do these look?
Too cheap?
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1145028
26 bucks

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=89929
1.74/pc

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=50449
98 cents.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1943904
3 dollars.

 

I've been using Fram filters for well over 30 years and have yet to experience the first bit of problem.
The Duralast parts, from AutoZone, were identical appearance to the factory parts I removed. We're talking about hard plastics and steel.
Purolator is a brand name that has been around forever.
You're maintaining a stock motor, not some exotic Indy car or NASCAR stocker. Most likely, wherever you're purchasing those items, you'll be just fine.

 

Ordering the cheap parts from rock auto will save me about 10 dollars over advance after the ridic shipping costs. I'm gunna get stock replacement stuff from advance so I know what I am getting. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Do not put AC Delco plugs in a Ford. Rock Auto has Motorcraft parts for everything except spark plugs. Purolator filters are fine.

 

Strongly agree on the plugs. My last set were Champions. I changed them after almost 10 years (roughly 40,000 miles) and all were well worn, but identically and free of deposits. I replaced them with Motorcraft. The truck has been started and run, but hasn't moved since I did that work. I've another issue to deal with and until that is sorted out, the old truck reposes in the carport.

 

You got that kind of service out of Champions? Amazing.......

 

Ac delco is a chevy brand isnt it?
The plugs i looked at today are autolite i think? Is that maybe an advance auto brand?