• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

" is it worth the trouble "

  • Thread starter Thread starter dartvader
  • Start date Start date Jan 5, 2008

dartvader

Member
Nov 18, 2006
61
0
6
Aruba
Jan 5, 2008
#1
  • Jan 5, 2008
  • #1
a friend of mine gave an decent offer on my AFR 165, not that they are for sale but I tought maybe if he wants them I can go with the 185 and have my performer rpm ported by T- Moss or get a Holley intake.
what do you guys think is it worth the trouble et wise ??
and yes i have notched flattop pistons........
 

BlackVert

15 Year Member
Oct 3, 2003
5,589
9
98
Bethesda, MD
Jan 5, 2008
#2
  • Jan 5, 2008
  • #2
i have an engine building book where they put 185s on a 302 with a comp xe-282hr cam and a 750 carb and it made 450 hp on an engine dyno.
 

Grn92LX

Fidanza Man!
Founding Member
Jan 14, 2001
6,819
64
129
New York
Jan 5, 2008
#3
  • Jan 5, 2008
  • #3
Theres a lot of room for improvement with your plans BUT you will need another cam from Ed to maximize it and you'll probably need more gear and have your stall restalled. I believe Ed still has a trade in for cams, your old FTI cam + $150 gets you a new cam.

I think as it sits you have a nice combination. Any numbers on it?
 

dartvader

Member
Nov 18, 2006
61
0
6
Aruba
Jan 5, 2008
#4
  • Jan 5, 2008
  • #4
well I only got to go to the track once and only made one pass started raining,
13.09 with a 1.80 sixty foot,
this with 10* base timing 33*total
no underdrive pullies or short belt
and later found out the tune was a little rich
i think it would probably go high 12 but i have to wait till they open the track back in February.
sorry no dyno numbers
 

ProKiller

Founding Member
Apr 26, 2002
3,064
15
78
PA
Jan 7, 2008
#5
  • Jan 7, 2008
  • #5
i think i'd do it.
 

95CobraMike

Active Member
Apr 12, 2004
1,046
0
36
Lima OH
Jan 9, 2008
#6
  • Jan 9, 2008
  • #6
it depends on how much your friend is giving you I would do it.. but the again I like worling on my mustang
 

final5-0

Mustang Master
Apr 6, 2003
6,817
12
79
DFW Texas
Jan 9, 2008
#7
  • Jan 9, 2008
  • #7
Since you are one of Ed's customers

ASK HIM :Word:

Let us know what he says

Grady
 

dartvader

Member
Nov 18, 2006
61
0
6
Aruba
Jan 9, 2008
#8
  • Jan 9, 2008
  • #8
well Grady, the last time Ed was here we talked about it :Track:
he told me I would need another intake and it would work with this cam, he could make another cam for me if I wanted to make 100% benefit from the new setup = (more rpms and more gears )
I wanted to see if I could get some feedback from peeps that have actually done it.
but i'm probably going to end up doing it anyway ..
cause you know I like working on mustangs
 

final5-0

Mustang Master
Apr 6, 2003
6,817
12
79
DFW Texas
Jan 9, 2008
#9
  • Jan 9, 2008
  • #9
dartvader said:
well Grady, the last time Ed was here we talked about it :Track:
he told me I would need another intake and it would work with this cam, he could make another cam for me if I wanted to make 100% benefit from the new setup = (more rpms and more gears )
I wanted to see if I could get some feedback from peeps that have actually done it.
but i'm probably going to end up doing it anyway ..
cause you know I like working on mustangs
Click to expand...

OK I got some time to speculate

Lets compare the typical NA AFR165 head ... Edel intake ... FTI combo we
have all seen here

They've all produced about the same ... 300rwhp give or take a few
except
One that went 326

It did in fact have a ported lower ... so ... that is something to think about

1) You could pick up a bit more power without the head upgrade

Another option

2) Seems to me if you did the 185 heads AND either had your lower ported
or did a Holley intake ... you would gain more power than #1

however

#2 Would be a good bit of trouble and expense :Word:

I would wonder if it would be worth it

You know what ... I kinda see it like this

Kinda like a fellow who builds up a nice NA oem block based combo with
all OEM stuff such as GT40 heads, Cobra intake, & e-cam

He then decides to go to an all after market combo with the h/c/i,
same block, and stay NA

Sure ... More power ... but ... Is it worth it

I've often thought the best thing for me would be to sell my h/c/i as a
package for maximum return on my dollar spent.

Then do a combo that will make significantly more power such as an all
motor 347 or KB on my current OEM block.

I kinda see these combos as stepping stones

I wanna make sure my next step upward is one that delivers good power
for the amount of buck spent

So ... there you have it

I didn't do anything to help you
except
Ask the same question ... Is it worth it

Grady
 
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
704
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Saturday at 9:06 AM
gray owl
G
Which one of these 3 intakes make the most sense for my 331 combo
  • from6to8
  • Jul 25, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
7
Views
2K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jul 26, 2024
AeroCoupe
SN95 Desktop 363 Engine Combination - Looking for input
  • WhiteCobra95
  • Sep 8, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
11
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 6, 2025
Habu135
C
331 build power expectations?
  • clayton seiders
  • Sep 5, 2023
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Sep 7, 2023
FastDriver
Progress Thread Evolution of the 'Hudson Heap' plans (87 GT)
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Jan 5, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
29
Views
4K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 26, 2024
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific 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?