• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

'86 HO vs. '87 - '93 HO

  • Thread starter Thread starter mapandjlp
  • Start date Start date Apr 12, 2009
M

mapandjlp

New Member
Nov 18, 2008
7
0
0
York, PA
Apr 12, 2009
#1
  • Apr 12, 2009
  • #1
So, I've been reading about the differences in the heads and pistons in the '86 5.0 HO motor. Have any of you modded an '86 motor? Can I just update to the newer pistons with the valve reliefs to be able to run the aftermarket heads/bigger camshafts? Is there anything special on the '86 motot that I should consider other than the pistons?

Thanks!
 

Vinnietbird

Member
Jun 2, 2005
584
3
19
Apr 12, 2009
#2
  • Apr 12, 2009
  • #2
The pistons are FLAT.I have those pistons in my engine and I swapped the E-6 heads (which are on the '86) for E-7's.I also use an E303 cam.....but I am probably one of the lucky ones to get away with that.Swap the pistons and heads,then go crazy.You may need to do a Mass Air upgrade as well if you plan on a bigger cam.I did that as well,easy stuff.
 
M

mapandjlp

New Member
Nov 18, 2008
7
0
0
York, PA
Apr 12, 2009
#3
  • Apr 12, 2009
  • #3
Yeah, that's what I've been told. Seems like you are a lucky one if you've not had any trouble. Although, I have heard of others swapping on the E7s with no trouble.

So there's no problem with changing out the pistons to the newer, notched versions? As long as that's the case, I'm golden!

Oh, and it's already been upgraded to MAF.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
760
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
S
Fox '87 GT can't get to stay running
  • spilly
  • Mar 29, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
27
Views
654
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
spilly
S
S
Requesting Guidance for 306 motor swap - Fuel? - SD? MAF?
  • So_Flo
  • Jul 26, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
32
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 4, 2026
Mcmahst
0
V6 to V8 Swap info
  • 02_2v_Curtis
  • Jan 11, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
645
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 11, 2026
02_2v_Curtis
0
A
Fox Planning on building my foxbody and was wondering if I can get any tips or anything to watch out for!
  • Angelq1028
  • Oct 31, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2 3 4
Replies
76
Views
5K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 29, 2025
Robman8028
R
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?