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.

 

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?

 

I will be doing it all myself, and there is no real limit. It would be a kind of month to month thing.

 

Electric Fans! Regain 20-40hp! Cheapest, Most noticeable upgrade you can make for the money.
https://www.f150forum.com/f10/electr...ight=efan+swap

 

Really, wouldnt have guessed that. Thank you

 

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.

 

I was thinking that and new gears

 

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.