97 f250 HD with 460 5spd I need more power

[Logger6126]

I have a 97 f250 HD with 460fi 5spd. What would it take to get more power. Fuel economy is so bad now (10 mpg) it could not get much worse. I was thinking of a new air cleaner system and dual exhausts. I have heard the computor would not like these changes. This is just a ranch truck for hauling cows, horses, wood etc. I only wash it once a year whether it needs it or not. That kind of thing. Any comments would be appreciated

[MagicRat]

Welcome to AF

Originally Posted by Logger6126

I only wash it once a year whether it needs it or not. That kind of thing.

Are you saying you are neglecting maintenance? I suggest making sure all maintenance and potential problem areas are fixed before spending $$$ on performance parts.

There are many things that are required to maintain the engine which will also improve gas mileage and power.
For example, oxygen sensors do not last forever. When they go bad, power and mileage both suffer. Changing them every 50 k miles is a good rule of thumb.

Often, if these sensors go bad, then engine can run too rich, which might overhead and melt the catalytic converter internals, causing a restricted exhaust flow, which also can kill power and mileage.

Other possible problem areas: Have you ever changed spark plugs and wires? Used a good fuel injection cleaner? Is the air filter clean? Have you ever had the ECM scanned for trouble codes?

[Logger6126]

I have not tried changing out the o2 sensor. I have installed new plugs and wires. Air cleaner is new. Engine pings when under heavy load. I have had to use premium fuel with some octane booster when pulling heavy loads to stop the pinging. I have not taken it in and put it on a computor.
thanks for your response

[MagicRat]

The engine should not ping under load since it has a knock sensor, which should retard ignition timing until the knock goes away.

Try scanning for codes and replacing the oxygen sensors (I think you should have two). Try resetting the ignition static timing, too, if you can.
Also, you can try an exhaust system pressure test to see if the cat converter is clogged.