89LX5pointO

I'd love some advice on how to get a smooth running basic 400hp out of my 89 LX 5.0. I've never been one to need 800hp in a fast car, or the biggest 18" lift and 44" tires on a lifted truck...I just like my vehicles a little more aggressive/fun. Geez, as it is now, there's nowhere I can even enjoy my cars stock 225hp/300TQ legally the way it's made to be run besides maybe getting onto the freeway or while passing someone lol! Basically, I just wanna bump the HP/TQ up to maybe 400ish/400ish. Something I can jump on every now and then when no one is around, or maybe take it to the track 3 or 4 times while my buddies are racing. Currently, the vehicle has 175k on it, but doesn't leak or smoke a bit. However I'm pretty sure that if I want a lasting minor build, I should do the following:

1) Block tear down/Inspection
2) New Rods/Pistons
3) New heads (maybe GT-40?)
4) New upper/lower Intake (maybe Trick Flow or Cobra etc?)
5) Slightly bigger injectors
6) Cold Air Intake
7) Headers/H or X pipe, Exhuast (will have before build anyways)

8) Supercharger if the above doesn't quite get me to 400...

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated! I also realize that I'll have to get an HD T-5 or different transmission to handle this...

87MustangLX

it doesn't seem like you need 400 horse. I think you'd be content with 300 or so. get some tf heads, a tf cam (stage 2 is nice) tf intake, 70mm tb, 24# injectors. that should be plenty fun. but yea if you want that extra 100 ponies try a supercharger or toss on a 125 shot.

89LX5pointO

Ok, now the mileage thing... my 175k 5.0 is solid as hell now, but should I do new bottom end rebuild?

87MustangLX

better to be safe than sorry, but if your top end is in decent shape i wouldnt worry too much about bottom end. top is usually what goes first.

smokedog

I am in the same boat with you on how much HP I want but my car only has 37,000 miles on it. If I were you I would do a rebuild while I was already spending all the money you are going to be spending on heads, cam, intake and when it's done it's done right. Just my .02

Don't forget gears, pulleys, timing bump etc...

89LX5pointO

Nice! 37k eh? Very nice! My last performance car was a 2004 GTO with the LS1, and that 350hp was plenty for me, but 400hp woulda been ultimate (most amazing vehicle I've ever owned). That's kinda why I was aiming for 400hp with my 5.0... a bit more hp, and lighter than the GTO. I think I'd be happy with 400. I like the way a supercharger whines...so...

93hatch306

my setup is almost what 87 described. 306, TFS heads, stage 2 TFS cam, Holley Systemax intake with a 70 mm TB, Pro-M 77 MAF, long tube BBK's and Flowmaster exhaust. it makes 305 RWHP, which figures to around 360 at the flywheel. should make more, but the heads are Stage 2 ported...for an eventual stroker.

89LX5pointO

Sounds nice! Ever ran it in the 1/4?

NoGo95GT

This....http://www.on3performance.com/mustang50.html And be done with it.

AdderMk2

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