Expert: Ben Deutschman - 1/9/2009

Question
Hey man, i know this year is a little our of your stated scope, but any insight you might have would be great.
I just bought a 1986 dodge ram 150. its an automatic 318 V8 with an eight foot bed, 2 door.
My question is what can i do to make it have a little more... for lack of a better word- get.
Anything you know of that would increase it "off the line" and in overall horsepower/hauling power. and then anything id need to do to stabilize it, like shocks or whatever.
And then any guesstimate you have on the pricing.

Thanks again man, anything would be great

peace

Answer
I'm assuming your Truck is Carbureted, and hopefully not Computer controlled. If it is not Computer controlled, then you could add an MSD Capacitive Discharge Ignition unit (MSD-6A). You could also add Headers, a Dual Exhaust; with 'High Flow' Catalytic Converters (2 inch would be suitable for stock Compression). If you want to further into the Motor, you could also do a Cam change, however, I would strongly advise you check with the manufacturer of the Cam you're thinking of using, as to what is safe to use with an otherwise stock Engine.

The MSD-6A unit is around $250.00, Headers vary by manufacturer (anywhere from $200.00 on up), a custom Exhaust can run $400.00 and up, the Catalytic Converters around $100.00-$150.00 ea, and a Cam, Lifters, and Timing Gear Set around $300.00 and up.

In so far as suspension goes, 'Energy Suspension' sells a line of Bushings for 'Sway Bars', 'End Links' and in some cases, Shock Absorbers that will improve handling. If your current Shocks aren't worn out, then the upgrades I mentioned will suffice. If the Shocks are worn, then a good set of gas Shocks will help, along with the Bushing changes. Unfortunately there is quite a variance in price on these parts, versus what I paid for them years ago, so my best advice, would be to go to a local 'Performance Shop' ('Speed Shop'), and price out the Bushings and Shocks there. You could also check with Summit Racing http://www.summitracing.com/ or Jegs http://www.jegs.com/ Just keep in mind though that if there's a problem, you will have to pay Shipping to return an incorrect or defective part, and then wait for the replacement.

The Engine parts and Headers can also be sourced through either a local 'Speed Shop', or the Online sources I mentioned.