Is there any advantage to having an '86 engine?
 

Everything I read about them is bad...You would think with 9.5 compression they would have some advantage.

If I put a bigger throttle body and better intake, will I otice as big of a gain as someone with a 87-88 Stang? Or are the '86 heads more restrictive?

Could I put a small turbo on this engine, or is the compression too high? Cuz I got a turbocharger thats just lying around.

The 86 heads suck

later

86 5.0 HO...
 

"...lack of valve eyebrows in the pistons limit the amount of valve lift that can be used.
The high swirl combustion chambers are useless for performance and essentially render the heads junk.
The intake manifold has tiny ports and a 58mm TB limits performance.
Replacement heads, intake and throttle body are the minimum changes just to bring this engine up to par with the 1987-or-later engines...."
Mustang Performance Handbook....
Sorry, but it seems that you are on the right track anyway...
Good Luck.

I ahve a set of E7's I will sell you for $65.00 if you want them let me know.

BTW: I heard that trick flow makes some heads that are compatible with the 86 pistons. Might wanna check with them.

Later,