In the process of putting a 5.0 in my '86 3.8l 'Stang.

[65efi]

IMO:

1. '86 HO motors aren't necessarily 'bad'. I had an '86 LX 5.0 and it was fun. If this is a low buck car, I'd leave the motor alone for now and save up for other mods before throwing a cam in.

2. The computer from your 3.8 is not going to work with the HO motor. I'd just get a HO computer, as long as you have the wiring harness and everything.

3. Again, save your money for bigger and better things. The stock 19# injectors will support a lot of HP. Changing injectors down the road will not require you to get a new computer. You could, however, put on an adjustable fuel pressure regulator.

4. I'd leave the motor and trans in tact.

5. The cheapest torque converter you can get is the one you already have. Keep it.

6. Use some of that money you saved from not buying a cam and injectors and get an off road H-pipe and Flowmaster exhaust kit. You'll also need a double hump cross member.

Good luck.