First Steps

[JPM]

I'm picking up a '91 5.8L with super low mileage tonight. It's got new tires and brakes and a relatively good exterior that I can whip into shape easily enough. I plan on gutting the interior and going classic but I haven't worked with a 5.8L before, only 4.8 and 5.4s on F150s. I was wondering if y'all had some good advice on the first steps to take in bringing the engine up to speed, increasing performance and MPG, while keeping it a plausible daily driver.

I grew up with my Dad owning one of these and I can't wait to retool it and take it back home and drive him around in it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Like any young guy, I was thinking intake, exhaust, throttle body, and headers first, but please let me know if I should address other things first.

Cheers

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi JPM., welcome..!

My advice would be to drive it around several days...., you may find several projects just doing that.

Include washing, cleaning interior, & eng. compartment..., again finding more projects doing so.

(trans., driveline, axles, 4x4, bearings, hubs, lights, steering, etc.)

Decide what you will be using your rig for.

Once comfortable it will serve you., then move on to mods.

HOWEVER., keeping it stock will insure the air del., fuel del., & computer will be happy.

351 should have all the performance you need when properly tuned. >< <'>

 

[90bronco86]

If you have to replace the water pump be careful because the bolts like to shear off in the motor, and they are damn near impossible to find to replace them.

 

[JPM]

Thanks guys, started driving it around tonight, and yes, I really do want to already find out why the oil level gauge fluctuates and why the engine sounds like an out of tune lawn mower. I'll drive it around for a bit longer and start making my list.

 

[Krafty]

I would highly recommend a tune up, plugs wires cap rotor fuel filter and air filter. low mileage also means a lot of sitting. the gauge in the dash is oil pressure not level, that's what the dipstick is for.

and define "like an out of tune lawn mower"

 

[miesk5]

yo JPM,

WELCOME

If the seller provides no maint. records, be prepared to change nearly all fluids & filters; ther rear 8.8 can prob wait a few if you have to save $.

Same for air filter if it looks ok.

For Oil Pressure Gauge; it could be a bad Switch; Ford went from real pressure senders to switches in late 80s; so the switch is merely an on-off switch & does Not indicate actual Pressure.

Testing; Check switch connector for corrosion or wiring issues; may be loose or oil-saoked.

Check gauge operation as follows: With the key in RUN and the engine off, disconnect wiring connector at the switch. The gauge should indicate on the LOW graduation or below. Connect the wiring connector to the engine block ground. The gauge should indicate just slightly above mid-scale. If the oil pressure gauge tests within calibration, replace oil pressure switch. If the gauge still tests out of calibration, replace oil pressure gauge.

Switch Location pic Source: by SeattleFSB (Seattle FSB) at

 

[JPM]

Wow, thanks for the info on that Oil Pressure Gauge, and yes, I also found the dipstick.

So far, everything's looking good, other than the cosmetic things you'd expect from time. Doors not closing perfectly, locks not locking, nothing major yet.

I'm gonna start with a tune up and give it a more thorough run down, but for now I removed the top and only ran into a small issue. He left me some trim pieces, but I've gotten mixed responses on whether they go back on after you remove the top. It seems kind of odd to me to just have all the weather stripping chillin out like that, but then again, this is my first time so I pass to y'all. Thoughts?

I've alo noticed a little bit of rust in some small spots where panels come together(tailgate, just above the door towards the rear). Sandblasting and body work wasn't in my plan for a year or two, so do y'all think it's worth bothering until then?