Ok so I've been doing some research on cheap upgrades for a 1993 3.9l now I have a small list of stuff the total price is under $375 but idk how good the bonus is soo I need your help here's my list

ngk plugs
8.5mm wires
cap and rotor brass connections
48mm throttle body
180 thermostat
e-fan conversation

 

The only things on that list that will give you more HP and TQ are the throttle body and the electric fan, they won't give you much but they are good upgrades... Plus the e-fan is a lot quieter than the annoying mech fan. The plugs, wires, cap, and rotor will not add power but the brass connections are what you want any way. The 8.5mm wires may be a waste of money without some sort of performance ignition system. The stock 7-8mm wires would be just fine and probably cost less.

 

Oh yeah, expect maybe 5-10 HP and ft. lbs at the most. If you put a good flowing exhaust and a K&N it might be closer to 15-20.

 

I got the exhaust (magnaflow hi flow cat flow master 40 series and 3 in pipe) and as far as the k&n I've heard that they let alot of dirt in and I do alot of mudding so it would be exposed to more dirt and stuff.. Any other cheap bolt ons that are good for tq and hp

 

heres a hint for the cap. the vent in top of the cap needs to be pluged, with JB-weld. to keep the moisture out. been dong it for years.

 

K&N Filters are great if you keep them oiled every few months. The oil is what compensates for the large pours in the filter element. Since the oil sticks to it and lets air continue through. I run a 14" Open K&N Filter on my 93 318 and its seen more then a fair share of mud in the past year. No problems whatsoever but I clean mine regularly.

 

I'll definitely have to look into that some more then

 

I wouldn't really count on any increase and if you see something then you'll be happy.

Really doing the plugs, wires, cap and rotor is just a tune up. Throttle bodies are meant to cause a restriction during 99 per cent of your driving. It will flow more at wide open throttle but bi doubt the throttle body bis a bottleneck on a stock 3.9l engine.

Really the efan is the only thing that will free up power and it will at most be 5hp,

I say do a good tune up to your engine first and make sure it's running good and then save up for something you'll notice.

 

Well what are some good cheap bolt ons that are worth it

 

Aside from intake and exhaust there isn't really much that is worth doing to a 3.9L. Don't get me wrong they're a good engine and we've got guys who swear up and down them on this site. But they have a very poor aftermarket presence which was pretty bad to begin with for our gen of dakotas.

If you're really looking for power I'd look into dropping a V8 (5.2 or 5.9) in your truck. There is plenty of good threads on here from people who've done it.