Hi guys! I bought a '90 F-250 4X4 with a 351w about 2 months ago. It is a good reliable truck, but really needs some more power. Pulling our small ski boat requires me to basically keep it almost floored to maintain 65-70 mph. Where should I start in my quest for more power? I would like to avoid yanking the motor to put new heads or a cam in or something like that. But I will if I have to, because it has 97,000 miles and is probably ready for a rebuild. I was thinking that some headers and 2.5" exhaust would be good for starters. Then maybe a cold air intake. Also, would any ignition products help? If so, what kind? Any thoughts or other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Hunter

ps - On a recent roadtrip I was only getting about 8 to 10 mpg going about 70 mph, so any help here would be great too.

 

408 Stroker + Aluminum heads + high flow intake + headers = problem solved. You'll be yanking the trailer out from under that boat.

As far as gas mileage goes, you can't have it both ways. More power takes more fuel. You could get smaller gears for hwy cruising but that would take away some of your towing power and low end torque.

 

Maybe you have a clogged catlytic converter, bad fuel filter, etc....

Before spending money on mods, make sure the truck is running like it is supposed to.

 

STROKER!!!! Now thats what I'm talkin about! Actually I'm running out the door right now for a fuel filter and a new Chilton/Haynes manual. Don't have one for this truck yet. It seems smooth, just underpowered. Could be something wrong I guess. I'll check it out. What kind of gains do you guys think could I get with an electric fan and a superchip from Troyer? And maybe some headers? That brings me to my next question........Which are better; short or long headers? Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it. This site ROCKS!

Thanks again,
Hunter

 

You guessed it Dave! After a new fuel filter, it was like a totally different truck. Much better acceleration. Hopefully it will also help the mpg's a little too.

 

After a few minutes of googling, I found someone claiming your engine in stock form was rated at:

210hp
315lb/ft torque

I personally will attest that you should not believe everything you read on the internet, but these numbers seem reasonable to me for a stock 1990 truck. The torque rating is a decent number, but 210 horsepower in a fullsize truck will feel fairly pokey, in my opinion. The good news is, from what I read this engine saw a roller cam for the first time in 1990 and will take very well to intake/exhaust mods.

Just my thoughts,
Mike

 

from what ive read (consumer guide), if i remember right its 210 horses and 300 foot pounds in that model year. in 1994 they got a slight upgrade in torque to 325. but still the same 210 hp, i have the 351 and it feels nice. lots and lots of low end power decent mid and high range. it doesnt strugle to keep up with speed by any means at all but it wont climb like a sports car.

your milage should improve. i just got back from a joy ride/roadtrip (dont ask) and went from salt lake to evanston wyoming and back and got 17-18 with cruise on at different times 60-65 w/ac off. my truck only has 62000 on it though. usually about 14 city.

give her a tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor) if its an auto change the trans filter. probably will help even more.

 

Thanks Mike! The intake/exhaust mods are on my to-do list.

Hunter