1989 Dodge Ram D150 - Total Rebuild

[Ramtough2022]

I have a 1989 Dodge Ram D150 with a 318 5.L engine. My engine locked up a few years ago so i had a new engine installed. Then the transmission wasn't changing gears so I had it rebuilt. When they took the engine out, we found the muffler with a hole in it, I decided to put a new exhaust system with headers and a dual in dual out 40 series flow master. Changed the plugs, wires, distributer cap and rotor button. Since I installed headers, I decided to do a smog pump delete and put on a vintage breather on. Now it starts up sound great, but it drives like a clonker! Not sure what to do! I thought it was all done. When I press the gas pedal, it seems like it's not getting consistent gas flow. It will backfire if I keep pressing the gas. once I get it up to speed it struggles to shift into second gear. And it sound horrible in drive. Any suggestions?? Please help

 

[fireflymedic]

1st thing I would do is dbl check the timing. Than check for any vacuum leaks.

 

[reek]

1st thing I would do is dbl check the timing. Than check for any vacuum leaks.

I was going to say check timing also. smog delete and long tube headers likely require some timing adjustments.