Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up. (Read 13196 times) previous topic - next topic

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Aerocoupe;448359
To convert it to an HO you will have to change the cams and if you are going to change the cam then you might as well install a new timing chain.  I would call Ed Curtis at FTI and order one of his timing chain sets as they are really good for the $$$.  Take your time with this and plan the conversion so you spend your money once.

Darren

Thanks for the tip! I am only gathering up parts now. It is going to be my winter project. I wanna take my time and do it right.

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #16 –
I'd also recommend getting an Explorer engine, sacking everything but the block, heads, crank, and pistons, and then adding to that. You'll have GT40/P heads, the good intake, and pistons that have valve reliefs.

Throw in the cam of choice, add all your existing engine accessories, pan, distributor, and flexplate, and drop it in.


It's what I would've done had I not had an actual HO engine from the Mustang I took apart.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #17 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;448361
I'd also recommend getting an Explorer engine, sacking everything but the block, heads, crank, and pistons, and then adding to that. You'll have GT40/P heads, the good intake, and pistons that have valve reliefs.

Throw in the cam of choice, add all your existing engine accessories, pan, distributor, and flexplate, and drop it in.


It's what I would've done had I not had an actual HO engine from the Mustang I took apart.

that would be a good upgrade path to take
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #18 –
I pulled my timing chain cover off to fix a leak on one of my cars when it had 170k miles on it and i t had so much slack you could almost touch the chain to itself. I wonder what my 316k mile one looks like...
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

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #19 –
So i found a 95 mustang ho for $400. Wondering if it will bolt on to my transmission?

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #20 –
You currently have a 302W motor in your car and want to know if a 302W motor out of a donor car will bolt up to your existing tranny...it will unless you plan on using a different trans.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #21 –
The wiring will be different, the intake and throttle cable will be different.

Effectively, unless your current engine is flat wore out, it would be easier to swap your wiring harness onto it, replace the upper intake with one that fits right, upgrade your fuel pump, replace the exhaust, replace the computer, and then yeah, it will work.

Honestly, almost as much work, if not more then upgrading your engine over.

The ford explorer swap was a good recommendation. Best heads you can get from the factory, best intake from the factory. Swap on your harness and fuel rail, then the other supporting modifications for an h.o. swap (including camshaft) and your basically there.

There's nothing wrong with a 94-95 block, but it would not make any more power and would require almost as many modifications as converting yours over. The waterpump and crank are also slightly shorter, so if you reused any of your pullies, they wouldn't line up.
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

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #22 –
Are you staying Efi?  Have you considered going with a carb?
84 COUGAR/90 HO, 1.7RRs, performer RPM,700DP, equal length shorties, stainless EXH ,T-5,Hurst pro-billet, KC clutch, 8.8/ 4.10s, line-lok, bla ,bla, bla.
71 COMET/289,351w heads, 12.5 TRWs, 750DP, Liberty TL, 9"/6.00s, 11.9x @112 , bla,bla,bla.

Never shoot your mouth off, unless your brain is loaded! ....I may get older, but I'll never grow up!....If you're not laughing, you're not living!  :laughing:

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #23 –
I have everything I need for the HO conversion. My next question is: Will my pushrods work for E7 heads?

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #24 –
Quote from: QUICKSHIFT;448434
Are you staying Efi?  Have you considered going with a carb?

Staying EFI for now although carbed would be nice
 

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #25 –
Pushrods are the same between E6 and E7 heads.
'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..

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #26 –
And different depending on machining between heads, block cam head gasket...
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

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #27 –
True, but the same on stock roller motors.
'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..

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #28 –
Just mock it up and measure your pushrod length, its just one of those things that go along with building a motor.. Like when you degree your cam or check piston to valve clearence.

If you don't have the knowhow, the tools, or the time to do it yourself than take your parts to an engine builder and have him build the shortblock for you.  Nothing wrong with that.  I had my shortblock assembled.. Cam degreed, etc.. It didn't cost much extra.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Stock 5.0 in 86 tbird want to beef it up.

Reply #29 –
Update! I am almost done with my HO Conversion. It took two weeks working at it after work everyday. Last questionn with pics? Where do these go?X

X