What do you truely know about the speed density cars? The fact that a stock engined SD car can run 12's? They are around. The speed density cars are a couple tenths quicker in stock form than the MAF cars, and they have more aggressive computers. They can also take heads, mild cams, intakes, and other mods with the addition of an adjustable fuel pressure regulator? In other words, it's possible to get mid 12's N/A out of the Speed Density cars without too much difficulty. So don't let ease of modification get involved into the decision. Upgrading to MAF is a relatively inexpensive modification when you finally need to do it.
As far as the 89-92, I would personally look for a 91-92. With the upgraded wheels it will be easier to get better tires, and the additional space in the fenderwells for the front wheels makes fitting larger tires less likely to rub. Also the 1990+ 5.0's got stronger T-5 manuals 300ft/lbs vs 265ft/lbs for the 1985-1989. I would stay away from the AOD if you want to go fast on the street cheap.
Now onto the GT vs LX comparo. The GT weighs a whopping 20lbs more than a comparable LX. The GT hatch only weighs 80lbs more than an LX coupe. That is less than a single tenth in the 1/4 mile. The coupe is more rigid than the hatch, but add a set of subframe connectors and weld the torque boxes and a hatch should really stiffen up.
Hypereutic cast pistons vs forged pistons. The hypers are lighter, and because of that on a engine vs engine comparison they would make more power. The 1993 GT was re-rated at 205hp according to Ford because of a new rating system. Quite frankly, that is a line of bull. The 1987 5.0 was the ONLY year between 1987-1992 that the engine was rated. Instead, MAF, weaker computers, camshaft revisions, silencer revisions, and other slight changes were made while the ratings just carried over. The 93's were usually underperformers, but they are also usually saddled with very weak computers. The pistons did not cause a loss of power. While forged pistons are stronger, the hypers are plenty strong for most applications. Still, if you can do better by avoiding the 93's weak computer, hyper pistons, and loss of the high back buckets, I would.
|