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Topic: BM's 88 Cougar build (Read 42865 times) previous topic - next topic

BM's 88 Cougar build

Will now that Im back on my feet I think its time to focus on my baby. Shes got 160K miles on her and she leaks oil. So Im going to start with the motor and I might have a mustang 8.8 in the works. I know its not as wide as the cougar rear but I might run spacers. As for the motor Ive got GT40 Lighting heads with screw-in stud and guide plats, a 93 5.0 truck short block, HO cam, and 19Ib injecters. Im getting a SpeedPro engine kit from summit and I'll be doing the machine work at my old bosses shop for FREE. The plan is to have the motor built by the end of December.

Parts list.
TrickFlow valve springs-done
hardend push rods-done
SpeedPro engine kit with flat-top pistons-done
roller timing set-done
stock HO cam-done
Profrom roller rockers-done
water pump-done
HO computer-DONE
GT40 upper intake- SOLD
GT40 lower intake W/O smog-SOLD

parts list after motor is built
Headers DONE
H-pipe DONE
65 mm TB Done
fuel pressure reg.
MSD billet dist.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #1 –
You don't need spacers.....Run an 8 inch wide rim with 4.5" backspace instead of 5.5"  ;)
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #2 –
sounds cool,.. got any pics????
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Just enjoyin the ride!!!!

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #3 –
Quote from: V8Demon;283521
You don't need spacers.....Run an 8 inch wide rim with 4.5" backspace instead of 5.5"  ;)


Thats a good idea, I planned on buying news wheels and running 235/60s front and 275/50s rear. Thanks

Quote from: massCougarxr7;283585
sounds cool,.. got any pics????



88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #4 –
I think my plans might change a little. My neighbor has a complete GT40 explorer engine (oil pan to intake). I was thinking about buying it from him and doing a stock rebuild for my cougar. I have a couple questions though. Do the explorers have the ho firing order and do the hi-torque explorer cams work well in cougars? Has anyone ran an explorer cam?
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #5 –
You'd want to change the cam as it is a truck cam and won't rev high well.  Firing order will depend on the cam you select.  You could get away with an HO cam.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #6 –
I think an H.O. cam would work well with that motor setup.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #7 –
Well the cougar has been put on hold for a little bit. I'm buying a 96 Explorer from my friend for 500 bucks. His customer brought him the truck a year ago because the trans was sliping. When he gave him the bad news the guy just left it. So Im going to buy it from him and I'm going to have my other freind rebuild the trans. He said he'd do it for $250 plus parts if I pull it.
Plus my neighbor wants 1000 bucks for his motor so that not going to happen. So now Im thanking about just trying some bolt ons for now.
If I get the UPR K-member kit with coilovers do ya'll thank the 200lbs drag springs would be too weak for a heavy cougar. Should I go with the 300lbs street springs.
I was thanking about putting my cobra heads, HO cam, roller rockers, and mass air on my stock short block for now. Untill after the explorer is on the road.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #8 –
Buy the Explorer for $500.00 and use that engine and forget the tranny.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #9 –
I really wouldn't worry about coil overs too much unless you really want to change your ride height and springs quite a bit. You could always get some springs in there to drop it down, and get caster camber plates. I would also get sub frame connectors mocked up if your going to keep the car for a while.

If your gonna pull the parts and buy them, then why would you pay him $250 after you did all the hard work? Is he going to rebuild the one you pull?
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #10 –
Quote from: vinnietbird;290840
Buy the Explorer for $500.00 and use that engine and forget the tranny.


It has a 4.0. If it had a 5.0 that would happen for sure.

Quote from: Haystack;290843
I really wouldn't worry about coil overs too much unless you really want to change your ride height and springs quite a bit. You could always get some springs in there to drop it down, and get caster camber plates. I would also get sub frame connectors mocked up if your going to keep the car for a while.

If your gonna pull the parts and buy them, then why would you pay him $250 after you did all the hard work? Is he going to rebuild the one you pull?


The UPR K member comes with A arms and a coil over kit for $600. It going to be a drag/street car and the K member kit take out 72lbs. Plus Id like to remove the A/C and P/S. Im sure thats good for 50 or 60 lbs. If I didnt have the mustang and the explorer I wouldnt remove the A/C and P/S but both cars have A/C and the cougar is suppose to be my play toy. Its just an idea. I'll probably just do the heads, cam, intake, and mass air for now.
I'm going to pull the trans out hes going to rebuild it and I'm going to reinstall the trans.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #11 –
Oh,I understand now.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..
 

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #12 –
Well it looks like the Explorer isnt going to workout. I tried to title it and has a lean on it.:mad: I dont really need it anyways, my boss just bought me a 99 ranger for a work truck.:roxor:
So my focus is back on the cougar again. For now Im just going to get a gasket set, timing chain set, and oil pump and re-seal the motor. Im going to us the gt40 heads, explorer intake, and 19lbs injecters also. I just picked up the upper intake today for 30 bucks. I still need a 65mm TB and HO computer.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #13 –
What cam are you using?
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

BM's 88 Cougar build

Reply #14 –
Im either going to run the HO cam which I have or a 268H comp cam which runs $250. The comp is .460 lift.
88 Cougar LS 5.0 .030 over, ported E7s with GT40 valves & trickflow springs, Proform roller rockers, HO cam, removed air silencer, K&N filter, smog pump delete, 2.25" dual flowmasters, Pacestter H-pipe & headers, HO computer, 65mm TB, Explorer intake, 19# injecters, 3.45s, rebuilt posi, and TCI shift kit.