Got a project 89 LX need some help

Luker · 05-12-2006, 03:38 PM

Hello, i just got an 89 LX 5.0 that i liked but im new to the american car scene i was wondering if someone could explain to me what a stroker is? also been working out some bugs in the car but the one that bothers me the most is that the dash is a little a lose and the lights switch when i like take a pothole or the car jumps the lights go out, if someone could link me to a place where i could possibly buy the dash i would be eternally grateful.

Gotta say i love this car already (big difference from my celica) and i really want to fix her. Thanks for the help guys.

rwhite65 · 05-12-2006, 08:16 PM

A stroker is a car that the crank and rods have been swapped out. For example, a 5.0L ford that is now a 331. There are 347's and 408's which are some of the more popular ones. Lots of different versions out there.

Someone else will help you out with the links for the parts.
Ryan

Vamp89 · 05-13-2006, 10:31 AM

I'm about to post my other GT dash on ebay with some other stuff if your intrested

~The Jester~ · 05-13-2006, 04:45 PM

Ya went from a Celica to a Stroker Stang??? Dude, you are soooooo hooked, might as well have bought a crack pipe!

.
Strokers are just what Ryan said, a "stock" block with more STROKE and possibly a bigger bore. More cubes thanks to the longer stroke, thusly "stroker." And they also call them that cuz once you own one ya do alot of strokin on your own, cuz they absolutely RIP!!!!

Don't go off on a tangent and start buying parts. Hittin a bump a losing lights tells me a loose connector. FIRST place I would look is the headlight switch. Gonna find a BIG plug on the back side of it, I'll bet ya a donut that's where your problem is. Either that, or the headlight switch itself. That thing controls ALOT more stuff than people think it does.

And lastly...... Once you drive a Stang, escpecially a stroker, you're ruined for life. Trust me! But it's allllllll good!

WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE!!!!

Luker · 05-14-2006, 08:35 AM

Thanks for all the info guys. Im gonna check the headlight switch and see if something is lose and hope i can fix it. As for the stroker do they come as kits or do i gotta mix n match?

rwhite65 · 05-14-2006, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luker

Thanks for all the info guys. Im gonna check the headlight switch and see if something is lose and hope i can fix it. As for the stroker do they come as kits or do i gotta mix n match?

Generally, you are going to buy them as a kit. You can try to mix and match, but then you are going to have to worry about compatibility of the parts. Figure out what size of a motor you want, a little on the price, and we will get you pointed in the right direction.

Ryan

~The Jester~ · 05-15-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwhite65

Generally, you are going to buy them as a kit. You can try to mix and match, but then you are going to have to worry about compatibility of the parts. Figure out what size of a motor you want, a little on the price, and we will get you pointed in the right direction.

Ryan

YEP! What he said. Nothing personal, but a kit is the way to go for a beginner. It's like money in the bank (well, OUT of the bank! LOL) All parts come as a matched set, provided it's a reliable company. Although, we're currently working on a "junkyard" 393, just to see if it can be done. And so far, it's going really well!!! Looking to drop it into a 4th Gen GM F BODY!!! Just to piss people off. hehehehehe Big thing here is balance, and Ford is quite quirky with the 28.8 and 50 oz. imbalance. MOST of the strokers are the 28.8 oz variety, but you DO have to pay attention AT ALL TIMES.

Like Ryan said, let us know, we'll steer ya in the right direction.

Luker · 05-15-2006, 05:26 PM

Well my goal is 310-330 WHP so wich size would fit me best? as for the bucks well i got like a 5000 budget right now. You guys been great a help to a newbie thanks alot.

rwhite65 · 05-15-2006, 07:46 PM

With your goal range, a 302 would probably be all you need. But......I would bet once you start playing with these things.....your going to want more.

If you realistically think 330 is your top goal, go with the 331 or 347. Throw in a set of good aluminum heads...and have fun trashing the tires. This option will allow you the ability to grow in the future should you decide.

