Engine Upgrades?

Fargo5.0 · Jul 23, 2016

I recently purchased an all stock '88 GT with approx 84k miles. I drove it home about 300 miles after purchasing it. It runs strong and the transmission is in good shape.

It's never going to be a car I'll use at the track but would like to increase the power and overall performance. Since I'm new to the game I do have a couple of questions....

I understand that this will be a long process for me but I'd also like to get the best bang for the buck in the shortest amount of time. What is the best way to approach engine performance? I'd like to start with some BBK headers and then purchase an engine kit, either by Edelbrock or Trickflow that already have the main components that I want like the aluminum heads and improved intake?

Is that the most appropriate route to take or is there something else you all would recommend? Thank you all in advance for your advice for a newbie.

ranger5652888 · Jul 23, 2016

I see your name Fargo,take it you line in Fargo ND. I live out by DL and worked auto parts in Fargo for 16 years but what I'm getting to is when it comes to the engine go see the guys at Quality engine.
Most guys with the older 5.0 will bolt on the basic headers and pipes,cold air intake and go from there,when adding a intake you have to sit back and see where you want to be with the engine so you don't end up buying twice or even 3 times the same part because you need to update,figure out what you want the engine to do and go from there.

mikestang63 · Jul 23, 2016

First thing to do is suspension and brakes before any power upgrades

Go to the Maximum Motorsports website and do some research
subframe connectors are a must
Their brake upgrade kit with better pads, shoes, SS lines and caliper bushings are a great upgrade
A good set of replacement struts and shocks like Koni, Tokico will make the car ride better.

Then,, I would replace the stock alternator with a 130 amp 3g. The stock one is barely adequete and is a fire harzard

Performance
3.55 gears best bang for the buck performance mod
A 70mm Mass Air Meter from a 94-95 mustang is a cheap upgrade to the stock 55mm
LT Headers on as stock motor maybe 15 hp and not worth it. Shorty headers 0 benefit
I'd get a good catback system
Don't waste your money on underdrive pulleys or aftermarket CAI's .

Best thing I can say is

what are your goals- daily driver, weekend warrior,
what is your budget
what is your mechanical ability

Fargo5.0 · Jul 23, 2016

I understand about the sfc, and suspension which I'm addressing currently. I'm speaking only to power upgrades. I'd say my ultimate budget for engine upgrades is $3,500-$4,000. My mechanical ability is very limited so I'd probably look to a shop to perform the major upgrades.

Ultimately I'd like to drive this car a lot during the warmer months but I also have a daily driver so it would get a mix of use during the summer months.

Fargo5.0 · Jul 23, 2016

ranger5652888 said:
I see your name Fargo,take it you line in Fargo ND. I live out by DL and worked auto parts in Fargo for 16 years but what I'm getting to is when it comes to the engine go see the guys at Quality engine.
Most guys with the older 5.0 will bolt on the basic headers and pipes,cold air intake and go from there,when adding a intake you have to sit back and see where you want to be with the engine so you don't end up buying twice or even 3 times the same part because you need to update,figure out what you want the engine to do and go from there.

Can I order the parts through them and they'll do the installation or would I be able to get them cheaper myself and go to them for the labor?

a91what · Jul 23, 2016

Always purchase the parts yourself. Saves a ton of money.... don't doubt yourself on ability.... the first time I ever rebuilt an engine was with little more than a few basic tools. Socket set (3/8 drive), wrench set, assorted pliers, and a torque wrench (3/8 drive)... I was 19 and did it all myself without any help and very little prior knowledge. The only weapon in my corner was a Chiltons manual.

That said LMR (late model restoration) has some great top end kits that will fit your budget.
https://lmr.com/item/TFS-K514350370/1987-93-Mustang-50L-Trick-Flow-Street-Burner-Top-End-Kit-Slv

They even have a kit that is cheaper. 2100$ it's an off brand kit but gets decent reviews.

mikestang63 · Jul 23, 2016

Vortech V3

Fargo5.0 · Jul 23, 2016

a91what said:
Always purchase the parts yourself. Saves a ton of money.... don't doubt yourself on ability.... the first time I ever rebuilt an engine was with little more than a few basic tools. Socket set (3/8 drive), wrench set, assorted pliers, and a torque wrench (3/8 drive)... I was 19 and did it all myself without any help and very little prior knowledge. The only weapon in my corner was a Chiltons manual.

That said LMR (late model restoration) has some great top end kits that will fit your budget.
https://lmr.com/item/TFS-K514350370/1987-93-Mustang-50L-Trick-Flow-Street-Burner-Top-End-Kit-Slv

They even have a kit that is cheaper. 2100$ it's an off brand kit but gets decent reviews.

What is the consensus on Trick Flow as far as quality?

Mstng93SSP · Jul 23, 2016

Trick flow is good stuff.

