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Mr 5 0 · 04-27-2002, 09:45 AM

I take it from your last post that you want to keep the 5.0 engine basically stock and not invest in big mods at this time, waiting until you can buy a new engine and start fresh. Sounds like a plan.

The underdrive pullies are worth about 8 HP and do help but yes, if your cooling or charging system is weak in any way, you could have problems. I don't have underdrives for that reason: too much (possible) hassle for too little gain, but I'm not cruising for races every weekend, either.

You already have a good suspension system, the rear gear of choice (3.73), a shifter and exhaust mods, leaving little to add at this point beyond major mods so I would consider getting creative.

For $500., I would consider looking for a set of GT-40 iron heads for sale, cheap (they are), then have them polished and ported by a professional shop. Adding a Cobra intake and a 65mm TB won't hurt and combined with your aftermarket exhaust this should give you a nice step up in power without spending large dollars. The stock cam is fine with this combo, the stock ignition is too and all you might want to add is a higher output FP and adjustable fuel regulator to maximize the better-flowing heads.

The idea of adding a supercharger to the stock 5.0 is feasible (been done many times) but of course you still need additional modifications so this gets quite expensive and the stock engine won't last as long, as you already know.

As far as your engine 'going', if that should occur, you can always re-sell the GT-40's and use some of the other parts on another engine or just buy a H.D. shortblock and build it up from there.

Lots of options are available for the mighty 5.0 but take your time and don't be in a rush; you'll find a combination that works for you (performance and dollar-wise) eventually.

Hope this helps a bit in giving you some direction.

04-27-2002, 09:45 AM	#5
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Mods I take it from your last post that you want to keep the 5.0 engine basically stock and not invest in big mods at this time, waiting until you can buy a new engine and start fresh. Sounds like a plan. The underdrive pullies are worth about 8 HP and do help but yes, if your cooling or charging system is weak in any way, you could have problems. I don't have underdrives for that reason: too much (possible) hassle for too little gain, but I'm not cruising for races every weekend, either. You already have a good suspension system, the rear gear of choice (3.73), a shifter and exhaust mods, leaving little to add at this point beyond major mods so I would consider getting creative. For $500., I would consider looking for a set of GT-40 iron heads for sale, cheap (they are), then have them polished and ported by a professional shop. Adding a Cobra intake and a 65mm TB won't hurt and combined with your aftermarket exhaust this should give you a nice step up in power without spending large dollars. The stock cam is fine with this combo, the stock ignition is too and all you might want to add is a higher output FP and adjustable fuel regulator to maximize the better-flowing heads. The idea of adding a supercharger to the stock 5.0 is feasible (been done many times) but of course you still need additional modifications so this gets quite expensive and the stock engine won't last as long, as you already know. As far as your engine 'going', if that should occur, you can always re-sell the GT-40's and use some of the other parts on another engine or just buy a H.D. shortblock and build it up from there. Lots of options are available for the mighty 5.0 but take your time and don't be in a rush; you'll find a combination that works for you (performance and dollar-wise) eventually. Hope this helps a bit in giving you some direction.