1993 5.8

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Sep 11, 2014 | 03:00 PM

dirtracer2a

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1993 5.8

I'm getting around to rebuilding the 5.8 that's in my 1993 Ford F150 Flareside 4x4. I've built several 351w for my dirt track cars, ect so I know my way around the engine but mine haven't been controlled by computers. So I'm wondering how far car you go on gaining horse power without having to have the computer reprogrammed? I'm planning on doing headers, cam (not sure which one yet, feel free to give suggestions) , maybe flat top pistons (if I don't have to reprogram anything). I would like to do some different heads also. Any input would be great. Its pretty much going to be a very mild build just something for a good daily driver that will be pulling a car on weekends. It does have the E40D trans and 4.56 gears.

Sep 11, 2014 | 03:21 PM

Conanski

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4.56 gears? That's good but I'm gonna assume that's because it also has oversized tires?

As far as the engine goes, you can do a cam, headers, and even heads with the stock EFI system, the cam to use is the Crane 444232 and GT40 heads from an Explorer are what all 5.8's should have come from the factory with IMO. You will want to port match the exits in the lower intake to these heads, the port exits narrow significantly on all these Ford intakes for some reason but it's pretty easy to fix. Don't gasket match them however because it's common to find some port misalignment so you may need to grind more off one side than the other.
Pacesetter makes a good pair of steel headers or you could have stainless if you don't mind buying the offshore brand OBX. These are found on ebay mainly and I have no personal experience with them but a good friend of mine has a pair on his '04 F150 and his Focus and he said fit and finish was top notch with both systems. Avoid both Holley brands Hooker and FlowTech, these are poorly made and fit even worse.

Sep 12, 2014 | 07:48 AM

dirtracer2a

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Thanks Conanski , the truck had 35" tires , now has 33" tires. Ill be hunting down a set of gt40 heads and take a look into the cam. Appreciate the quick reply.

Sep 16, 2014 | 01:25 PM

dirtracer2a

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Conanski do you know what the flow numbers are on the gt40 heads compared to the 1969-1970 351w heads that had the larger valves? I haven't been able to get my hands on any reasonable priced gt40 heads but I have 3 or 4 sets of the 69-70 351w heads, but I cant find any flow number.

Sep 17, 2014 | 12:30 PM

baddad457

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The 69-74 351W heads had the same size valves as the GT40 heads, the ports are pretty close in size too, so aside from any internal porting changes Ford did in developing the later heads, the flow should be about the same. According to Ford, development on the later heads started with having a 60's pair of GT 40 heads flow tested beforehand to get a baseline number to shoot for in the newer heads. I did this swap on the 96 E150 van I now have along with the PaceSetter headers (shorty's) and a set of Cobra roller rockers.

Sep 17, 2014 | 01:32 PM

dirtracer2a

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Id say ill be using the 70s heads I have now, they already have screw in studs and are already paid for. Thanks for the info

Sep 17, 2014 | 07:51 PM

baddad457

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You will need to address the port mismatch then at the coolant ports in running the older heads with a newer intake. Those heads have the "L" shaped port that doesn't mate with the newer intakes port. Just offhand, I'm pretty sure that's not going to work.