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Engine Build Ideas For My 93 Calypso

  • Thread starter Thread starter Miss5.0
  • Start date Start date May 29, 2015
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Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
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May 29, 2015
#1
  • May 29, 2015
  • #1
Hello,

So last post I did was about removing/installing the harmonic balancer so I can replace my timing cover.
End of the story on that was that i got everything off, and I had to drill out two bolts that were in my block.
Any hoots, everyhing is back on so he is running like a champ now.

Now I am just trying to gather ideas on what build I should go in my engine. I have been getting alot of temptation on keeping it stock just because it is an original 93 Calypso.

I already added 373 gears, MSD ignition coil, 3 row aluminum radiator, short shifter SO nothing crazy. and I just bought some BBK shortie headers that I am planning on putting on and also converting to Borla exhaust. (I have the mufflers already )

But I just would like everyones thoughts if I should keep it stock? and if I shouldnt what builds do you think is best? I have been thinking about the gt40 set up but I am still not sure.

As far as my HP want... I want daily race car if that makes sense. haha
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
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In the garage
May 29, 2015
#2
  • May 29, 2015
  • #2
Ok here is the drill

what is your goal
what is your budget
N/A or power adder
Is this your DD
What is your timeframe

Oh, and take of the My Spark Died box, Totally a waste of money for your setup and a POS.
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
15 Year Member
Dec 19, 2010
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May 29, 2015
#3
  • May 29, 2015
  • #3
I have no idea what to put in a calypso mustang...

 
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Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
13
May 30, 2015
#4
  • May 30, 2015
  • #4
mikestang63 said:
Ok here is the drill

what is your goal
what is your budget
N/A or power adder
Is this your DD
What is your timeframe

Oh, and take of the My Spark Died box, Totally a waste of money for your setup and a POS.
Click to expand...

LOL at My Spark Died Box!! But Really?? I should take off my MSD? What do you recommend instead?

and thats the thing...I was trying to get an opinon on what you think I should do. Everyone out here is telling me to stay stock. This is my DD right now. My goal is to have a daily that I can race haha and budget...um not a issue lol
The only time frame I have is that in October there is a car show out here where I am from and they want me to put my car in it, which is why everyone is recommending me to stay stock.
 

Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
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May 30, 2015
#5
  • May 30, 2015
  • #5
Boosted92LX said:
I have no idea what to put in a calypso mustang...

Click to expand...

LOL that is how I feel!!!
 

A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
5 Year Member
Jul 30, 2011
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Illinois
May 30, 2015
#6
  • May 30, 2015
  • #6
If you have an all stock lower mileage motor and it's running well AND you daily drive it I would recommend keeping it that way. Now I am a "there is never enough power" kind of person so that advise is against my normal answer. It just sounds like to me you'd enjoy the "simple" durability of a stock setup.
The basic head/cam/intake/timing chain/throttle body/MAF/ bigger fuel pump and injectors etc is an option if you want more power. Or you could add the basic Vortech blower kit with the proper fuel system. These will add plenty of extra power with relatively descent reliability.
 
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Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
15 Year Member
Dec 19, 2010
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May 30, 2015
#7
  • May 30, 2015
  • #7
^^Good advice. We have a member he that goes by @hoopty5.0 who dd'd a fox for a while and spent all of his free time fixing it. Maybe he'll chime in.. But the moral to my story is foxes make great hobby cars and can be made to go really fast, but they are getting so old they are not reliable enough to dd if you commute or modify them. Hoopty can attest to that.. my advice? Buy a used focus or civic and put a blower on the fox.. you'll be happy you did.

edit: I can't speak for msd but I have a mallory hyfire box from the 80's still going strong.
 

hoopty5.0

mechanicus terribilis
15 Year Member
Dec 14, 2010
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May 30, 2015
#8
  • May 30, 2015
  • #8
I did indeed, for about 4 months. It drives great now, but maaaaan. Getting it there was an ordeal.
 
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Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
15 Year Member
Dec 19, 2010
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May 30, 2015
#9
  • May 30, 2015
  • #9
@Miss5.0 can you post some pics of your car? I don't get to see other calypso cars often enough..
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
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May 30, 2015
#10
  • May 30, 2015
  • #10
Miss5.0 said:
LOL at My Spark Died Box!! But Really?? I should take off my MSD? What do you recommend instead?

and thats the thing...I was trying to get an opinon on what you think I should do. Everyone out here is telling me to stay stock. This is my DD right now. My goal is to have a daily that I can race haha and budget...um not a issue lol
The only time frame I have is that in October there is a car show out here where I am from and they want me to put my car in it, which is why everyone is recommending me to stay stock.
Click to expand...

the stock ingition and coil are more than enough for 500 hp. I think that has you covered
 
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Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
15 Year Member
Dec 19, 2010
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May 30, 2015
#11
  • May 30, 2015
  • #11
mikestang63 said:
the stock ingition and coil are more than enough for 500 hp. I think that has you covered
Click to expand...

Maybe 500 N/A hp, but With an HCI upgrade and only 7 psi of boost I had bad spark blow, even with upgrading my coil from the stock 38kv to an aftermarket 53kv. I didn't get it lined out until I broke out the ol' faithful Mallory box, and pulled my plug gap down to .020. What's funny is the manufacturer of my turbo kit said the same thing. Stock ignition is good enough. Apparently not...

