Starting fresh....help me spend some $$$$

[arbailey]

I am in the process of replacing the engine in my '88 coupe. It still has SD and I'd like to try and keep it but I'm not married to it. The parameters are these, I have a MAX spending budget of $5,000. That has to include anything and everything (including if the new engine necessitates a clutch or trans upgrade, etc...) The car has 140k and is using oil like crazy. My first thought was to go carbed with a crate engine. My second thought was a new short block from Downs Ford, Thumper heads, Tmoss intake, and an entry level blower. Last option is the Downs short block topped witht either the Trick Flow Specialties or Edelbrock top end kits (which apparently require Mass Air Conversion). What do you guys think?

 

[wild86stang]

Well it depends on what shape your block is in. Since you didn't list rebuilding it as an option I'm guessing you don't consider that an option. I wouldn't go with a crate, although some may disagree. You can build more power for the same price. Since you need to stay in a budget, a blower might be pricey. But if you have the money it's a tough call between the blower and the Trick Flow kit (go with that over Edelbrock). I would do the Trick Flow route myself and get a decent blower later, but thats just me. Also, speed density probably won't like a cam or heads so you might want to at least consider the conversion. Good luck.

 

[wild86stang]

Reading through your current mods, you will probably need to go to 24lb injectors anyway if you stay fuel injected, so you might as well spring for the MAF conversion. I would include a nice clutch in your budget. If your trans is fine than leave it for later (those get pricey). I think you can get by under 5 grand easily depending on how much those short blocks are.

 

[BadAndy]

you could go to the autowrecking and buy a good explorer motor that sounds good and does not smoke, and use the explorer heads and intake---- or buy a 331 stroker kit and put it in your motor with a trick flow top end that way you would have a trick flow stroker motor

 

[gcwh02]

i would do two ideas for the shortblock, use your stock on and get it freshened up, bored out a little and throw a stroker bottom end in it. up or spring for something like a CHP 331 shortblock for i think somewhere around $2300. Get trickflow kit for $2200, and you still have $500 to spring for 80mm MAF and 75mm TB(can look on ebay for also). You will need 24lb injectors and a bigger fuel pump which can also be purchased off ebay if you like. Now that is with you assembling the top end kit, with some mechanical knowlegde it is not hard, there are many threads and guides to show you how to do it. That should be all you need. Stick with your stock air intake, throw a K&N in if you havent and call it a day, or two or three. You might go just a tad over your 5g's but it would be a sick cheap street combo.

 

[2000xp8]

I know of a wrecking yard by me in jackson that will likely have all the Maf parts.

Me personally, i'd probably get the replacement cobra shortblock, which is what? $1300?.
Canton pan and windage tray setup $500
Track heat heads $1300
Custom Cam $350
Rpm intake $450
24's and 80mm pro m meter $400
Accufab TB and spacer $250

Search used stuff, and you can save alot, and likely get this done for under or around $5000

Search used, and you can save about $1000.

I think having your current engine rebuilt would destroy the budget. A good rotating assembly is at least $800, then expect to pay $1000 in machine shop costs and labor to assemble it.

Do NOT skimp on the oil pan, windage and cam, These are parts that are not easily changed with the engine in the car.

 

[gcwh02]

I know of a wrecking yard by me in jackson that will likely have all the Maf parts.

Me personally, i'd probably get the replacement cobra shortblock, which is what? $1300?.
Canton pan and windage tray setup $500
Track heat heads $1300
Custom Cam $350
Rpm intake $450
24's and 80mm pro m meter $400
Accufab TB and spacer $250

Search used stuff, and you can save alot, and likely get this done for under or around $5000

Search used, and you can save about $1000.

I think having your current engine rebuilt would destroy the budget. A good rotating assembly is at least $800, then expect to pay $1000 in machine shop costs and labor to assemble it.

Do NOT skimp on the oil pan, windage and cam, These are parts that are not easily changed with the engine in the car.

I think this is a great way to go also, i didnt know the cobra shortblock was this cheap, but dont forget roller rockers, pushrods, lifters, yada yada

 

[tmoss]

you could go to the autowrecking and buy a good explorer motor that sounds good and does not smoke, and use the explorer heads and intake----

 

[Modular2v]

the hell with maf conversion! throw a carb on there and save yourself a TON of money