Okay, so I have a 97 XLT with the 2.3 Lima and 5 Speed. Great little truck but holy crap is it slow. To the point where on some hills I have to shift down to third (its also geared stupid high). Anyway...... Is there anything that can be done to this thing to give me at least a little more juice without throwing a turbo on? Maybe like injector swap? Different intake? What makes these things tick? Or are they just dogs no matter what? lol I don't have a miss or anything, it runs really clean, like I said its just really freaking slow lol Thanks!

 

2.3l SOHC Lima engine was designed in the early 1970's, first used in 1974 Ford Pinto.............................

So its a very old design with low power to weight ratio, but very reliable, Ford used it for 27 years, 1974-2001, not many engine designs lasted that long

The fuel injection and dual spark plugs helped, but its simply an old design

Put a vacuum gauge on it to see condition, Read here: https://www.gregsengine.com/using-a-vacuum-gauge.html

Low vacuum is low power, vacuum test for exhaust blockage

Test compression, 1997 should be 165psi, compression = power available, maybe your timing belt is getting older and is lowering compression

Lack of fuel will cause pinging, do you have that, if not then you are getting plenty of fuel

You can change to a 4.10 rear axle, but slightly reduce MPG above 65mph

Swapping out mechanical fan to electric fan can give better power and MPG, but we are talking 2 or 3 horse power

 

You want speed buy a big engine.