A couple of years ago my father bought me my first truck and immediately i wanted to make it special to me I decided that since the engine is starting to get where its needing a little tlc why not go back with performance mods but it seems that everyone builds the 2.3 for performance but not the 2.5 the engine currently in the truck and if I can I'd rather stick with the 2.5 if any one knows where I can find parts I'd be grateful

 

A couple of years ago, my father bought me my first truck and immediately I wanted to make it special to me. I decided since the engine is starting to get where it's needing a little TLC, why not go back with performance mods? But it seems everyone builds the 2.3 for performance but not the 2.5 the engine currently in the truck. If I can, I'd rather stick with the 2.5. If any one knows where I can find parts, I'd be grateful.

 

This is all my personal research for my own build that I will never realize. Not worth the cost but boredom lets me dig through the possible.

Electronic fan upgrade. This will take some of the load off the engine.

A/C Delete. Duh you knew this already

2.3 long tube Headers for the 80s lima engines. This will need some custom fab to clear trans etc but what exhaust doesn't? *also worth note is this will increase top end but you lose bottom end torque ie first gear pull*

Aftermarket PCM (HALTECH etc). Youll need a tuner to pull this off. So call your local shops to see what standalone they prefer. This is in preparation for this:

colder plugs. E3 or whatever you find. Colder the better. Just be aware this will likely lead to more frequent spark plug changes.

MSD. Zappy zappy helps with better fuel burn.

E85/high octane tune

Meth Injection. Not technically necessary on NA builds. But when you look it up you can decide if you want to use it.

Run a proper CAI. This will require a bit of custom work. Internet will help. Heatsoak is a hell of a thing.

Cam Gear. They sell custom adjustable cam gears for pretty much every engine. This will help you and your tuner adjust timing a bit.

Better injectors. This doesn't mean bigger. But better atomization. Some stock have 2 port they sell 4 port injectors etc. Better atomization better burn.

You may want to look into redoing your rear end. Gearing can make a world of difference.


This is all of my cumulative research so far. Never applied myself. Reason being thats every bit of $3000 $5000 build to still get gapped by most stock 4 Bangers built after 2010. Better off buying a 6cyl for the effort put into the sohc 4.