So I have just purchase a lease return 2000 Ford F-250 SD.. It has a 5.4 in it and I am wondering what I should do to the engine for under $1500.00 (preformance stuff).. Headers and a K&N intake and filter?? I want the best bang for the buck.... As I have said before I have been a Diesel guy for a long long time and it's been awhile since I have owned a gasser..... I noticed the valve covers seem to have a timing belt bulge at the front, (if) at what milage should they be changed (the belts)?? Also are there any other things that should be monitored, you know keep a close eye out for??? Should I replace any of that plastic crap on the engine (valve covers, intake mani)???? Ohhh help me O-wise gas burners

Darren

 

Headers, High flow cats, A cat back system such as Flowmaster or Dynomax, A K&N replacement filter (Not much gain from intake kits, they draw in hot underhood air).
As for the humps, They do have overhead cams (1 per head = SOHC), but they use real chains (not belts) and last a very long time. They have self adjusters to keep them tight.

I don't know of any aftermarket intake manifolds. The stocker does a good job. BBK makes some nice valve covers, but they are pricey. The intake manifold should have an aluminum coolant crossover in the front. The plastic just flows air and is tuned for maximum torque and stays cooler than aluminum.

Enjoy your truck

We have a 2000 F250SD at work 5.4L auto trans 2wd. It is the roughest riding thing I have ever driven, but it hauls good and has a GVW of 8800lbs.
It just has a K&N replacement filter and @ 91,000 miles, it has been trouble free except for 1 bad IAC under warranty.

 

Thanks for the reply Jim, I guess now I have to go shopping for some headers... Probably shorty ones, so they bolt up to the stock exhaust (for now)... What is an IAC ? And I hear that plug coils seem to go.. should I keep some of these on hand in my shop?? Also I read to use only Motorcraft oil filters, none of the aftermarket ones cut it? Also to only run 5W-30 oil..
I have 15 gallons of Esso XD-3 20W-50 diesel engine oil that I guess I can't use ?? Always used 20-50 in my 6.9 because the climate is very mild, maybe 1 or 2 days at -1C ( 31 F ) but that's it, so always thought the heavier weight add a little more protection..
One more thing, you (Jim) mentioned to use a programmer (Diablosport Predator) to increase HP and to shift the tranny quicker, How do you use one of these? Is there a port to plug it in under the dash? and are they fairly cheap and easy to use??
So many questions I have....

 

IAC=Idle Air Control. I had to replace mine on my 2000 5.4 a few months ago.

 

I would keep a coil or two around. I have never lost one, but have replaced a few.
The programmers ar just under $400. http://www.autoanything.com/performa...0A1924324.aspx
You just plug it into the OBD-II diagnostics port under the dash and follow the directions. Takes less than 5 minutes to tune. It's pretty easy. Then unplug it when done. It also reads live data and reads/clears trouble codes.
Run Motorcraft oil filters for sure and never run thicker than 5w-30 oil. With these engines, the thinner oil will reach the heads faster on start-up and reduce engine wear.

 

I took a look at the programmers.. And there were about 10-12 to choose from (prices range from $300-500).. How or wich one do you know to get? And can you always reprogram it back to the stock settings if you want?

 

They all do about the same thing. I like my Diablosport because when there are software updates and more options become available, you can download the updates for free on your PC, then copy them to the programmer.
The unit will store the stock set up so that you can uninstall the madified program and reinstall the stock set-up anytime that you want to. These units lock to a vin# so that your stock program is stored and the unit can only be used to modify the tune on your truck until you restore the stock tune to your truck.
It also can check OBD-II codes and reset them on about any 96 and newer vehicle as well as read and log live data so that actual conditions can be monitored in real time.

 

have you had any expirence with a superchip and if not what can i expet out of the diablo ...better throttle rsponse???

 

No experience with the Superchips, but I got better throttle response, more power, better mileage with much firmer shifts.