hollinger13

Just picked up a 94, with the 5.8l. Was looking for parts for it to help improve the power. Has anyone used the bbk throttle bodies? If so, is the 56mm better? Also has anyone used the edelbrock performer intake? Or for that to make a difference would I have to cam it as well? Have been looking at cams, but havent really found any yet. Is the cold air intake recomended? Or just changes sound and causes issues later? Last question, what would be the best header option? If long tube, what brand to go with? Thanks and sorry for all the questions. Oh, truck only has 60000 miles on it and is fully tuned up

qdeezie

For the 351 - My opinion:

First thing - Identify if it is a roller block or not. I believe from 94-up, the 351s had a roller block.

Secondly, the Edelbrock Performer intake is not a bad idea, however, it is not a worthwhile upgrade if you are still using stock heads because of the small port size and lack of flow with the stock heads. Do not buy it if you're not upgrading the stock heads.

Regarding the BBK 56mm TB, this should be the last thing you do. It is a worthwhile upgrade, but only after you've upgraded the heads and intake.

Regarding the camshaft, this is where it gets a bit sticky. Is your truck Mass Air or Speed Density? If it is Speed Density, you are a bit limited with regards to camshaft options, but you can still find a camshaft to make it have more power.

As far as headers are concerned, it's personal preference. Some people prefer long tube, some people prefer shorty. The difference is that shorty headers perform better for low rpm torque applications. Long tube headers perform better for mid-range and top end horsepower.

Trucks need low end torque in my opinion, but with a larger displacement engine such as the 351W, low end torque may not be that much of a concern.

Another thing to consider is if you have no issues with getting a custom exhaust built and plumbing in an O2 sensor, long tubes might work for you. If you want a bolt in header, that can work with a factory replacement Y-pipe/cat setup such as Magnaflow, Flowmaster, etc, shorties are the way to go.

qdeezie

As far as the cam is concerned, the #1 question is what are you looking for - If your truck is Speed Density (which I think it is), any camshaft with a lopey idle is a no go. In my opinion, a camshaft built for low end torque is what you need. The 351W truck off the shelf camshaft aftermarket is basically non-existent in my opinion (especially for roller cams), so you might want want to see if you can get a custom ground camshaft that still works with Speed Density (if your truck is indeed SD).

qdeezie

5.0L cams such as the camshaft I'm using (Comp Cams 35-512-8) and the Comp Cams (35-349-8) will work for your truck (if your block is a roller block), but I think you'd be leaving HP/TQ on the table by using one.

hollinger13

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at heads too. Didnt know if gt40s would work or if gt40p would be better. Was trying to find info on the edelbrock performer pack for this truck, but couldnt find much info. Doesnt seem to be a popular modification. As for the exhaust, I can do pretty much anything as there isnt emission testing where I live. Im not after a race truck, but even with the 5.8 the truck lacks power.

qdeezie

As far as heads are concerned, AFR and Trick Flow are your best bet.

GT40 or GT40p heads will work. The GT40p heads require headers that allow spark plug clearance since the plugs sit at a different angle. That will be something you'll have to take into consideration if you go with the P heads.

qdeezie

Edelbrock heads have excellent peak horsepower, but lack in the torque dept, where you really need it on a truck. Their intake, however is something that would be an excellent upgrade on your truck.