Stock 5.0s have about 150hp depending on what it comes out of. The HO engines had anywhere from 205-275hp. My preference is the 5.0 because there is only one cam, which is cheaper. I just picked up a 5.0 for $150. Good Luck

 

If I remember right, the HO's were 87+. I may be wrong....

I'm rebuilding a 90 5.0 right now.....I've spent a lot of $$, but it's all for parts. I got the car for $1200 and so far have dropped ~$4k into it. I guarantee it will put a hurtin on any 4.6 you could by for that $$ ($5k).

Foxes came w/ 225hp, which is less than a 4.6, but they were also lighter by a few hundred pounds. $.6's are great cars, too....It just depends on what floats your boat. My next car will probably be a 01+ GT.

 

You guys do know that the H.O. was a gimick thought up by Ford's marketing department?

 

We do now

 

I thought it meant they came w/ a hooker. Man, was I disappointed.....[:@]

 

so is there an 80 horse difference between the straight 5.0 and the HO?? what are some websides for good cheap parts also i need a lot of those... thanx a lot again everyone

 

5.0s are cheaper, but just realize that for a DD, a 4.6 mustang would probably be more reliable. Just a thought.

 

A 4.6 is gonna be a bit more reliable (obviously newer) and if it really matters to you, will get a bit better mileage.

However, compared to the 302, its gonna be much more $$$ to see big rwhp numbers. If youre not worried about going back to a 87 5.0, then by all means, go for it.
Although they are hard to find original and unmolested, if you get a plain jane LX with low miles, it won't be too difficult to bring the price under what you would pay for an equal mileage 99-04 at all.

If a 4.6 seems more in your alley, depending on what your goals are, then a 96-98 Cobra with its 32 valve 4.6 would be a good choice. If you search well enough, you might be able to find a mid 40's mileage car for right around 10K.

( i saw a 96 Cobra with 2200 miles in an auto trader mag. a couple weeks ago. The owner said it was rare and ultra low mileage, ,lol.. dont think he was gonna part with it for cheap)

If you just want something with lots of pull and is fun to drive daily, 96-04 GT's are a very safe bet.

 

Holy ****...Did you read the post? There is no difference.

 

there ARE different 5.0 engines,, he might have meant a 5.0 that isnt in the mustang

i only get 150/270 tq out of my EFI 302 in my Grand Marquis