This is kind of a discoweb/RN question.....but, I have a 3.5l in my '87. What if anything would you suggest to give it a little more power.

I don't have the $$$ and time for an engine swap, so short of that, what do you suggest?

I have thought of headers....but also read somewhere that the exhaust ports on the head are so small this won't make a difference.

There isn't much, but check with RPI, they do offer some reprogramming of the efi.

You could do the following:

Change to carbs, have them properly synced and jetted. Install a cam with higher lift, 4.2.

I don't know the exhaust lb/in on the 3.5, I know that there is very little advantage in going to a borla or other exhaust system, as the backpressure is pretty low to begin with. Most of the advantage is in making it breath on the front. Use a K&N, just be carefull of water.

On of the easiest "feel" mods is to adjust your transmission shift cable. Most of those come out of whack, or are set wrong to begin with. (providing you have an auto, which I believe you do)

Hope this helps. Try and take some solace in the fact that you are not the only one stuck with a heavy truck and a weak (HP) motor.

j

Try and take some solace in the fact that you are not the only one stuck with a heavy truck and a weak (HP) motor.

Hi my name is Adam Way and I have a problem…..LOL…

It is great that there are support groups for this kind of problem. Amen…hallelujah to that!

Originally posted by redrangie

On of the easiest "feel" mods is to adjust your transmission shift cable. Most of those come out of whack, or are set wrong to begin with. (providing you have an auto, which I believe you do)

j

You hit the nail on the head here. Adjust the kickdown cable just a little, it makes a world of difference. Also just make sure that you have good plugs, wires, cap and rotor. This is the easiest way to increase power if they haven't been changed in a while.

Of course you could always lighten the truck. Remove all seat with the exception of the drivers seat. Remove carpet, radio, spare tire. Then pull out all the extra windows, remove dash (it's just taking up valuable space). Might as well drain all the fluids while your at it. Hell it's just extra weight.;)

Throw in a Crane Cam, Crane lifters and an adjustable roller timing chain.

You 3.5 cam is probably shot (a common problem) and is making the engine even more lethargic...

http://www.cranecams.com/master/apps/rover.htm

Option 1 seems to be the way to go.