my buddy found a 1986 lx with 120k on it but its a non HO.Its a hell of a deal for $3500 (granny car) very clean. But he is leaning to the no side because the firing order is not an HO firing order so were guessing its not an HO. but its there a big difference in power between the 2? Any info will help hes trying to get it this weekend but this is holding him back

 

Yes there is a big power diff between the H.O. and non-H.O. the 86 should be an H.O. however as long as it is the original engine.

 

big difference aout 80 HP lets see 225 HP for 87-92 HOs, an 86 302made about 150HP eh close enough, now heres the thing if you're keeping it stock then dont get it but all it needs is a simple cam swap and its a HO

 

There are several differences in the motors depending on the year. All V-8 Mustangs came with HO engines. Depending on the year of the motor that was put in, it may not have a double roller timing chain, it may not have roller lifters. It definitely won't have the HO cam. It wont have the stronger crank, or the hyperutectic pistons. The heads will probably be different also.

 

^ thats true, you'll need to find what engine it came out of

 

BUT i was told that you cant put a different cam due to flat top pistons,

 

i have the flat top pistons in my 86 and its an HO.Its got alot of torque for being stock to.273 rwt & 190rwhp.But you do have to watch what cam you put in there if it its an aftermarket cam.A stock HO cam should work as long as its the right cam for the type of lifters you have in the engine now

 

How could i tell what engine is in it. And 86green what cam do you have?

 

Its a stock 86 HOhydrolic cam.( dont mind the spelling)

 

that is correct for aftermarket cams with extra lift then stock, I have flattop pistons also, just stick in the 86 HO cam, change the firing order and voila, you got an HO