Suggestions for top end?

[79cobrasnake]

I have my 83 convertible 5.0 that is strictly a cruising car. I am wanting to add some more horsepower without going overboard. I have looked at the eldelbrock E street aluminum topend kit http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-2027 and have read some mixed reviews. I see the rpm range is up to 5500 rpm, I don't see this as being an issue as I do not dog the car.. I will leave the bottom end stock.. I am also considering doing the GT40P heads again, but want to get some opinions/ suggestions as to what you guys think?

[Travis T]

P heads. They're cheap and a huge upgrade over stock.

[rob342]

That's a low price! I spent twice that on my AFM to end kit (but I upgraded a few things).

It would be nice to have all new and matched stuff instead of just another mustang with explorer parts IMO.

[79cobrasnake]

P heads. They're cheap and a huge upgrade over stock.

The only hesitation I have with going P heads again was the last time I bought p heads, installed them and had issues w passenger side. pulled the head off and one had a very small hairline crack that only showed when the head was pressure tested. so then I had to go and find another head to replace it and pay to have pressure testing. I guess if I could find them at a machine shop that has pressure tested them prior to me purchasing so I don't have this issue again. Also what is a good flat tappet cam to run with the p heads?

[79cobrasnake]

That's a low price! I spent twice that on my AFM to end kit (but I upgraded a few things).

It would be nice to have all new and matched stuff instead of just another mustang with explorer parts IMO.

that's what I was thinking... seemed like a great price for a set of entry level aluminum heads and all the other goodies with it.

[Travis T]

I bought a whole 90k mile Mountaineer engine for $410. Ebayed the intake and fuel injection crap for $255, swapped in a stock HO cam and swapped over all the Mustang's external parts and changed the distributor for an 85 unit. Should have changed the valve springs. If you could find a whole low mileage engine it's the way to go as you get a roller cam too.

[79FOX302]

GT 40P heads in my engine made a huge difference and I'm happy I installed them.

[854vragtop]

I'm very happy with my GT-40P head combo in my '85 convertible. See my signature for the rest of the top end parts I installed.

[79cobrasnake]

I'm very happy with my GT-40P head combo in my '85 convertible. See my signature for the rest of the top end parts I installed.

How does that cam sound? What exhaust are you running?

[grabbergreen84]

I think Edelbrock is the only game in town if you want heads, a cam, and a carb'd manifold, which are from the same manufacturer, and probably matched. Any decent aftermarket heads with a decent aftermarket intake should really kick it in the pants. You need to watch out for cheap hardware on some of the aftermarket stuff, from what I've read. I went with GT40Ps mostly out of cheapness, but take comfort in the knowledge that I have all genuine Ford quality OEM parts in them - except for the springs.

I bought a whole 90k mile Mountaineer engine for $410. Ebayed the intake and fuel injection crap for $255, swapped in a stock HO cam and swapped over all the Mustang's external parts and changed the distributor for an 85 unit. Should have changed the valve springs. If you could find a whole low mileage engine it's the way to go as you get a roller cam too.

You can still change them pretty easily, you just need a spark plug hole fitting for a compressor. At least you don't have to mess with the cumbersome EFI upper intake assembly. Just remove your dual snorkel air filter, valve covers, and plugs, and wrap it up in an afternoon.

[Travis T]

I think Edelbrock is the only game in town if you want heads, a cam, and a carb'd manifold, which are from the same manufacturer, and probably matched. Any decent aftermarket heads with a decent aftermarket intake should really kick it in the pants. You need to watch out for cheap hardware on some of the aftermarket stuff, from what I've read. I went with GT40Ps mostly out of cheapness, but take comfort in the knowledge that I have all genuine Ford quality OEM parts in them - except for the springs.





You can still change them pretty easily, you just need a spark plug hole fitting for a compressor. At least you don't have to mess with the cumbersome EFI upper intake assembly. Just remove your dual snorkel air filter, valve covers, and plugs, and wrap it up in an afternoon.

It's on my list to do before the car is back on the road, probably along with a cam swap. At the time I didn't realize the factory springs were so weak.

[Mustang-junky]

This should be just about right. A little boost in HP.



Jess

[79cobrasnake]

This should be just about right. A little boost in HP.



Jess

Haha yes that ought to work