Gots a 1988 2.3 ranger with 81,000 miles wanting information on a so called (mid range) cam, i pull a little welding trailer and a little boat with it trying to git it around the 100 hp. Done put a jet chip in it. Upgraded air filter, when you upgrade the cam how do you retime it? I had a 83 yota withthe 22r carb motor and upgraded cam and it was bored 30 over that was a little hot rod. I know i aint gonna be breaking any speed records with it but was just wanting that little boost.

 

You would need some type of tuner. You are limited to things like the MAF sensor. and stock ECU (computer) settings. If you are not worried about top end speed you could always change the axle gears to get a little extra umph!

 

Three things that are 'bolt on'. Swap for a roller cam. Swap for the more effective exhaust manifold. The original is not bad, but later years had better that are 'bolt on'. Swap for a later model intake if your intake ports match. The later models went to a split in the upper feeding two different ports in the lower.
My old truck has about 80 hp. I know the need. I finally got a roller cam, and hope it helps by reducing the rubbing friction of the cam followers.
One last thought is make sure you have a decent muffler so you are not choking off the exhaust. Cat-back systems will likely reduce backpressure if you have it.
tom