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Old 09-03-2015, 07:45 PM
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Default Need More Power

I have recently purchased a 1996 F-150 with a 5.8 351w and an auto trans. What would be the best way to get more low end power out of it without breaking the bank.
Old 09-03-2015, 08:27 PM
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You could always swap the rear gears. That'll give it more low end oomph. Also, if you don't mind running a higher octane fuel you can up the base timing.

How much are you willing to spend and are you going to do the majority or all of it yourself?
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Old 09-03-2015, 10:01 PM
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I will be doing it all myself, and there is no real limit. It would be a kind of month to month thing.
Old 09-04-2015, 02:00 PM
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Electric Fans! Regain 20-40hp! Cheapest, Most noticeable upgrade you can make for the money.
https://www.f150forum.com/f10/electr...ight=efan+swap
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Old 09-04-2015, 02:02 PM
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Really, wouldnt have guessed that. Thank you
Old 09-04-2015, 06:29 PM
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Timing chain - brings the spark and valve timing back into sync with the crank. Helps bring back that new engine crispness if you know what I mean.
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Old 09-04-2015, 07:10 PM
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I was thinking that and new gears
Old 09-05-2015, 04:49 AM
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x2 on the E-fan. On my first drive with the e-fan I noticed less gas pedal movement required to leave from a stop, chirped the tires the first couple of red lights/stop signs I came to until I got used to the new feel. Also bumped my MPG from just under 11 to 12.4-13.6 depending on whether or not the old girl leaves town or not.

Re-gearing will get you more torque but you'll sacrifice the top end speed/mpg.

Best thing I can recommend doing would be to get all of your PM done, plugs, wires, cap/rotor, belt (check/replace pulleys), timing, filters/fluids. Also hit your vacuum lines and verify proper fuel pressure, repack or replace wheel bearings (inner/outer), check for brake drag.

20 years of use really sucks the power out of a vehicle when it's not properly maintained, doing all of the little things can bring it back to it's full potential.
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