83 5.0 ho (good motor? Hp rating?)

[cantdrive55]

I just picked up a junk 83 for parts, just need the rear end for a later model that I want to race. I ran the vin and it said this car has a HO motor, is this a good motor? Were they all HO? What is the motor rated at? Anyone know where I may find info on this car/motor?

Thanx

[HiFlow5 0]

The HO is better then the standard 5.0 motor. The 83 302 H.O. is rated at 175 hp at 4000 rpms.

[cantdrive55]

Where is the peak torque and hp? Any good tune tips to squeeze out a few more ponies?

[HiFlow5 0]

Hum, interesting. My second source differs from my first, but is known to be more reliable.

This is for a four-barrel carb, I don't have #'s for a two-barrel.
HP-175@4200 rpms
Torque-245@2400 rpms

For starters a new intake manifold and better carb are a must, that would help out quite a bit.
Heads from an 87+ 5.0 HO would be a lot better, or even a set of GT40-P heads off an explorer would be nice.
If you really wanted to get crazy, convert to a roller cam motor with a nice cam, then do all the above.

[cantdrive55]

hmm, my motor is throttle body injected...I can't do anything major to it to stay within the rules...It has to be more or less stock so no carbs or intakes. I was just looking for some little things really, like I'm told on the 87-up 5.0's the preheat line can be rerouted to give extra hp (?)
Thanx though.

[HiFlow5 0]

I was not aware that the 83 crown vics were EFI. when you say pre heat lines, do you mean the two that attach to either side of the TB? If so, you will not gain any hp by rerouting them, they serve a purpose to cool in coming air. The heat from the coolant lines, is far less then the heat the TB/manifold will create.

So you want cheap tricks then.
-Remove the air silencer that is in line before the air filter, usually located in the fender well.
-Advance ignition timing. Stock should be 10*, advancing anywhere from 12*-18*, before detonation occurs.
-By pass the power steering and AC (if equipped) with a short belt or idler pulley.
-Aftermarket air filter, K&N usually
-Underdrive pulleys, or a race crank pulley.