budget build

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my 83 stang 5.0 is going to need a new engine soon, so I have a few questions, ideas I was considering.

stock 5.0 replacement (rebuild)
- use 87 newer 5.0 heads with orginal 5.0 carb setup (new carb)
- use 87 newer 5.0 exuast set up (heads, h-pipe, ect.)
or

replace with 5.8 (rebuild)
- use 87 newer 5.0 heads with orginal 5.0 carb setup (new carb)
- use 87 newer 5.0 exuast set up (heads, h-pipe, ect.)

would the 87 5.0 heads work on both applications and be an upgrade, or would they be too restricing for the 5.8?

keep in mind I would be using a similar year 302 or 351, this is strickly a budget build and is a neccessity not fun, (but it can be a little fun)

the reason I sugest 87 heads is because I have a set sitting unused in my garage with a recent rebuild on them. (same with the exaust. I have the orginals off my 88 and know that they are better flowing then the orginal 83 exaust)

I want to re - use as much of the orginal engine as possible hence the orginal carb setup upper and lower intake. I would upgrade the carb though. and I would need a double hump cross member for the exaust.

The car will need a rebuild soon but I would rather spent the money on my 88 stang or 78 harley, hence the reason for the budget build.

Any replies are greatly appreciated
thanks :

[BLACK85GT]

I have gone through the same dihlema. 302 or 351. Well if you go 351 it increases your expense because you need a different intake, headers, oilpan, hood (to clearance the taller 351). You also need some special brackets for the ac and power steering. As far as the heads, they should be ok, except you would need them drilled for the 1/2 inch head bolts the 351 uses.
I have a 351 and 302 sitting in my garage that need rebuild. I think i am going with the 302 purely for budget reasons.( can use my old headers, intake, etc.) Here is a link that sums it up. http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/351.html

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BLACK85GT

thanks for the link and the reply.

because of your info I will probably stick with the 302.

Since I am staying with the 302 will the 87 heads work well with the 302 and line up with the stock carb intake?

second does any one recommend a particular year 302 block to use? (i am thinking of buying an already rebuilt 302 from a store such as NAPA) Right now I am thinking an 85 HO engine.

If the 87 heads fit with the stock 83 intake are they better performace heads then the 85 heads?

thanks again

[BLACK85GT]

Yes the 87 heads will fit, and are better because they are the heads used in the F150 trucks so they are suppose to flow better.(always check clearance to pistons of course).
Just remember if you buy a rebuilt block from a retailer it has allready been bored so future rebuilds might not be possible. I did that once, engine lasted about a year, now i took it apart and its bored .40 over so boring it more is not an option for me.
I am considering the Ford Racing Production short block. Its a complete Brand New roller block and the parts are all Brand New. Cost is about $1,250. Thats about $400 more than a rebuild but it is not bored so you can rebuild in the future.
Plus I like the fact that Ford put it together and you know exactly what you have.
Also, the heads will be more effective if you get a better intake. They are rather cheap. You can pick up a used Edelbrock Performer for about $75 or less. Remember the better heads need to breathe better. If you get one that is too tall though you will have hood clearance problems(Performer RPM is too tall for stock hood).(I have an 83 gt hood and just cut a hole under the hood scoop). Hope this helps. Any other questions let me know cause i am going thru the same thing.

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I have a friend who works at an engine rebuilding shop in my home town of Lethbridge alberta, Last time I talked with him, they had a rebuilt 302 that was kept because the owner couldn't pay the bill, I think I am going to check with him first to see what kind of deal I could get.

Second question:

Could I port the stock intake? if so is it recommended?

thanks