94 GT Conv stock, need advice for power

[thisislifein00]

I've got a 94 GT Conv and i've got alot of questions about what to do. The car right now has 157,000 miles on it, and runs like a peach, but obviously its very slow. I bought the car when I was 16 ( im 22 now) and have another daily driver, with the mindset that i'll be able to keep my first sports car with me for the rest of my life.

First questions: I want to add more power, is it acceptable to have the orginal 5.0 worked over to be as relieble as a new motor and then do power adders? without going into too much detail, what is the best path of achieving 400 HP? with budget in mind, is it cheaper to rework the original engine or getting new?

The two scenarios are just keep the car as it is, look and sound good and keep the cheap reliebilty and good times, and in 5 years or so (how many times have you heard that) do the engine work. In all seriousness, I worry about the availibilty of these kind of gas consuming products in 5 years.

second : with 400 hp, will I have to do anything to strengthen the frame on a Conv? and what else to the susp?

thanks alot guys. -Alex-

 

[Al J]

Buy a crate engine.
Cheaper in the long run if the Stang is truly a keeper.

 

[95strokerPSU]

Yeah if I was gonna do it again, I'd get a 331 or 347 short block from DSS or CHP and then piece together the top end myself.

Do you want 400 flywheel hp or 400 wheel hp.?

For 400 flywheel hp I'd do a 331 with AFR 185 heads, FTI cam and a Holley intake
For 400 wheel hp, you'd probably have to step up to a 347 with bigger heads. I haven't researched 347s too much so I'll let someone else comment.

For a Vert, you'll definitely wanted welded full length sub frame connectors. You'll also want to get new rear lower control arms and at least new bushings in the uppers.

 

[Stanger007]

I'd get a low milage explorer longblock and put a S-trim on it and a tune.

In my opinion it is the cheapest way to get a reliable car that is that fast and fun.

All motor is fun but forced induction... well just ride in one.

Wes

EDIT: You want some subframes to stiffen the car up, but other than that, no real worries about the frame/suspension unless you start drag racing on slicks. With a 400rwhp 'vert you will be in the 11s, some tracks want to see a roll cage, some do not. :-D

 

[hollywoodstang]

My recommendation would be Buy a crate engine just as mentioned above and do basic bolts ons to keep it reliable in he future. 400hp to the wheels are hard to do with stock 5.0

I say you do ALL bolt ons (H/C/I) and add nitrous for fun and keep it N/A.

 

[hollywoodstang]

Oh and get a Another engine(used) Block and heads as a back-up for Just in case...I got another one in my kitchen(LOL) and slowly building it to my liking.