I currently own a 1995 Ford F-150 XLT (single cab, 2WD) with the inline 6 from the factory. She's been a good engine (212k miles with no actual engine work done), but is feeling more sluggish than it once did. Now I know these engines weren't designed to be power-houses but it seems like I'm struggling for 55 mph at this point.

If I were to go for something with a little more oomph! behind it such as a 351, how big is the can of worms that I'm going to be getting myself into? What additional parts besides the long block would I need? I'm sure the computer isn't going to match. Will it even mount to the auto trans that's in my truck as is? What about all of the hang on parts? Or does anyone have any suggestions that would restore some of the lost glory to this work horse?

Any insight that can be provided before I make a fool out of myself at the parts house would be greatly appreciated.

Josh

 

might want to check the catalytic converter

 

I am inclined to agree with the post by David, sounds like your vehicle's converter is almost plugged .
Depending on where you live and emission testing requirements,some folks have just sent a rod or shaft through the converter and opened it up some. You will probably see a marked difference.

 

I've thought about gutting the catalytic converter. If I was in my home state of Florida I would have definitely done that already. Southern California has more strict regulations though. If I were to do that or replace the old one I would probably go ahead and put a more free flowing muffler on it as well. The truck is 16 years old. It probably wouldn't hurt to replace some pipe.

 

At one time maintained a fleet that had several of those. Darn good engine when maintained. One sore spot I recall was the pipes from the exhaust manifold down to the muffler were very expensive to replace. Converters didn't give that much problem, but they ran every day and ran many miles, good truck. Can't think of any place more strict than Cal.for emissions controls. CARB has a way of getting into your wallet at every turn.
Let us know how you make out !

 

Hey gents,
New cat and still dragging A$$ a little bit, so I'm wondering if there's something else going on. I've already confirmed that my transmission fluid is well overdue for a change but the guy I bought it from said that he couldn't remember the last time that the transmission had been serviced and it shifts into second relatively hard from time to time so I think that there may be going something going on there. I haven't changed the fluid and filter because I've been told that sometimes when you change the fluids after running it for so many miles it can expedite the problems that are already existing. Is there any truth to this or should I just change it and cross my fingers to see if I'm losing any power at the transmission? Would burned fluid make that much of a difference in the first place without just shutting you down all together?