New engine? or rig old one? ARGH lots of posts :)

[Unit 5302]

My second advice, if you are short on cash, a used 1987-1992 Fox engine. You should be able to pick a good used one up for maybe, $400?

That'll cost you less than a rebuild, way less, and it'll be a better base than the current 5.0 you have for light modding.

I can't believe you've had so many problems with your 5.0? My 87GT was a theft recovery, it was out of tune badly when I got it, and I drive it hard. It's got 145k on it and I just took a custom plated, very clean looking LT-1 Z28. Pretty good too. Probably 3cars to 100+. I've got 2.73's and it didn't even out till I shifted into 4th (he was going to pull me after that and I shut down). I've never had a clack, blown head gasket, or any engine problems.