I have no idea how to do this

[Soap]

So I have a '90 4.0 OHV 2WD Automatic pretty much all stock. I want to make it into a sort of race truck that I can still drive to work, sort of like the farm truck on Street Outlaws. Problem is I'm 18 really only was able to get into this stuff recently and have no idea how to do that. I'm mechanically competent I can work on it repair stuff and do all that I just don't know anything about performance and what to get

 

[Dirtman]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh soap!!!!!

 

[gaz]

Soap,

It takes quite a bit to massage an extra 60 horse power from this engine; quite a bit of work, parts, time and money. The extra 60 hp isn't putting you in race truck form either, just improving the efficiency of what you have. If you drive it like a truck you will probably get a lot of use from it.

My initial quest for "more power" turned into "how to improve the efficiency of what I had". That is my best advice, look for processes that improve efficiency; unfortunately, those will not leave you in a race truck but may get you to 25 mpg on the highway (or more) and running GREAT ..)

The one thing I did that freed up the most lost power, was to remove the crankshaft driven fan and install a 16" electric fan. That crank driven fan/clutch is a power robbing load. Without it you will immediately realise some improved performance.

 

[Snoranger]

My advice... Don’t.
If it’s your only vehicle, don’t.

Make sure you have a reliable vehicle that doesn’t need constant attention to get you back and forth to work, then have a second vehicle to play with.

 

[97RangerXLT]

My advice... Don’t.
If it’s your only vehicle, don’t.

Make sure you have a reliable vehicle that doesn’t need constant attention to get you back and forth to work, then have a second vehicle to play with.

This.

Some things you can do that will reclaim som of its former glory is to do a complete tune up, spark plugs, wires, O2 sensors, air filter. And last but not least but might even get you the most performance...zip tie mod. Check the tech library for it, cost is 5 minutes of your time and a couple of zip ties.

Go through the truck thoroughly and look at what will need to be done to make it a safe and reliable vehicle, brakes, steering, cooling system, tires etc. You will want those taken care of before performance mods are done anyways. So by the time you have another daily driver most of your important stuff is already done and you can focus on the power mods such as a supercharger or a 5.0 swap

AJ

 

[don4331]

No matter what they might say on tv/podcasts, farmtruck isn't a daily driver.

a. the engine is probably worth $40k, has a lifespan measured in minutes, and fuel for that engine is $16/gallon!
b. The converter in transmission wouldn't lock up during daily driving, so fuel economy would be measured in gallons per mile.
c. The rear suspension is completely redone for drag racing: 4 link, low gears, wide tire.

If you have money for 2nd engine/transmission/differential, truck/trailer to cart it home when it breaks (and it will break), we can talk further.

By time I was 18, I was on 4th go fast rig. But there was always something available on the farm to tow me home.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Listen to these guys.

Plus thats a nice lookin truck. Just drive it for now, save your pennies, and go from there.

But to answer your question your most cost effective option is a 302 swap.