Ryan

~The Jester~ · 05-16-2006, 10:23 AM

For what you want (330HP) I'd go with the 331. Stay away from the 347, they absolutely SCREAM, but are short lived. The 331 is much more reliable, and will last longer. GOOD heads/cam/intake, and you're there bro! Actually, with a good combo like that, if you want 330 HP ya might have to yank off a spark plug wire or two.

Luker · 05-16-2006, 04:20 PM

Yeah i dont really want much more than 350hp as i plan on making my stang a daily driver. Can you guys hit me up with a link or place where i can buy the 330 Kit?. I tell you tough when i get my stang now i just grin before i even start because is a totally different experience. Well you guys have been alot of help thanks alot and expect me to ask a wholote lot of more dumb questions in the future

rwhite65 · 05-16-2006, 04:36 PM

Here is just a couple of quick places. I have never bought one off Ebay, but have had good luck on ebay in general.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SB-Fo...64620136QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...66320273QQrdZ1

Ryan

Luker · 01-14-2007, 10:08 AM

UPDATE:

Well i sold the 89 LX and got a 89 black gt with only 100k original miles. I rebuilt the lower end and went with a .40 bore (got it for free heh) now i ordered the Trickflow top end kit wich we will start putting togther tommorow.

Also got a holley 155 pump, 24lbs injectors, 70mm trot body, 73mm MAF, BBK Cold air intake. MSD electrical stuff and Longtube headers.

Also upgraded my rear end with some upper and lower control arms, Subframe connectors, Ford racing traction loc and some drag shocks.
This will be my daily driver but i would like to take it to the track sometimes, what gears do you recommend 4.10s or 3.73s?

How much hp can i expect when im done?

Thanks

rwhite65 · 01-14-2007, 01:06 PM

IF you do a lot of highway driving then maybe the 3.73. Personally, I would run 4.10's in everything I have. But....either gear is a good gear and will be an improvement over stock.
Ryan

bmxmon · 01-14-2007, 08:35 PM

what transmission are you running?

Luker · 01-15-2007, 04:52 AM

It's a rebuilt t5.

bmxmon · 01-17-2007, 01:33 AM

I would go with the 4.10's. Here is a cool website you can check out: http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/gear_calculator.html
Here is a link where you can download my favorite program; www.gearzone.net, its under RPM calculator. Good luck with your choice eh.

05-12-2006, 03:38 PM	#1
Luker Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 7	Got a project 89 LX need some help Hello, i just got an 89 LX 5.0 that i liked but im new to the american car scene i was wondering if someone could explain to me what a stroker is? also been working out some bugs in the car but the one that bothers me the most is that the dash is a little a lose and the lights switch when i like take a pothole or the car jumps the lights go out, if someone could link me to a place where i could possibly buy the dash i would be eternally grateful. Gotta say i love this car already (big difference from my celica) and i really want to fix her. Thanks for the help guys.

05-12-2006, 08:16 PM	#2
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help A stroker is a car that the crank and rods have been swapped out. For example, a 5.0L ford that is now a 331. There are 347's and 408's which are some of the more popular ones. Lots of different versions out there. Someone else will help you out with the links for the parts. Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

05-13-2006, 10:31 AM	#3
Vamp89 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 49	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help I'm about to post my other GT dash on ebay with some other stuff if your intrested __________________

05-13-2006, 04:45 PM	#4
~The Jester~ Rat Killer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cold ass Ohio Posts: 1,143	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help Ya went from a Celica to a Stroker Stang??? Dude, you are soooooo hooked, might as well have bought a crack pipe! . Strokers are just what Ryan said, a "stock" block with more STROKE and possibly a bigger bore. More cubes thanks to the longer stroke, thusly "stroker." And they also call them that cuz once you own one ya do alot of strokin on your own, cuz they absolutely RIP!!!! Don't go off on a tangent and start buying parts. Hittin a bump a losing lights tells me a loose connector. FIRST place I would look is the headlight switch. Gonna find a BIG plug on the back side of it, I'll bet ya a donut that's where your problem is. Either that, or the headlight switch itself. That thing controls ALOT more stuff than people think it does. And lastly...... Once you drive a Stang, escpecially a stroker, you're ruined for life. Trust me! But it's allllllll good! WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE!!!! __________________ d-Con Racing "Nothing fancy, just 347 inches of RAT POISON!" MICE need not apply.....

