Hey everyone. I am new to the Mustang world. I recently bought a 86 V6 mustang but it came with a brand new 302 and all edelbrock accessories, so i am looking to do an engine swap. I have heard that the 302 could only hold up to 500hp before it would crack, is this true? Also, what is the stock HP rating with this engine. The guy said it was an 84, 5.0 engine. I would also like to know a couple of things that I could do to boost up the horsepower a little more than just the stuff I already have for it. One more thing, will the dashboard from a newer model like 87-93 fit into the 86 with ease? Thanks.

 

first off, welcome to this site, hope you enjoy it

second, PICTURES!

third, stock 5.0 blocks hold between 400-600HP depending on who you talk to(some get lucky) I would go 450 as a safe maximum. stock 84s 302s came in 2 flavors, CFI and a 4-barrel carb(i think its a 4-barrel) and both are H.O. NON-roller motors, came with

4-barrel
175 HP @ 4200 RPM
245 ft/lb @ 2400 RPM

CFI
165 HP @ 3800 RPM
245 ft/lb @ 2000 RPM

and lastly theres a sticky at top with a list of basic starting mods, and you *can* squeeze a dash into an 86 but it requires some 'messaging' with a hacksaw

 

I will post some pics. It is in cad condition right now. In about 2 weeks i am going to do the whole front end conversion on it so it will be updated a little, and different colors for a little while. Thanks for all the info.

 

[&o]