85 5.0 to 89 spec

By the time you get done buying all of the necessary parts to make the conversion (intake, fuel system, etc) you might as well buy a complete engine at a junkyard. I don't know how things are out by you, but where I'm from 5.0's from that era aren't too difficult to locate at the wrecking yards. Get a junkyard engine, a summit racing rebuild kit, and you would be in business.

If you're still interesting in using your '85 engine, post back and I can fill you in on some of the other parts/modifications you'd need.

yup, but if its an 85ho, then its pretty much the same long block, by going fi, you could probably gain a little in torque, maybe mileage, but you could lose hp. most guys i know that went from fi to carb gained big time in hp/mph. not really worth the effort.

mustangGT85 said:

how hard, and what would i need to make my 85 5.0 AT into an 88(california)-92 type engine.
i know i would need the intake, throttle body, injectors, and so on....

would this project be worth doing? and does anybody have a complete 88+ engine for sale that was sold oringinally in california?

i have a lot more questions, but am i tight on time, will reply later.

~Steve

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Your block is NOT a roller block (only 5 speeds with the 4 barrel carb had the roller motor)......therefore it would be well worth your while to find another engine.

Just to flip the coin on the other side....just because an engine is of a "roller" design doesn't necessarily translate into a superior powerplant or mean building an engine that isn't a roller a waste of time. There is a lot you can do with your existing engine. A roller set up is a great benefit, don't get me wrong, more power is usually made with similar cam profiles than a standard hydraulic and the loss of friction is a nice bonus.....but at higher prices.

There's a good bit of power you can make with a performance carb, intake, cam, exhaust and ignition! A little headwork done by a reputable shop, if you were wanting to go that far, would be a good investment and a power gainer.