Increasing horsepower

[Skip191]

Working in my 1969 F100 302 5.0 V8 manual transmission.
I'm looking for any and all advice on some horsepower building tips. I'm on a budget of about $800 for this task.
Thanks,
Chris

[Ranchero50]

Without knowing the condition of the engine it's a toss up. A good rebuilt long block or short block and a pair of performers on top would go a long way towards making power.

[Skip191]

I'd say the motor runs strong and in time. Hot Rod mag has an article on AFR 165cc heads. Saying it jumped the hp to 400. That's with stock cams and pistons. Any input?

[tnlprt]

Headers,Intake ,carb and recurved distributor Should eat up most of the budget

You do not list any mods done to the truck yet

[sargentrs]

On your budget that's about you'll be able to get. Considering the added costs of gaskets, sealers, etc. But that alone will give you a noticeable boost. Plus they're transferable when you decide to rebuild and upgrade. A good set of heads will run $1500.

[Skip191]

Gratitude's,
Great feedback. As this is my first project I'm trying to prioritize needs and wants.
Horse power falls into the wants category. I want to be able to pull my old farm truck up next to a little fast and furious wannabe at a red light and blow the doors off him for at least a city block. That being said...is there any advice toward what I may be able to do to the rear end for low end torque?

[sargentrs]

About all you do there is up your gear ratio to around a 3.70 ish. Your gas mileage will suffer and your top end RPM's will be considerably higher. I had 3.89's in my truck for awhile with my old 302 and 3 spd column shift. It lit the tires up and launched out of the gate....for about 30 ft. Then I had to shift and that's when I'd be left in the dust. At 70 mph the engine would be screaming so loud you couldn't carry on a conversation in the cab. Either way, unless you can set up it up yourself you're looking at another $300-$400 for parts and installation of the gear set. If you're doing that, throw in another $100 and get your bearings replaced in your differential. You can buy an open carrier center section complete for $400 from Quick Performance http://www.quickperformance.com/Ford-9- ... _p_36.html with your choice of gear ratio. You can add a mini spool for no extra charge but your driveability will suffer. If you want limited slip expect to pay $400-$500 more. It ain't cheap...it ain't easy...but it's a lot of fun!

[71Fe2O3]

You can make a powerful engine if you invest sufficient time, money and effort. Consider the rest of the vehicle. These trucks were not designed to be used as race cars-stock brakes, suspension and steering components will give you scary and dangerous handling characteristics at high speeds.

[ultraranger]

If the suspension bushings, kingpins, shocks and coil springs are worn and the front has drums and not discs, I would replace these items before I did anything to hop up the engine. Going fast is fun but, it's not fun when you can't come to a controllable stop and do it quickly.