HD Install :: Changing boot options after HD install

After an HD install, is it possible to set up manually options like -no dhcp -no scsi etc, or do I need to make this choices prior to hd install ?
Also, is it possible to call for boot options (F3,F3) when booting for such installation ?
Is it possible/viable to customize DSL to fit my very humble hardware specs instead of autodetect at every boot ?
I am trying to squeeze out every drop out of a 486/16MB/512MB laptop..

jah_lah,
have your homework done before asking.
what you need is in /etc/lilo.conf.
Read kernel-options.txt and boot mini-howto.

I recommend Deli Linux for something that old.
http://www.delilinux.de

original here.