cheap ways to get horsepower

[tyler's 87 ranger]

sorry i don't mean to be a pain in the ass i just need alittle more power

 

[tyler's 87 ranger]

I bet it's more than likely the heat shield... Not the actual catalyst rattling...

i'll go look at it

 

[tyler's 87 ranger]

its not the heat shield it sounds like the muffler could that be my prob

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Could be...

 

[tyler's 87 ranger]

Could be...

what's a good muffler for a 4 banger? i only ask because this is my first truck.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Anything... No muffler... Stock replacement... Not like you're going to get a nice sound from a muffler... If you're on a budget, just get the cheapest one...

 

[Capt Jay]

The cheapest HP is done with chrome and stickers. 5 hp per piece of chrome and 3 hp for every performance sticker. For an added bonus..........fart can muffler.

 

[jlkuehl]

The cheapest HP is done with chrome and stickers. 5 hp per piece of chrome and 3 hp for every performance sticker. For an added bonus..........fart can muffler.

I've got the Summit racing sticker in mine, and it's good for 50 horses at the rear wheels, and boosts fuel economy too.

In all seriousness, though, I am sure there are a few good places to look for some performance gains. Perhaps a different carb joined with a mild port and polish, with a better air intake. Someone may be able to recommend a better cam, too.

 

[tyler's 87 ranger]

I've got the Summit racing sticker in mine, and it's good for 50 horses at the rear wheels, and boosts fuel economy too.

In all seriousness, though, I am sure there are a few good places to look for some performance gains. Perhaps a different carb joined with a mild port and polish, with a better air intake. Someone may be able to recommend a better cam, too.

i really don't know what to look for in a carb? what fits it. its a stock 2.0.

 

[Capt Jay]

Here's the honest truth. It's a 2.0, unless you spend a lot of money your not going to get any appreciable increase in power. It would be cheaper to drop in a V-8 then to try to pump up a little 4 banger. I'm not trying to piss on your Wheaties, but that's the truth.

 

[c_caudy]

i worked at an exhaust shop for a while in highschool and i replaced cats left and right. most of the time because the owner did not do regular maintenence. not a big suprise to find a bad cat on an older vehicle. you can pick up an aftermarket one from an auto parts store all of them are 50 state approved. can even be picked up pretty cheap for a new converter. you might try an after market air filter and bean is right about changing your rearend gears that is probably where you would get the most bang for your buck.
ps. if your doin exhaust i would reccomend 2.25 or 2.5 inch pipe and a flowmaster super 44 sounds pretty dang good on a 4 banger. just did a cat back on mine bought it all from jegs 250 bucks from cat to tip. made it all myself

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

whats your rear axle ratio? i recommend swapping to 3.73's or 4.10's if you don't already have them.

my 2.3l has a 3.45 axle behind it and the power is decent, it can get out of its own way.

on the other hand i used to have an 84 2.0l with 3.08's, i couldn't even get the thing started out on a steep hill without either roasting the clutch or spinning tires

check your axle ratio by reading the ID tag on the rear axle cover, the door jamb is also an option

the first thing i would check is the ignition timing and cam timing if you're having severe lack of power, i'll let somebody else explain that process. exhaust mods won't help unless its plugged, you could unbolt the cat and see if the power increases, then you'll know its plugged

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Run some seafoam through it put new plugs, wires, cap and rotor, PCV, breather filter, Motorcraft oil filter and good oil, air filter, gear oils, flush the coolant system and put in the correct mix. You can take it to a muffeler shop and have it inspected for free a new cat and muffeler can add HP and economy but like was said not much can be done without tearing into it. My guess is it has been neglected go through everything just do something every month in this list starting from the beginning. save up for the cat and muffeler. Get to know the truck first get a code reader and fix any codes if any. If it is carbed a rebuild kit could help also, everything you do will cost money so make a list and just pick away at it until it is all complete but doing a complete diagnostic will tell you the overall health of the engine compression/leakdown and vacuum tests will give you an idea where it may be lacking. If you have money for gas then you have money for preventative maint that is an invalid excuse. The money you spend in maint will save you money in fuel in the long run and the engine will last longer and have more power. If you do nothing because you dont have money but run it like it is you are money behind when it breaks down for something that could have been prevented. Be thorough and ask Qs

 

[Mark_88]

Before doing anything...compression test/leak-down test...

I spent quite a bit of money on my 2.0 before discovering that the top end was toast...and after I replaced the top end (about $600) the bottom end blew out...

If the compression is good then you might consider some mods like putting a 2.3 head on it and changing a few other things...as have already been mentioned...

 

[Psychopete]

Before doing anything...compression test/leak-down test...

^^^

Learn about what you're working on, figure out where it can improve, I'd be willing to bet that you will stumble on more than one problem that is effecting drive ability with it being as old as it is.