I have my truck (I'll post pics when I get a camera) it's a 1990 f-250. I am trying to get all the mileage out of it I can. I am not into blowing smoke or anything like that, I just want to have something that runs well, and looks decent.

For starters, I was wondering what the benefits of a cold air intake are?

How hard would it be to set up meth/water injection on my truck, not buying a kit, just something to lower temps and get a few extra hp. I would be running washer fluid.
Is there a guide somewhere to making your own?

If I can open up more airflow to my truck, (I was thinking dual 6 inch stacks and 4" pipe straight off the manifolds.) Would I be able to safely turn up the fuel pump? I know it would run more efficiently, but would it be able to handle it? Especially with the water/meth, it would run pretty cool right? I am getting a pyrometer before I start this stuff.

Are there aftermarket manifolds for this engine? Like I said, I want to be able to use 4 inch exhaust tubing.

And lastly, my dad is concerned about it smoking... Right now, when you hit the throttle, it burns everything, but no black smoke. The only smoke coming out is blue. Which is unburnt right? So we were going to advance the timing... Is this the right thing to do? I know it could be bigger things, but it is the right place to start isn't it?

I mostly want mileage, but the power is a bonus, if I can get it to make decent power, I might try a few pulls at local county fairs.

Thanks for whatever you answer. I am just figuring this out as I go.

 

The CAI makes the intake a bit more efficient. You get colder denser air into the engine, giving you a bit more power and torque, plus helps lower EGTs, helps the turbo spool up faster, and ups your fuel mileage by maybe 1+mpg or so.
Water/alky injection systems are great to have, especially if your engine isnt intercooled. Good benefit for a non-intercooled IDI. Adds some ponies and helps keep EGTs in check as well, especially if youre towing, or "having some fun."
Any larger aftermarket free-flowing exhaust system will help increase engine efficiency as well as lower EGTs. Stacks are cool and sound great, but Im not sure if what your asking for is available. You may have to research that online.
As far as the lack of black smoke when you hit the throttle is a good thing. That means that youre not wasting unburned fuel in the form of black smoke, and its burning fuel quite nicely. Blue smoke, on the other hand, is a sign of burning oil. That could be from worn rings, valve guides, or leaking turbo oil seals. Probably other reasons I cant think of right now. How many miles on the engine?

 

It doesn't have a turbo or intercooler. It only has 150,000 miles. Okay, I am only 16, and my dad only works on forklifts. From what he said, the black smoke is burnt fuel, and it is blue if it isn't burning... I kinda thought he was wrong, but I don't know enough to argue. I guess we'll have to play around with it a little. WHat is the best way to find out where the oil is burning at? I am kinda short of funds, and I don't want to replace everything... I am going to start with the filters and oil, (just replaced the return lines today) it also needs floors, so it is a project.
Another detail that might help, the smoke only puffs out when you let off the throttle. You can rev it like crazy, and no visible smoke comes out until you let off. Also, the smoke is nasty, burns your eyes. It is light blue. Not very blue, looks almost like dirtbike smoke, maybe a little lighter, but definitely has a blueish tint to it.
We haven't run it on the road (the bed is ripped off right now, and it has no inspection or insurance) so we haven't put it under any load to see if it acts more normal under a load. This is just revving it in neutral in the driveway.

And thanks a lot for the post!

 

Oh, my bad on the turbo and intercooler. If I had seen your "my diesel" information, I would have known that. 150k is not much for that engine, but that also depends how it was maintained. My dad used to have one, an 89. His did belch black smoke during acceleration and pulling heavy loads, but I do remember some blue smoke as well. Maybe thats normal, not sure. Maybe some with more experience on the IDI will chime in. FYI, My dad got 429k out of his before he sold it to his neighbor. That was about 9 years ago. That truck is still on the road pulling a farm tractor and 2-horse trailer. I wonder how many miles it has now....... My dad meticulously maintained his truck.

 

Idi maintenance is key. Blue smoke= oil white= unburnt fuel and black is partially burnt and basically waisted fuel. These engines are really robust so I would start ripens and work down. You valve stem seals might be bad and your leaching oil down your valves and into your cylinders. Pay attention to how much oil you lose over a period of time. If it's a ton like a qrt a week then your in trouble and it's probably rings. If it's a half qrt a month then probably valve stem seals. You get the picture. Making a meth kit cost more and is nit a good idea. You can hydro lock and break pistons. Coolingmist.com make good cheap kits. Your exhaust question; local muffler shop can build that for like 300 bucks. Turning up the pump and timing advance are good mods to do but get a pyrometer and start small. Don't need to melt things. In a diesel more fuel = more heat.

 

I certainly agree with the home made water/meth injection. Too much as at risk with a home made system. A ready made system is specifically designed for that particular task and less suseptible to ruining your engine.......unless you cut corners in the installation process. This is something you dont want to rush. I have a Cooling Mist system in my truck. I only use it when I tow my travel trailer. When armed, it automatically comes on at 12 psi of boost when accelerating, or pulling hills or steep grades afterwhich it shuts off and is on stand-by until needed again during a trip.

 

Thanks for the help guys