Parts/upgrades, difference between 87-93, 86?

[Rdrcr]

Since buying my '86 GT early this month I have been looking at different sources for parts and upgrades. I notice that most of these parts are for the 87-93 year models. Heck, even Ford Racing engines are for 87-93? What is the difference? Especially concerning suspension and brakes, as those are in need of upgrading.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[gerzen]

about the engine the 86 have a different cylinder heads, and have a flat top pistons, if you are going to change the heads you need to check very careful the valve piston clearence, about the suspension i think is the same the only diference is both stabilizer bars and the fron brakes disc are bigger in the 87-93 stangs, if you need and specification see the link below:

http://www.jason.fletcher.net/tech/specifications/specs2.htm

 

[Daggar]

The differences in chasis are minor. Just about anything for an 87+ with also work on an 86.

The primary differences (aside form asthetics) are the brakes, struts, and piston/head arrangement in the motor.

Putting 87+ struts and brakes on an 86 is a weekend job. The brake upgrade kits that you see for 87+ will also fit an 86. You'll need to swap over to the 87+ style struts. The bolt spacing at the bottom of the strut is different, is all.

 

[Hickfied]

Body bolts on the 86 will be standard, 87-93 will be metric.

pretty much everything is the same, except everything on the 86 performs less.

 

[Rdrcr]

Thanks for the info guys, it really helps me understand this car much better.

Gerzen, thanks for the link. What I don't comprehend regarding the engine, is that they say "complete" engines are for 87-93. I would think that with a complete engine there would be no problem with dropping it in the 86 GT. At that point, the piston/head combination is no longer an issue. That is where my confusion exists.

Mike

 

[gerzen]

Yeah that should not be a problem like you said if you change the all engine why you can´t install it in a 86 fox. that are wrong.

 

[Daggar]

I think that what they are referring to with the motor is perhaps the lack of mass air for the crate motors. It only half makes sense though, considering 87 and 88 cars were SD as well. If you decide to run one of those crate motors, you will most certainly need to swap from speed density to mass air. None of the cams (save the E-cam under certain circumstances) are SD friendly.

Otherwise, those crate motors are a drop in fit. There are only subtle differences in the engine bay. None of which, are things that you would notice during an engine swap.

Side note: If you decide to convert to mass air, I've discovered that it's best to convert your SD harness rather than swap in a 16 year old+ mass air harness from another car. PARTICULARLY if your SD harness is in good shape. Strange things happen to old electrical harnesses when yo uremove them from one car and bend, twist, and pull them into another. The other option is buy a brand new harness from someone like Ford Fuel Injection. Just thought I'd toss that out there.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
What makes the cams not compatible with speed density? Which cam is the E-cam and why does it work at times?

One of the reasons I don't want to convert to mass air is because it would complicate the purchase of a KB.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

The engine questions are to cure my curiousity. However, I am interested in adding roller rockers, new valve springs, and push rods. Are there any problems with 1.7 or 1.72 ratio rockers and the special '86 heads and valve cover clearance? Which rockers work? Is Ford my only source for valve springs for the factory cam? I hate the thought of running an engine with old springs with over 100K miles.

Thanks again,

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Any information or links that can help with these question? I'm a sponge for information right now!

Mike