1979cobra

I recently purchased a 1979 Cobra to play with. My son and I are going to maybe build a street strip car out of it. I am looking to swap the 4cyl turbo for a 5.0. I need recommendations on the best year of engine to get. Also, should I stick with the efi? I assume I would need all the electronics to go with it. Maybe it would be an easier install with a good old carb? It is currently a 4 spd car. I am also planning on installing a t-5 in its place. I am planning on purchasing components ASAP so we can get started in the next couple of weeks.
Would like to make this thing really scoot. Would like a used engine I can swap cam and add headers for now and maybe pull and beef up this winter if more HP is wanted.
Thanks for your suggestions
Chris

drexelsteve

Best bang for the buck would be a 5.0 out of a late 90's/early 2k's explorer.

tinman

I'd use a carb and also swap out the rear axle for an 8.8.
With the carb I really don't think ANY of the electronics are needed.
There are none on my car.
I also think that the Explorer engine would be a good starting point, if you can find one......

1979cobra

Thanks! That gives me a good starting point. I have seen a few explorer engines for sale. What cam, headers, intake, and carb would be best. X303?
chris

stdyhand

If your looking at an x303 cam and don't mind the lopey idle might as well consider a TFS stage 2 cam.

1979cobra

Would that be better than an x303? I think I have a 2000 ford explorer engine bought for $500. Can I use the 4 cyl t-5? I found a guy in wisconsin that sells rebuilt t-5 traany's for around $800. He is in wausau. Any feedback on him?
Thanks,
Chris

AdderMk2

a branch of a tree would be better than an X303... or any FRPP cam for that matter.

Take your time and build it right. You wont be happy with a FRPP cam.

1979cobra

[IMG]C:\Users\Chris\Desktop\cobra.jpg[/IMG]

AdderMk2

lol... nice try

https://mustangforums.com/forum/5-0l...orums-com.html

Read that and try again

1979cobra

What is a good header? I would like a decent quality set, but can't see spending $600 bucks on them. Also will I need to change the distributor on the Explorer engine?