05-14-2006, 08:35 AM	#5
Luker Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 7	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help Thanks for all the info guys. Im gonna check the headlight switch and see if something is lose and hope i can fix it. As for the stroker do they come as kits or do i gotta mix n match?

05-15-2006, 05:26 PM	#8
Luker Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 7	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help Well my goal is 310-330 WHP so wich size would fit me best? as for the bucks well i got like a 5000 budget right now. You guys been great a help to a newbie thanks alot.

05-15-2006, 07:46 PM	#9
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help With your goal range, a 302 would probably be all you need. But......I would bet once you start playing with these things.....your going to want more. If you realistically think 330 is your top goal, go with the 331 or 347. Throw in a set of good aluminum heads...and have fun trashing the tires. This option will allow you the ability to grow in the future should you decide. Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

05-16-2006, 10:23 AM	#10
~The Jester~ Rat Killer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cold ass Ohio Posts: 1,143	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help For what you want (330HP) I'd go with the 331. Stay away from the 347, they absolutely SCREAM, but are short lived. The 331 is much more reliable, and will last longer. GOOD heads/cam/intake, and you're there bro! Actually, with a good combo like that, if you want 330 HP ya might have to yank off a spark plug wire or two. __________________ d-Con Racing "Nothing fancy, just 347 inches of RAT POISON!" MICE need not apply.....

05-16-2006, 04:20 PM	#11
Luker Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 7	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help Yeah i dont really want much more than 350hp as i plan on making my stang a daily driver. Can you guys hit me up with a link or place where i can buy the 330 Kit?. I tell you tough when i get my stang now i just grin before i even start because is a totally different experience. Well you guys have been alot of help thanks alot and expect me to ask a wholote lot of more dumb questions in the future

05-16-2006, 04:36 PM	#12
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help Here is just a couple of quick places. I have never bought one off Ebay, but have had good luck on ebay in general. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SB-Fo...64620136QQrdZ1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...66320273QQrdZ1 Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

01-14-2007, 10:08 AM	#13
Luker Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 7	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help UPDATE: Well i sold the 89 LX and got a 89 black gt with only 100k original miles. I rebuilt the lower end and went with a .40 bore (got it for free heh) now i ordered the Trickflow top end kit wich we will start putting togther tommorow. Also got a holley 155 pump, 24lbs injectors, 70mm trot body, 73mm MAF, BBK Cold air intake. MSD electrical stuff and Longtube headers. Also upgraded my rear end with some upper and lower control arms, Subframe connectors, Ford racing traction loc and some drag shocks. This will be my daily driver but i would like to take it to the track sometimes, what gears do you recommend 4.10s or 3.73s? How much hp can i expect when im done? Thanks Last edited by Luker; 01-14-2007 at 10:43 AM..

01-14-2007, 01:06 PM	#14
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help IF you do a lot of highway driving then maybe the 3.73. Personally, I would run 4.10's in everything I have. But....either gear is a good gear and will be an improvement over stock. Ryan __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

01-14-2007, 08:35 PM	#15
bmxmon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 950	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help what transmission are you running? __________________ Alex

01-15-2007, 04:52 AM	#16
Luker Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 7	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help It's a rebuilt t5.

01-17-2007, 01:33 AM	#17
bmxmon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 950	Re: Got a project 89 LX need some help I would go with the 4.10's. Here is a cool website you can check out: http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/gear_calculator.html Here is a link where you can download my favorite program; www.gearzone.net, its under RPM calculator. Good luck with your choice eh. __________________ Alex

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