Budget HP ideas?
 

86GT, 5spd, HO 5.0, 2.73grs, Hypertech chip, H-pipe w/cats

I am looking for ways to increase HP without substantial investment. The timing has been set to 14deg, complete tune-up less than 10k ago, and removed air silencer. I have also checked and cleaned the IAB, and have also checked the TPS voltage.

Is resetting the computer required after removing the air silencer? What kind of HP gains could I expect, if any, by removing two of the four cats? Would removing the cats screw with the o2 sensors?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeremiah

I'd suggest:

- K&N
- Underdrive Pullies
- Electric Fan
- Gear Change

These upgrades would provide about 0.5 - 0.75 second improvement.

If you turn your own wrenches, you could do the above for about $400-450, give or take. You can install FRPP gears yourself provided you re-install the old shims. The Ford tolerances are really that close between gearsets.

No you don't need to reset the computer. You looking for hp or for performance gains? Gears won't improve your horsepower but will increase your performance. What kind of budget are you on? Removing the cats may help, but if emmisions are not a concern you'd be better off selling it or trading it for an offroad setup, the stock pipes are worth alot to people in emmission controlled areas. underdrive pulleys are a good choice and inexpensive. If your on a budget check to classifieds on the boards and places like ebay, you can usually find good parts for a good price. It's a good idea to have an idea of exactly where you want to go with the car before you start so you don't end up buying the same parts 2 or even 3 times because you keep upgrading.

Thanks for the prompt replies....

Emissions are not a concern in my area, and the exhaust on the car is less than 6 mos old and in excellent condition.

I would like to make this car pull low to mid 12s while maintaining its drivability. Retaining the A/C is a must, and it's going to recieve a set of 3.23 gears later this year. Performance is my main concern.

Will I have to change to a high output alternator if I purchase underdrive pullies and use an electric fan? What kind of effect do underdrives have on cooling?

Thanks again.

Since you've got an 86, I'd suggest N20 to get it done. You can't run cams or much for heads (other than the better 87-95 5.0 E7TEs) without changing your pistons.

I'd get some E7TE heads, the 60mm T/B from a 87-95, add some N20 and gear it.

An upgraded alternator is not needed depending on the selection of the pulley set and fan. The March "power and amp" pullies will provide almost full charging from idle. The aluminum pulleys are p/n 2015, and I believe the steel set is 1015.

This will work with many electric fans, as long the amp rating on the fan isn't too high. I know the Lincoln MKVIII fan will not work, but many others will.

FWIW, I have run pullies and an electric fan before, with no problem. I used to use a "SPAL" 16" fan that flowed about 1850 CFM. I did use the March pullies as said above.

Hope this helps.

The real test would be underdrive pullies, with an electric fan, and turning accesories on like headlights, and a stereo system.

We've got MAC underdrive pullies, a Flex-a-lite BlackMagic fan, and we put on a PA-Performance 3G 130-amp alt. Didn't use the MAC alt pulley as the PA-Performace is about the same size - and didn't want to void the life-time warranty. This setup is working out great!

Believe Unit 5302, swap your heads with '87-up E7 heads found on the Mustang or Lincoln LSC. There isn't much you can do without notching your pistons. There's always nitrous oxide! Good Luck! ...and check the valve to piston clearance with the E7 heads before you run your engine.

First off I would swap a 60mm throttle body and egr on your 86, as they had 58mm t.b's. Also intall a 180 thermostat.

3.73 gears would give you a serious improvement too.

Take weight out of the car, like that vibration dampner on the rear end, 2 bolts and you lost 20 pounds.

Ever 100 pounds lost is a tenth gain.

Is it that much? That's a lot of weight...a lot of unsprung weight.

I know what I'll be removing this weekend.

Thanks for the replies....

Will removal of the vibration dampner on the rear end have any negative effects on ride/road vibration?

Any other ideas?.....