Need help on my 87 5.0GT!

[87_stang]

I have an 87 GT Stang and am whitching to carbureted and need a little help. First is what all can I take out of my engine compartment? I want it to be as clean as possible. I am using the same engine I have now (87-currently efi), can I use the alternator i currently have now or does it have to be swapped out for an older style like just a two wire alt. What about my ignition? I know I cant use what is in it now but not sure about finding what will work. I have a full internal set of 351W components(crank cam rods/pistons that are in new condition, and was wandering about the size of the pistons from the 351compared to those of my 5.0, can my engine be bored to accept those? How about the crank? Also what will be the best cam setup for this project? I have stock heads that have been ported and polished but no major head work. Those will be shipped out to be reworked also, I cant afford performance heads right now so I would like to get what I can out of what I got. Will swapping to carbureted effect my power brakes at all? Any help would be very appreciated.

 

[87_stang]

:SNSign:

 

[srothfuss]

Search and ye shall see the 100's of threads on this topic. In fact there was one in the talk section just the other day.

You can pitch as much stuff as you want. All you need for the car to work is Fuel, Air and Ingnition.

That means you can dump;
Smog
AC
Heater
Power Steering
Water Pump (you'll need electrical replacment)
Mechanical fan (again, you'll need an electrical replacment)
Seats
Carpet
Lights
Hood
Sway Bars
Did I say Smog and AC yet?
Computer
Plastic trim parts

you will need to swap out
1985 Distributor from a Mustang GT w/ manual trans

 

[Euphoric306]

just wondering... why the water pump?

 

[87_stang]

:SNSign:Heres some pics of what i'm working with.

 

[87_stang]

Does anyone have or know where I can get a good deal on some taillight covers/lenses? Dont matter if GT or LX. The previous owner busted them all up and siliconed them back together. Found that out when pulling them off for body work. Also need windshield wiper brackets that run from the wiper motor to the wipers.

 

[srothfuss]

just wondering... why the water pump?

It was a suggestion to loose weight. He said he wanted his car to be lighter... Basically anything that isn't computer controlled can stay on the car.

 

[87_stang]

How about my alternator I have now? Will it have to be switched out for an older style? What about the power breaks?

 

[87_stang]

What do you all think of that color? I painted it last spring but not completely satisfied with a few spots on the bodywork so gonna redo it. Its a midnight metallic blue, looks good in the light but don't go at all with red interior. The car was yellow but that dont look good either. Already had a maroon GT so want something different than that. Thought about a red with black dual 15 inch stripes with about 3/4 inch space in between. What do you all think of that? Any one have pics of something similar?

 

[tjm73]

I am using the same engine I have now (87-currently efi), can I use the alternator i currently have now or does it have to be swapped out for an older style like just a two wire alt.

Yes you can use the alt you have now.

I have a full internal set of 351W components(crank cam rods/pistons that are in new condition, and was wandering about the size of the pistons from the 351compared to those of my 5.0, can my engine be bored to accept those? How about the crank?

No, you can't put those parts into a 302 block.

Will swapping to carbureted effect my power brakes at all?

It should not as long as you maintain a vaccum signal from the engine to the brake booster.

Also what will be the best cam setup for this project?

I wouldn't bother changing the cam yet. You need a lot more than ported factory heads to justify a cam swap. The factory cam can support up to around 400 horsepower at the crank with AFR 165's, A weiand Stealth intake and a 625 demon carb.

 

[87_stang]

Anything I can do to my stock heads to justify getting a cam? (ie:larger valves etc?) I really like the sound of B-E series cams but cant afford to drop $1500 into aluminum heads right now. That will definitely be in the future along with stroker kit or overbore.

 

[tjm73]

Anything I can do to my stock heads to justify getting a cam? (ie:larger valves etc?) I really like the sound of B-E series cams but cant afford to drop $1500 into aluminum heads right now. That will definitely be in the future along with stroker kit or overbore.

The difference in power with a B or E cam will not be much, but there is no reason to NOT change it if you are looking for "the sound". I, in fact, have a B303 in my stock headed 5.0. Sounds awesome, runs as good or better than stock. In hind sight, had I known then, what I know now, I wouldn't have changed it. I would spend the money on something else.

 

[87_stang]

Thanks, yeah as far as the cam goes right now it would be pretty much just for sound but it would also come in useful down the road when i do some more major upgrading in the engine and heads If I do use a b303 can I use my original lifters, pushrods springs etc.? For the time being atleast?

Just got the inside of the car almost striped out, all but the front carpet and dash! Bout time to put it in the paint shop so I get started with the fun stuff! OH BOY! Painting is pretty fun cause ya get to watch it go from ugly to shine but the prep sucks for the most part. Need help deciding on colors!!!