I've gathered from looking around that the HO engine used a different firing order than my SO. I've also read I can acheive the same by switching up the spark plug wires and using a 351W cam. Since I'm hauling the engine apart right now anyway and replacing the cam among other things I'm in a position to do that but I'm wondering what the actual advantage would be?
The HO firing order allows you to use a higher lift cam. You will also need a mustang computer for the new firing order (need to send fuel to the appropriate cylinder as well as spark) as well as 19# injectors vs. 14# stock ones.
In an 83 the computer would be an issue? The injection is just a glorified carburetor, it doesn't care where the fuel goes.
Actually there is no computer, mine is a straight carbureted engine.
Whoops, didn't even think of the year, yeah no problem with a carb. Also, I can't remember how decent the '83 heads were, but you might consider swapping those while you are at it.
Yeah right now I'm concentrating on making the car run well. Down the road I plan to swap out the heads, manifold, headers, probably get a 4 BL carb on there. Plenty to do.
you should be able to snag some 87 up mustang E7 heads fer cheep as well as a stock gt cam. im not all that farmillar with the 83 blocks but i think they all used a 2 peice rear main seal. i think its also a flat tappet non roller engine so to use a roller cam it would need to be converted. maybe a truck cam would work as well, they werent roller untill something like 94. im still learning this myself but there are guys on this board that know their stuff....
Stick a Summit racing SUM-3601 in it, it will have a little rump in the idle and jou'll have good power from 2000-5500 rpm. Not sure which firing order it uses, doesn't really make that much difference(but IMHO the 351/HO order sounds stronger).