Hello Everybody,
Introduction
I've recently picked my project car back up. A 1988 LX 5.0 Mustang that’s been in my family for over 30 years! It was also my first car back in high school (2012), and it holds a lot of sentimental value. Now, I’m aiming to finally complete the build over the next few months.
I started this project over 10 years ago and picked up various parts along the way. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep the best records at the time, but I’ll list everything I know as clearly as possible below.
Let me know if anyone wants more info or has advice on next steps. Open to all feedback. Especially around prepping a long-stored motor or if transitioning from speed density to mass air flow is recommended or needed? Especially if I want to add an entry-level Vortech system. I also have no clue what kind of fuel injectors I should get.
Background on the Car:
This ’88 LX 5.0 has been in my family since day one, bought new by my dad in 1988, and only passed between him, my uncle, and me. It was my first car in high school back in 2012. It's been sitting for over 7 years, and I’ve recently started bringing it back to life.
Last month, I changed the fuel tank and pump, topped off all fluids, and was able to get it running. To my surprise, it fires up on the first or second crank!
Thanks for reading!
Car Details
Current Motor Build Status
My goal is to build the motor with an eventual plan to add an entry-level Vortech supercharger. Here’s what I have so far:
**Weekend cruiser
Parts Installed (As best as I can remember)
I changed the shocks and struts years ago, but I cant recall the brand. Nothing to brag about. if anything i would love to get adjustables or go sliglhy lower. This can be done later down the road.
Gears
Rebuilt stock T5 tranny with stock gears. ( I would love to throw in 3.55 gears later down the road.)
Stock Clutch system - This will be swapped for a hydraulic clutch system. I hate the fact that the stock clutch feels like a workout for my left leg lol.
Introduction
I've recently picked my project car back up. A 1988 LX 5.0 Mustang that’s been in my family for over 30 years! It was also my first car back in high school (2012), and it holds a lot of sentimental value. Now, I’m aiming to finally complete the build over the next few months.
I started this project over 10 years ago and picked up various parts along the way. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep the best records at the time, but I’ll list everything I know as clearly as possible below.
Let me know if anyone wants more info or has advice on next steps. Open to all feedback. Especially around prepping a long-stored motor or if transitioning from speed density to mass air flow is recommended or needed? Especially if I want to add an entry-level Vortech system. I also have no clue what kind of fuel injectors I should get.
Background on the Car:
This ’88 LX 5.0 has been in my family since day one, bought new by my dad in 1988, and only passed between him, my uncle, and me. It was my first car in high school back in 2012. It's been sitting for over 7 years, and I’ve recently started bringing it back to life.
Last month, I changed the fuel tank and pump, topped off all fluids, and was able to get it running. To my surprise, it fires up on the first or second crank!
Thanks for reading!
Car Details
- Year/Model: 1988 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 (Hatchback)
- Color: Light Spiral Gray
- Mileage: 100,000+ miles
- Computer: Speed Density (no mass air conversion)
Current Motor Build Status
My goal is to build the motor with an eventual plan to add an entry-level Vortech supercharger. Here’s what I have so far:
**Weekend cruiser
- Block: Used Ford 302 block
- Sent to the machine shop years ago for cleaning and boring
- Now a 306 (bored over)
- Fully assembled and torqued but it’s been sitting in the garage untouched for the past 7+ years
Parts Installed (As best as I can remember)
- Cam: Mild E303 cam (by COMP)
- Headers: BBK equal-length shorty headers
- Intake manifold: Edelbrock Performer RPM II upper and lower
- Heads: Edelbrock Performer heads (Part #: 6025, CARB #: D-215-33 MAK 95)
- Pistons: Flat top pistons (brand/specs unknown)
- Rockers: Blue roller rockers (brand/specs unknown - The heads of the bolts are stamped with TUZ, 12.9, but I can't find them online)
- 255 LPH Fuel Pump (Jegs)
- Throttle Body w/ spacer 80mm (Stack Racing)
I changed the shocks and struts years ago, but I cant recall the brand. Nothing to brag about. if anything i would love to get adjustables or go sliglhy lower. This can be done later down the road.
Gears
Rebuilt stock T5 tranny with stock gears. ( I would love to throw in 3.55 gears later down the road.)
Stock Clutch system - This will be swapped for a hydraulic clutch system. I hate the fact that the stock clutch feels like a workout for my left leg lol.
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