97 302 or 86-93 302?

kahmi_ui · 04-13-2002, 09:51 PM

Should I get the 97 explorer 302 or an 86-93 302 motor for my 86 mustang GT?

Unit 5302 · 04-14-2002, 04:12 AM

If you don't plan on making any modifications, go with the 87-92 engine.

Don't get the 86 with flat top pistons, weak intake, weak throttle body, and weak heads.

The Explorer engine needs a cam, badly, and it needs pistons. The pistons are cast dished style for lowered compression. The intake and the heads are very much superior on the Explorer. If you want to do a cam change and swap pistons, go Explorer all the way. With a mild cam, like a Steeda #18, and a little more compression, you could see 320hp. You'll need to change throttle bodies, and headers to run the Explorer engine too though. You could also get an 87-92 5.0HO, get the 97 Explorer engine, then sell the Explorer short block and have a nice set of $400 heads and a $200 intake that can boost your power above 280 pretty quick. There are just too many options to explore them all like this.

91PA5liter · 04-15-2002, 05:37 PM

So 97 explorer heads will bolt right on to a 87-93 5.0 mustang block?? if so how much would it cost to pick these up at a junk yard? cuz i wouldnt mind getting some new cheap heads for mt stang.

04-13-2002, 09:51 PM	#1
kahmi_ui Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 13	97 302 or 86-93 302? Should I get the 97 explorer 302 or an 86-93 302 motor for my 86 mustang GT?

04-14-2002, 04:12 AM	#2
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	If you don't plan on making any modifications, go with the 87-92 engine. Don't get the 86 with flat top pistons, weak intake, weak throttle body, and weak heads. The Explorer engine needs a cam, badly, and it needs pistons. The pistons are cast dished style for lowered compression. The intake and the heads are very much superior on the Explorer. If you want to do a cam change and swap pistons, go Explorer all the way. With a mild cam, like a Steeda #18, and a little more compression, you could see 320hp. You'll need to change throttle bodies, and headers to run the Explorer engine too though. You could also get an 87-92 5.0HO, get the 97 Explorer engine, then sell the Explorer short block and have a nice set of $400 heads and a $200 intake that can boost your power above 280 pretty quick. There are just too many options to explore them all like this.

04-15-2002, 05:37 PM	#3
91PA5liter Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PA Posts: 79	So 97 explorer heads will bolt right on to a 87-93 5.0 mustang block?? if so how much would it cost to pick these up at a junk yard? cuz i wouldnt mind getting some new cheap heads for mt stang.