I first started posting around here thinking I wanted a Powerdyne because my aging 4.6L might not handle much more and I didn't really want to commit big money to the truck.

Since then I've changed my mind and pretty much decided to make my old '97 drive like a new and improved '97. In that vein, I've asked questions about the Allen kit.

So.... How can a COMPLETELY ignorant individual tell what his old rig is capable of? I can get a compression test, but wouldn't really know how to read the results. I'm already getting the transmission rebuilt, and I'm at a point where I'm willing to put extra bucks into the engine too. I just don't don't know exactly where and how to apply my meager funds.

On top of that, I get the impression that I'm either alienating or offending the people that might actually be able to answer my questions. Maybe I'm just too long winded for them to get to the actual question.

Regardless, Happy New Years!

 

I doubt that you're offending anyone. How many miles on the odo?

 

are you going to rebuild the engine? how many miles are on it? i would do a compression check and find out the specs. someone on here knows them im sure. a 14.00 dollar haynes manual from the autoparts can point you in the right direction. i would also replace the fuel pump while it is down to. your going to need a good flowing exhaust as well as an ignition upgrade or at least plugs and check the coils. how is the cooling system? i would go ahead and fix every little problem it has even if it is small. you are about to start pushing the whole truck to its limits.

 

You know, I should stay away from the computer when I'm enjoying the Jack Daniels. Sheesh!

It has 164,000 miles on it. Is there anything else adviseable to check besides compression? I'm very tempted to just rebuild it completely right now while I have it more or less apart anyhow.

The tranny is on it's way out and will be rebuilt within the next 10 days. I'll build it up at that time.

I'm planning on installing efans soon too. I figured that would be the ideal time to completely flush the cooling system.

I agree this would also be the ideal time to upgrade the fuel pump too.

After I've driven for awhile it develops a ticking noise from somewhere at the bottom of the engine. This tick comes and goes. I "think" it's an exhaust leak but haven't found any evidence yet. It's this kind of stuff that makes me worry about just throwing a supercharger onto the old engine.

 

Rather than spend the money to rebuild a Non PI 4.6, you could probably swap it to a low mileage (-30k) PI 5.4 for less money. Then if you want to supercharge it, you have all the options open to you.