So my buddy is selling me his 81 W350 soon, and I plan on using it as a faily driver/Hay hauler for my mom's horse. Problem is, its been sitting for nearly three years.

Runs great, will need a little work before I insure it though. My question is, what should I do when I get the truck to make sure the engine will survive? Its gonna get all new filters and fuilds, but what else should I do to freshen it up? New wires and plugs? Cap and Rotor?

Are suggestions for upgrades, for a bit more power or economy?

 

ttt

 

Does it have a 4bbl carb? If it does, you're golden.

Timing set - unless you know how old it is.
Water pump - ditto
Slap a cam in it, something mild, I went with an Edelbrocker performer plus, but wish I'd gone a notch lumpier
The iron 4bbl manifold is good, don't waste money replacing it.
Holley 600cfm carb
14x4" open filter element
headers, 3" exhaust.
Good coil
and what you've already mentioned. Should give you ~30% more power than stock or thereabouts

 

Sweeet, thanks for the tips. I don't know if I'll get into it enough for a cam yet, but my Bronco's edlebrock 600cfm 4-barrel might go missing.

It has dual exhaust right now, 1.75" or 2" I can't remember.

 

Those are pretty dinky pipes. Good for low rpm torque, but you're choking it up top. I'd go 2.25-2.5" for duals, or a single 3".

OEM my 86 was ~180hp/250lb-ft at the crank. After the above list it was putting that to the ground - through 35" tires

 

Cool. Well, once I get it (Bank wants to screw me in the *** with 21% intrest on a personal loan) I'll make sure to keep those improvements in mind.

 

I also highly recommend a mechanical oil pressure gauge and a voltage meter, and I went with a mechanical coolant temp as well.

 

I think I'd put a full set of Autometer gauges in it if I went that route; I did it in my bronco and have loved it since.