5.0L Upgrades.....Best bang for my buck(or two)!

[speedfreak]

Originally Posted by Car Guy

I was hoping you could do that, now all I have to do is find a mustang motor. I'm going to pass on the 351W idea although it would be pretty cool combo; it's just a lot more than I want to do. Besides I can't find anyone that has attempted something like that with a car like mine and don't feel like trying, a mustang is a different story. I think the mustang 5.0 will be more than enough power, especially if I do all the bolt-on stuff. I'm having the transmission rebuilt real soon and I'm wondering if the mustang and the marquis differs at all, I'm guessing yes. Where can I find a GOOD mustang motor with decent miles on it? I did find one on e-bay with 77k out of a 93' GT. Besides the pistons, which I don't think will matter in my case, is there anything else I need to look out for?

I'm not sure, but the '80s fullsize Ford assenger cars might have been available with a 351W...

If you think your Merc is peppy with 150hp, then a 75hp boost from a stock 5.0 HO should make you really grin. Full exhaust(2.5" with headers), a good air filter, 73mm+ MAF, and 65-70mm TB will get you somewhere around 20-25 on top of that. As far as the transmissions go, I dont know what the Merc or if its the same as a Fox3 chassis's AOD. With an engine out of a 'stang, you'll need the computer too(if for no other reason than to do the mass air swap), distributor, and snagging the flexplate and torque converter wouldnt hurt provided they will work with your trans. As for getting the engine, look locally first. Dont get one covered with dirt and oil. From my experience and observation, the dirtier a 5.0 engine is, the more miles or abuse it has seen.

Another consideration is an enigne out of a '96-2000(2001?) V8 Exlorer. They already have GT-40 or GT-40P heads and the equivalent to a Cobra intake. '98+ engines do not have EGR passages, so keep that in mind if you have emissions testing.

[Car Guy]

What does the 'p' stand for after the the GT-40 notation. You were right about my marquis coming with a 351W, I found one at a boneyard, but I don't think the made too may of them. Too bad the intake had been taken off and rained in for years(Rust in Pieces). Do you know what the Exploders were rated at?

Thanks,
Justin

[Car Guy]

It was actually a Country Squire(same difference) that had the 351W but it was earlier 80's.

[speedfreak]

I dont know what the P stands for, but I take it to mean that you'll need to have Thermactor holes drilled(if you want to stay 50-state legal) and special headers to clear the sparkplugs(none of which are smog legal). Regular GT-40 heads bolt on in place of nearly any 302 heads with pedestal valvetrain whereas the GT-40P will bolt on, but need the special considerations above.

The 96-97 V8 Explorers have GT-40 heads while later than that used GT-40Ps. They were rated around 210hp @ 4600rpm, but that is largely due to the cam. Put a Mustang or nearly any aftermarket cam in there and you're looking at a 40-60hp gain.

[Car Guy]

Is that what you were getting at earlier in the post when you mentioned about the EGR valve delete. As far as the emissions I have it titled in a non-testing county, (shhhh don't tell anyone!) So emissions is not a concern. I actually looked at a 99' Exploder 5.0L this morning when I was at the boneyard, but I lost interest when they wanted $1,400.00 for the motor w/ 37k miles. I think I'm just going to take it slow and see what comes my way. I'll let you know if I come across anything.

Thanks again for all the info!

Thanks,
Justin