..and I started at 10 psi, and dropped down to 7 trying to fix it.
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
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May 30, 2015
#12
  • May 30, 2015
  • #12
Boosted92LX said:
Maybe 500 N/A hp, but With an HCI upgrade and only 7 psi of boost I had bad spark blow, even with upgrading my coil from the stock 38kv to an aftermarket 53kv. I didn't get it lined out until I broke out the ol' faithful Mallory box, and pulled my plug gap down to .020. What's funny is the manufacturer of my turbo kit said the same thing. Stock ignition is good enough. Apparently not...

..and I started at 10 psi, and dropped down to 7 trying to fix it.
Click to expand...

You are comparing a power adder to n/a. I didn't see where the OP is talking about adding any power adder. In those cases, a multiple spark box like crane or mallory willl be helpful. In most n/a motors, they are a waste of money and often cause more problems than they do any good.
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
15 Year Member
Dec 19, 2010
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May 31, 2015
#13
  • May 31, 2015
  • #13
mikestang63 said:
You are comparing a power adder to n/a. I didn't see where the OP is talking about adding any power adder. In those cases, a multiple spark box like crane or mallory willl be helpful. In most n/a motors, they are a waste of money and often cause more problems than they do any good.
Click to expand...


You are correct, I am comparing the two. It does help with spark blow under boost. However back in the carb days with high compression and nitrous oxide, it helped also. At least the mallory unit performed well with no "problems." I don't think it's fair to make a blanket statement about ignition boxes in general when it's msd that causes the problems.

The OP is asking about engine build opinions.. If she decides to go n/a with giggle gas, OR higher compression, a good spark box can and will help, imho. Again, I just say no to msd.

edit: I will agree that taking a stock engine and throwing a spark box at it is pointless though. These things are support items to keep things working properly when you change your combustion chamber conditions with power mods. Typically, the more hp you make, the stronger spark you need to keep the fire where it needs to be. Just my .02..
 
Last edited: May 31, 2015
P

powerstroke987

New Member
May 18, 2015
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Jun 1, 2015
#14
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #14
i just did a high compression 351w swap and i would have to say if im doing it again i would go with a power adder over the high compression maybe even stick with the 5.0 block. ive had a lot of headaches just to get the motor in the engine bay
 
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TOOLOW91

If you're the village idiot what's that make me?
20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 29, 1999
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Jun 1, 2015
#15
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #15
Daily driver car ? HCI and enjoy it . OR leave it stock and put a blower on it. The reliability will still very much be intact.

If sky is the limit. Well an 8.2 deck dart block stroker with a custom cam etc etc but thats a can of worms that you must be ready for. and have a DD . Look at my progress thread if your bored.
 
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Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
13
Jun 1, 2015
#16
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #16
A5literMan said:
If you have an all stock lower mileage motor and it's running well AND you daily drive it I would recommend keeping it that way. Now I am a "there is never enough power" kind of person so that advise is against my normal answer. It just sounds like to me you'd enjoy the "simple" durability of a stock setup.
The basic head/cam/intake/timing chain/throttle body/MAF/ bigger fuel pump and injectors etc is an option if you want more power. Or you could add the basic Vortech blower kit with the proper fuel system. These will add plenty of extra power with relatively descent reliability.
Click to expand...
 

Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
13
Jun 1, 2015
#17
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #17
A5literMan said:
If you have an all stock lower mileage motor and it's running well AND you daily drive it I would recommend keeping it that way. Now I am a "there is never enough power" kind of person so that advise is against my normal answer. It just sounds like to me you'd enjoy the "simple" durability of a stock setup.
The basic head/cam/intake/timing chain/throttle body/MAF/ bigger fuel pump and injectors etc is an option if you want more power. Or you could add the basic Vortech blower kit with the proper fuel system. These will add plenty of extra power with relatively descent reliability.
Click to expand...

Well that is exactly what my engine is a stock lower mileage and since I changed the whole cooling sytstem on it. My fox has been running fine. ok!! yeah thank you!! I am just getting ideas right now! I will let you know what I decide!! haha

I think for right now I will just finish my exhaust system and focus on suspension (shocks, struts..etc) what do you think?
 
Last edited: Jun 1, 2015

Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
13
Jun 1, 2015
#18
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #18
hoopty5.0 said:
I did indeed, for about 4 months. It drives great now, but maaaaan. Getting it there was an ordeal.
Click to expand...
I would love to hear your story!!! Because mine gave me a little bit of challenge too but hes driving great now!!!
 

Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
13
Jun 1, 2015
#19
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #19
mikestang63 said:
the stock ingition and coil are more than enough for 500 hp. I think that has you covered
Click to expand...
haha!! yeah for sure!!!
 

Miss5.0

Member
Apr 11, 2015
17
1
13
Jun 1, 2015
#20
  • Jun 1, 2015
  • #20
TOOLOW91 said:
Daily driver car ? HCI and enjoy it . OR leave it stock and put a blower on it. The reliability will still very much be intact.

If sky is the limit. Well an 8.2 deck dart block stroker with a custom cam etc etc but thats a can of worms that you must be ready for. and have a DD . Look at my progress thread if your bored.
Click to expand...
Thanks jeff!!! I will definately check it out!!
 
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