5.0 or 4.6 in an 80's Mustang

foxforce33 · Apr 24, 2010

MustangMobster said:
Geez dude i'm not even 19 yet. And thats y I joined this forum so I could get real research not just stuff on the web, but hear from people that did similar things and learn from their experiences.

Trial and error is the best way to learn. Don't get discouraged, but you can save your self some blood, sweat and $$$ by doing some research before getting started.

Once you get a car, I'd try and find a Ford shop manual for the model year, and get your hands on the "The Official Ford Mustang 5.0: Technical Reference & Performance Handbook : 1979 Through 1993" by Al Kirschenbaum.

Tons of info and will clue you into the model year differences and possibly some difficulties you may encounter.

2000xp8 · Apr 25, 2010

The 2v engine is definetely not worth the trouble. It lacks potential in many ways, SC's are expensive, so are cnc heads, and the shortblock doesn't put up with that much power either.
In theory dropping in a modular engine sounds easy/cheap.
It's far from it, i speak from experience.

Get yourself an original v8 mustang, drop an explorer 5.0 engine in it and go.
It's a great place to start.

MustangMobster · Apr 25, 2010

foxforce33 said:
Trial and error is the best way to learn. Don't get discouraged, but you can save your self some blood, sweat and $$$ by doing some research before getting started.

Once you get a car, I'd try and find a Ford shop manual for the model year, and get your hands on the "The Official Ford Mustang 5.0: Technical Reference & Performance Handbook : 1979 Through 1993" by Al Kirschenbaum.

Tons of info and will clue you into the model year differences and possibly some difficulties you may encounter.

I've been doin some research here and there, but I posted this thread because besides the the horsepower and changing the computer and what not there wasn't anything else I found that would bother me about the V8 4.6. I always had favortism to the 5.0 though just because I knew from common sense it would be easier. I mean if the 86 comes with the 5.0 putting a 5.0 engine with less miles on it wouldn't change **** its the same exact engine.

And I always download the owners manual for every car I have(meaning my 96 Mustang and my mom's Maxima) and I bought the Hayne's repair manuel 1994-2004 for my mustang, but i will look into the book you recommended. I thank you though because you've appeared to be more helpful than others.

foxforce33 · Apr 25, 2010

MustangMobster said:
I've been doin some research here and there, but I posted this thread because besides the the horsepower and changing the computer and what not there wasn't anything else I found that would bother me about the V8 4.6. I always had favortism to the 5.0 though just because I knew from common sense it would be easier. I mean if the 86 comes with the 5.0 putting a 5.0 engine with less miles on it wouldn't change **** its the same exact engine.

And I always download the owners manual for every car I have(meaning my 96 Mustang and my mom's Maxima) and I bought the Hayne's repair manuel 1994-2004 for my mustang, but i will look into the book you recommended. I thank you though because you've appeared to be more helpful than others.

You're more than welcome--but just to clarify, by shop manual, I mean the actual Ford shop manual used by the Ford technicians. It's usually a 2-3 volume set (depending on year) and has full schematics on all parts of the car: electrical, driveline, interior, chassis, etc. The Haynes/Chilton guides are ok, but they don't have the detail the Ford manuals have. You can usually find them on e-bay (most are well used copies) or just do a net search.

MustangMobster · Apr 26, 2010

2000xp8 said:
The 2v engine is definetely not worth the trouble. It lacks potential in many ways, SC's are expensive, so are cnc heads, and the shortblock doesn't put up with that much power either.
In theory dropping in a modular engine sounds easy/cheap.
It's far from it, i speak from experience.

Get yourself an original v8 mustang, drop an explorer 5.0 engine in it and go.
It's a great place to start.

Anyone agree with this?

NIKwoaC · Apr 26, 2010

MustangMobster said:
Anyone agree with this?

Yes. The late model Explorers and Mountaineers used what was basically a de-tuned '93 Cobra engine. By upgrading to an aftermarket cam and using the appropriate valvesprings, you can have an engine that will make damn near 300rwhp with the right supporting mods.

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER about the '86 is that it uses true flat top pistons because of the unique cylinder heads. These pistons do not have valve reliefs. This is good for compression ratio, but bad for clearing valves on aftermarket cylinder heads, especially when you start getting into cams with high lift and big overlap.

TDUB · Apr 26, 2010

If you're set on an engine swap I would recommend a roller block 351 swap from a 94 or newer Bronco, it's a fairly simple swap as far as engine swaps go and it's been well documented plus it will give you more low end torque and hp with only about 75lbs added to the car and a much stronger block. However, if you're ok with the 302 go ahead and get the 86 and let the mods begin. I have both the 5.0 and the DOHC 4.6 and they're completely different animals, it all just depends on what you want. I would say that the aluminum teksid DOHC has the most potential as far as factory blocks go but the 5.0 is definitely cheaper to do all of the basic mods to. There's hundreds of options out there but it all comes down to what your goals are and how much cash you have to spend.

Shaolin Crane · Apr 26, 2010

MustangMobster said:
Geez dude i'm not even 19 yet. And thats y I joined this forum so I could get real research not just stuff on the web, but hear from people that did similar things and learn from their experiences.

like i said again Research, then ask your questions, we can all come in here and tell you info but it would be a 10 page long thread, age has nothing to do with doing nice work, do your homework, take your time, and you'll be able to do it, but like i said before, if you need to ask then its probably not gonna happen

Shaolin Crane · Apr 26, 2010

MustangMobster said:
Anyone agree with this?

100%

5.0 or 4.6 in an 80's Mustang

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