Long term upgrade path?
 

Just got a 91 non ic truck, looking for a long term upgrade plan, something that can be done in steps while keeping drivability and reliability and not having to upgrade a part more than once.

Approx hp at each step would be great too.

Think I got the beginning figured out, gauges, pump mods, intake& exhaust.

Not sure how far I want to take things, for now thinking to the limits of the stock pump, but I'd like to be able to go further if I choose without buying expensive parts twice.

Automatic or Manual?

Do your free mods, I'd get a fuel pin and 3200RPM gov spring then if you want more a better turbo and an intercooler will give you a good amount more power. Your stock injectors are good till like 300hp. But your gonna be looking at tranny troubles once you bring the power up to much standard or auto your gonna be upgrading something.

It's auto now, but plan on converting to a manual with upgraded clutch.

Right now I'm thinking gauges, intake, exhaust, free mods/pump mods, lift pump, then turbo and intercooler. Am I missing anything?

Hello B430,
How much horsepower do you expect to roll on the truck?

I think eventually I'd like to get to the reliable limit of the ve pump, but like I said I'd like to do it in steps.

I'd start working on the supporting mods before you actually start turning up the pump.. i.e. manual conversion with good clutch, fuel supply, intercooler. Converting to manual right off the bat will wake your truck up as a stock A518 sucks the power pretty bad due to pumping losses (crappy convertor).