1995Cobra

Okay Mustang brethren, here is a question with a lot of possible conclusions (I think). I have a 1995 Cobra (could you guess that from my name?). I'm doing the suspension setup now and am looking forward to an engine build. Here's what I'd like to have... An honest 375-400 horsepower on the motor. I'd like to stay with 5.0 without stroking, etc. I'd like the RPM's to come up a bit (I like hi-revs) and for it to loaf a bit at idle (not too much, but enough for people to notice I mean business). I realize that 400 hp is not a lot, but it's a starting point. Eventually the motor will need to handle super/turbo charging. Though this probably makes no huge difference, I want it balanced and blueprinted for the most taught sound. Here's the kicker... I, like everyone, am on a budget and can't blow 10 grand on a motor and parts. I don't have extensive knowledge on parts so any advice on manufacturers, materials, etc. is appreciated. I've got to have something to beat my dad's Friggin' Sweet 1999 Cobra. Any experts out there?

P Zero

IT costs money to go fast. What your budget??
-P.

tl86gt

he said 10 grand.... well id say start with your typical H/C/I. for high revving, trick flow track heat kit. good forged pistons, forged crank. 400hp is relatively hard to get on a Fuel Injected,N/A 5.0. its achievable tho

1995Cobra

Would like to stay under 5k if possible.

88stangaruu

Well, for starters its probably not going to be Fuel injected if your on a budget. Even if your wernt it would be a little bit difficult with EFI. Im thinking carburetor is the only way to go if your going to be running a 400horse 302ci engine.

Then as far as the cam goes, your going to need a pretty large cam to run 400hp on a 302.

Your going to have to do alot of shopping around to stay in budget, not to mention be in the 'know' about all the little hot rodding tricks you can do to spice the engine up.

Then, a high rpm engine is going to be expensive to build just about any way you cut it. All the lightweight valve train components your going to need to keep the valves in check arnt cheap.

Fourth, heads, heads, heads, heads. Your going to need some decent heads. If you had some GT40's with Manyley race flow valves, and someone who knew their sh*t ported them for you, you could run 400hp on those, it would be doable...but port work is expensive anyway you cut it unless you do it yourself. So...i would make it easier for you and just say aluminum heads. Something around the size of Vic Jrs would be needed to do it. Your going to need alot of air for this engine to breath.

A 400hp 302 is possible, but you need alot of experience and knowledge to build one, its not an accident or just plain lucky when you make 400hp on a 302ci engine, it takes knowledge and experience.

1995Cobra

Is the horsepower problem in staying with a 5.0? Were the motor stroked to 347 or something be an easier way to achieve power goals?

tl86gt

id say a 351 would be easier to achieve 400 hp. a 331 or 347 would also work alot better. but id say 351 has the most potential.

88stangaruu

Yes.

You can build an all motor 347 on carb to easily put out a little over 400hp. But drivability with a carb is a little bit worse than it would be with an EFI motor. Cold starts are a b*tch, especially with any cam in the motor, then gas mileage hurts. If you have emissions, dont hold your breath cause unless you blow the engine there isnt a good way to pass emissions with a 400hp N/A motor.

1985stang

you aren't gonna stay under five grand if you wanna get 400 hp out of a 5.0L. It's gonna take A LOT of engine work, plus you're gonna want a transmission with the right gears and a good suspension to handle the extra power.

hellas85stang

edelbrock offers a rpm roller pkg head,cam intake 385 hp...and is a very well built set up..i seen alotta guys use it on 302-351w...takes the guess work out..holley has a good set up same thing...5g is easy to get 400 hp but yes a carb set up is cheaper....but if you are in a emissions state or a state with inspection you might have a few issues with carb on a 95..