Hey guys. I'm looking to buy my first F-150. Not to say that I've never owned a Ford (own 3 currently) just never an F-150. I'm looking for a couple of specific things and the search button isn't telling me what I want to hear. I'm sure it's user error.

Here's my simple list:
5.0L roller motor
Mass Air
5-Speed

Yup, that's it. Everything else is cosmetic. Reason being is I have gt40 heads and a bunch of spare fox-body engine parts laying around and could use a 4x2 town truck. I figured that the 5.0 in these trucks can't be that different right? If so, what? I'm pretty sure the upper is turned 180 from what I'm use to but that's about it right? What about the trans? Is it just another T5?

Also, are there parts to look for that are common to wear out these trucks like the cowl in my 66 mustang?

Thanks for helping a newb.

Potter

 

Sounds good, you should enjoy it. Is it safe to assume its a '95 or '96? The tranny is a M5OD, not a T-5(sadly.) Also, the truck 302's don't use the same firing order as the 5.0 HO so a Mustang cam is not a direct swap.

 

Didn't they move to the mod motor midway through 96 or was that 97?

 

Yep, the '97 F-150's went modular...

Your'e talking about the GT-40 iron heads like on the 94/95 Cobras and early 5.0 Explorers? Or GT-40X aluminum heads? What kind of gears are in it?

 

The heads are from a 96 Explorer.

Maybe I should have started the thread a little different. I don't have one picked out. I'm looking at a few locally but they range from 87-96. Most of the ads say V8 and not the cubic inch/liters. I asked similar questions before I bought my Powerstroke and got great feedback. Since I've never messed with an F150 I'm basically starting over. I don't want to assume anything. Ex: the computers and harnesses are the same as my fox body because they're both 5.0's. I definitely want to stay away from a 351w. I'll keep looking around.

 

Why aren't you considering a 351?

If it were me, I would narrow my search to '94+ trucks(roller motor.) Small block/autos. And If you really want to modify it, hold out for a MAF truck('95.5-'96.) And for the most part, there wouldn't be a lot of Mustang-F150 direct swaps going on.

 

AWESOME Info! That's exactly what I was looking for. I'll do a H/C/I for sure but nothing drastic. Maybe GT40 stuff. I would imagine the MAF looks similar to those on our mustangs? Anything that would give it away on the 95.5's?

As for the 351w, the 5.0's are cheaper to modify and parts are more available. I'm building a 351w for my 93 fox so I have some experience with them.

 

^ I don't know how to find the '95.5s either, I would guess the VIN could tell you, or have the seller send you some underhood pics... A GT-40 headed F-150 with a nice cam and exhaust to match would be sweet. Don't forget the '96 came with OBDII(the 95.5 may have too, not sure) so you can have it tuned via a hand held programmer, if needed.

And yes sir, the MAF looks just like the one on the Mustangs.

 

Looks good man! I really like the idea of a 351 in a Mustang.

 

Thanks. Should be interesting. Its built for a turbo.

 

Do any of the 87-96 5.0's come with forged internals like the Mustangs do 87-92?

 

So wait, 94+ 302 TRUCK engines have ROLLER cams in them? Basicly an HO stang engine minus the HO intake ??

so when i replace the 302 in my 93... i should look for a 94+ engine for more power...as long as its plug n' play

 

that 351w looks great What have you done to set it up for a turbo?

 

They are roller, but the 5.0 HO and 351's use a different firing order than your non HO 302. And, the HO cam is a little hotter: .444" lift and 266* duration. The cams in the trucks are smaller.

 

I'd venture to say its not that easy. You'd have to change firing order of the injectors to since the HO cam has a different firing order. This means swapping in a A9L/A9P or equivalent ECU.