A5literMan · Jul 23, 2016

With 4K budget for just engine performance is a good starting spot. The trick low top end kit is a quality setup. It has all the needed parts for producing around 350-360 flywheel hp(around 280-300rwhp). It also leaves enough money for the needed supporting mods needed to produce a properly operating motor. You would still need to upgrade the MAF meter(75-80mm Pro-m),a cai,a bigger fuel pump(190lph minimum-I would just use a Walboro 255lph),bigger fuel injecters(stock are 19# per hour-you will need 24-30's-I recommend the 30's),and while shorty headers don't really add any power, I would upgrade there also. That also would include mid pipes(h or X pipes with or without cats) and a good cat back exhaust system. I like Flowmaster systems but there are a lot of quality kits available.

Now also with this being an 88' you're going to need to convert to a MAF computer(86-88 are speed density and do not tolerate extra air flow/lumpy idles,etc). You can possibly have a good dyno tuner burn a custom chip/dyno tune with the existing system but you would have to trailer the car there. It wouldn't be drivable to get there. There are other tuning/computer options but that is a longer discussion.

With all the extras you will need for the car to operate correctly and make good power you're probably going to go over that budget. That doesn't include and labor costs you may incure. The computer system/fuel system has to be done if you're going to increase the motors power levels. If you're paying for labor I would estimate your final budget needs to be closer to 7500$ for a completed build.

ranger5652888 · Jul 23, 2016

Fargo5.0 said:
Can I order the parts through them and they'll do the installation or would I be able to get them cheaper myself and go to them for the labor?

I had my own cam,pistons,alum heads and a few other items but they ordered the bearings,rods and some other little things but I'm sure you can bring all your own parts in and they will machine and instal for you,they are really easy to work with,just let them know what you want to do,they charged me around 1600 for everything they did and the assembly of motor/long block,I left happy..should add all thier engine bolts and such are ARP and they build a lot of performance engines,they know their stuff.

Jersey Joe · Jul 23, 2016

I went with the Trickflow kit and all the supporting mods, which I'm currently right in the middle of doing. 4,200 bucks for everything pictured and that was on sale during black friday. It seems supercharged or turbo's give you alot of bang for the buck, but I'm old school ( not to mention old) so I went top end.

mikestang63 · Jul 23, 2016

Jersey Joe said:
I went with the Trickflow kit and all the supporting mods, which I'm currently right in the middle of doing. 4,200 bucks for everything pictured and that was on sale during black friday. It seems supercharged or turbo's give you alot of bang for the buck, but I'm old school ( not to mention old) so I went top end.

Hope you also bought a new SFI approved balancer

What MAF are you running

Jersey Joe · Jul 23, 2016

BBK 76mm billet for 24 lb injectors, accufab 75mm throttle body.

Fargo5.0 · Jul 25, 2016

Jersey Joe said:
I went with the Trickflow kit and all the supporting mods, which I'm currently right in the middle of doing. 4,200 bucks for everything pictured and that was on sale during black friday. It seems supercharged or turbo's give you alot of bang for the buck, but I'm old school ( not to mention old) so I went top end.

Where did you purchase?

90sickfox · Jul 25, 2016

Super charge that biot !!!! Seriously, the suoerchargers aren't hard to install don't require a rebuild and make lots of streetable power. Either way you'll need a tune to run the most efficient and other things ....like injectors, fuel pump, and larger radiator. Install is easier than a full top end kit...and able to do with basic tools.

Fargo5.0 · Jul 25, 2016

90sickfox said:
Super charge that biot !!!! Seriously, the suoerchargers aren't hard to install don't require a rebuild and make lots of streetable power. Either way you'll need a tune to run the most efficient and other things ....like injectors, fuel pump, and larger radiator. Install is easier than a full top end kit...and able to do with basic tools.

I think for similar money, I'd like to do the kit as it would be a simultaneous major engine upgrade and a major power increase rather than just a bolt-on. A SC would always be an option afterward but I suppose with that I'd be approaching or exceeding max HP that the block and transmission could handle.

90sickfox · Jul 25, 2016

Fargo5.0 said:
I think for similar money, I'd like to do the kit as it would be a simultaneous major engine upgrade and a major power increase rather than just a bolt-on. A SC would always be an option afterward but I suppose with that I'd be approaching or exceeding max HP that the block and transmission could handle.

Good point.

mikestang63 · Jul 25, 2016

Fargo5.0 said:
I think for similar money, I'd like to do the kit as it would be a simultaneous major engine upgrade and a major power increase rather than just a bolt-on. A SC would always be an option afterward but I suppose with that I'd be approaching or exceeding max HP that the block and transmission could handle.

Completely disagree. A supercharger on an otherwise stock engine will add about 75-100 hp, about the same as a HCI upgrade, and you get into the boost it will drive like a stocker. Plus if you decide to then an HCI, you can most likely use the same blower or just change the pulley to adjust the boost accordingly. Many people including myself push over 400 to the rear wheels on a stock block with both a Vortech and HCI. It all depends in build and tune.

a91what · Jul 25, 2016

^^^^^^^ same here and my setup is mild....ish....

Ported gt40 heads (heads from an 96 explorer)
Ancient technology -e303 cam
(Before my intake swap) explorer intake....
6psi at 5300rpm..... 400ish rwhp....

Engine Upgrades?

Fargo5.0

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You have a nice rear end there Dave.

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At least it is lumpy...

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I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

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I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

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Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

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You have a nice rear end there Dave.

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Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

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