Sad Engine Power Performance help....
Hi everyone! So, I am in need of some advice.
I have been converting a 1996 e250 with the 5.8l 351w engine. (122k miles)
We took it out for its maiden voyage this past weekend and one thing became very clear:
The current level of power I am getting will just not cut it.
We took it on some dirt roads up in the hills behind where we live (Boulder, CO) and had a terrible time getting up anything with even a modest incline. Basically had to floor it and send the RPMs through the roof to go 10 MPH up a hill... to the point it overheated and stalled at one point. On the freeway I can eventually get it moving, its just the low end torque on inclines is super wimpy.
I've taken to my mechanic and he said he can't find anything "wrong". Its just under powered for the weight of the vehicle. (only 6100 vs GVWR of 8850). And that is just an "old" engine.
So here is my question: Where do I go from here?
I've read thread after thread and it seems there are all sorts of things you can do to address this with widely varying opinions on which is best (bolt-ons like exhaust, performance chips, changing gear ratios, air intake, and larger engine items like new headers (gt40s), cam shaft, etc etc etc...). I've read so much, but just don't know where to start... and in fact don't even know how to find a shop that could help me navigate this all. I've reached out to a few mechanic shops but they seem to be more accustom to fixing things that are broken vs upgrading beyond manufactured spec.
Any advice on this would be MASSIVELY appreciated. Any referrals to a shop around Boulder/Denver would also be amazing.
thanks all!
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