so i need a sportsman block, MAF conversion kit to include a new computer and harness and an improved intake.

 

a lightning block will be a roller camed block. have the gt40 heads as well. a sportsman block is over kill unless your pushing more then 500hp at the wheels. a mass air conversion is not necessary either with any of these mods. speed density will handle heads,intake,throttlebody and cam upgrade. lightnings all are speed density at least the Gen1's are and they love it over mass air. they actually make more power

 

I'm starting to look around for a new engine, cause iv'e got 200000 miles on mine right now.

She still runs like a champ, but when the time comes to put in a new engine i want to have a game plan ready.

Basically i want to build a tough engine that can handle abuse, as well as make about 300HP and 400PPF and run off of 87 octane. I realize thats a tall order, but am i on the right track with the whole lightning and GT40 thing?

 

stick with speed density. get a set of AFR 185 heads, edelbrock efi truck intake, 56mm throttlebody, and a custom ground cam according to those other mods and you will have a great powerful setup. headers and a good exhaust system will round out the package.

also look for a 5.8 block that stamped f4te , this designates roller cam ready or may even have one. like my 95 5.8 is

 

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the help and tips...I am in the same boat as masseysbronco so thanks a bunch!

 

are you saying that some of the 5.8's came from the factory that way?

And are saying that the AR heads are better than the GT40's?

I'm not super knowelgable about engine building, thats why i'm trying to figure out what i need now so when the time comes i have all the info i need to have it built

 

some did come from the factory that way.

AFR Heads are hands down better then Gt40's

afr's bolted on a stock 5.0 gave a 70hp increase. that is huge
gt40's would give half that and weight twice as much.

 

So how can i tell what block i have? It's a 93 351W, original engine and all stock.

 

you probably have the basic one. the roller 5.8 had a f4te stamp down around where the starter bolts on.

 

all 5.8's are some type of roller engine aren't they? The rockers are semi-rollers are they not? What is the advantage a roller cam?