[barron64]

I just replaced my 86 2wd, sr5, LB, 5-sp, with a sweet 96 extra cab, 5-sp LX. My 86 had a strong 22re, Doug Thorley tri-y header, free flow exhaust, k&n drop in filter...Fun driving truck with great gas milage! Got a sweet deal on the 96 so I sold my 86 to my dad for a work truck. Well the 96 was in great shape but ran kind of lame compared to my 86. I figured with a good tune-up, header, free flow exhaust, k&n filter along with the newer design twin cam 16 valve engine, this thing should run great. After installing all the same mods on my 96 as I had on my 86 and all I can say is I sure miss my old 86. Engine is smooth but has no bottem end grunt like the 22re had. Add in a taller final drive ratio and wider spacing on the 5 speed and you have a gutless little beater that is not fun to drive. If you drive it like you stole it it runs pretty strong all the way up to say 5800 rpms. Anybody else had an experience like this? Local dealership said the 2.4L, 2rz-fe is a dog but will run forever. Are there any tuning secrets that will wake up this engine?