1988 Okanagan Econoline 250 Question

ol' grouch wrote:

Kyle1228 wrote:
Hi all - my Grandmother and I just returned home from picking up a 1988 Okanagan Econoline 250, with 96k original miles and extensive service records. We paid a good price for it, as it needs some cosmetic work, but it has good bones. With that said, I had a quick question about the 5.8L 351w and 3-speed transmission combo. How easily should these rigs drive through the hills/mountain passes? On our way home, going over a couple hills, the 5.8L really couldn't maintain 55mph. It seemed happiest dropped down in second gear doing 45mph. All gauges checked out, and the engine didn't sound like it was struggling, though there was a high pitched squeal that kicked on a couple times, that sounded like the belts at higher RPM. Is this normal? I know that the conversion kit adds quite a bit of weight and I wouldn't be surprised that chugging along at 45mph over mountain passes is normal, I just wanted to get some insight, considering I'm a newbie.
If everything checks out to be fine and dandy, are there any recommendations on gaining a couple more horses and low-end torque? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and any thoughts, questions or concerns would be much appreciated!
Thanks

Does your shifter have a circle around the D for drive? Maybe another D next to it? If you have that, you have a 4 speed transmission. Ford used the AOD transmission in cars with that motor starting in the early 80's. Slowing down in the hills while in overdrive isn't surprising as it's intended to keep engine speed down on the open road. Dropping down a gear is normal. If you have the 3 speed transmission, second gear is passing gear and that's normal.

I've got a Coachmen Horizon based on a GMC chassis and hills slow it down every time. Cross winds get really interesting too in cross winds.

Now, you may just need some maintenance. Simple things like an air filter make a BIG difference to economay and power. The 351 we had in the police cars I took care of back then had the variable venturi carburetor until fuel injection came in.

Guys I gotta tell u that my van had problems going uphills from vegas to new mexico, I had to put in in gear 2 to climb hills because regular gear it would not go up hill and struggle to get over 55mph. Just to let you guys know. N I dont have overdrive in my rig. Driving on flat roads is just fine.