'86 HO vs. '87 - '93 HO

[mapandjlp]

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]

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.

 

[mapandjlp]

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!