1987 f150 performance advice
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1987 f150 performance advice
hey guys. I am new to this forum. I a getting a 1987 Ford F150 2wd on monday. I was wondering what simple mods you guys would recommend to make it more fun to drive, or a little faster. I can do any mechanical work myself. The truck is a 302 with a 3 speed/overdrive. Does anything from the 5.0 mustangs fit or adapt to the trucks? thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
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From: Aurora,Colorado
What is the transmission code in the driver's side door frame above the striker plate?? I didnt know that the 87 5.0 F150s had manual three speed overdrive transmissions. I thought that they had the T18 four speed with granny first.
But rereading your post-you probably mean that you have an automatic three speed with overdrive.
But rereading your post-you probably mean that you have an automatic three speed with overdrive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
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From: Concord, NC
I have a four speed overdrive manual transmission too, 4th being overdrive. Transmission code is "B" and from what I can tell it was used in the mid 80's, before the Mazda 5 speed was introduced in 88.
The engines are very similar, but there are differences such as intake manifold, camshaft and lifters, pistons and header outlet location between the truck and the mustang. Did you have anything in particular in mind?
The engines are very similar, but there are differences such as intake manifold, camshaft and lifters, pistons and header outlet location between the truck and the mustang. Did you have anything in particular in mind?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Gearing will have the biggest impact on overall performance, anything less than 3.73 with the 302 is a compromise, and the earlier trucks often came with crippling ratios down in the lower 3.xx or even 2.xx range.
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I have a four speed overdrive manual transmission too, 4th being overdrive. Transmission code is "B" and from what I can tell it was used in the mid 80's, before the Mazda 5 speed was introduced in 88.
The engines are very similar, but there are differences such as intake manifold, camshaft and lifters, pistons and header outlet location between the truck and the mustang. Did you have anything in particular in mind?
The engines are very similar, but there are differences such as intake manifold, camshaft and lifters, pistons and header outlet location between the truck and the mustang. Did you have anything in particular in mind?
There are an overabundance of 5.0 mustangs around where i live. I don't want to swap complete motors, but will heads, intakes, or cams change over? I can do anything modification-wise to make it work if necessary. but would it be a worthwhile swap?
i need to find out what the stock gearing is on it. What do you guys run in your trucks?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Concord, NC
My truck has 3.55 limited slip from the factory. I think a transmission with better gear splits would work better (2nd to 3rd shift makes it really chug), but it isn't too bad overall. I'd like a little better overdrive ratio since my truck cruises around 2500 rpm at 65 in overdrive, but that's right at the torque peak.
Both the mustangs and the trucks share the E7TE cylinder head castings, so you won't gain anything swapping heads between similar year mustangs and trucks. The intakes are slightly different and require a little creativity if you want to swap a mustang intake into a truck. Cams should be swappable, but you'll also need the roller lifter setup from the mustang to go along with it. As for it being worthwhile or not, I can't help you on that. I think Paul (Conaski) would know better about that than I do.
Both the mustangs and the trucks share the E7TE cylinder head castings, so you won't gain anything swapping heads between similar year mustangs and trucks. The intakes are slightly different and require a little creativity if you want to swap a mustang intake into a truck. Cams should be swappable, but you'll also need the roller lifter setup from the mustang to go along with it. As for it being worthwhile or not, I can't help you on that. I think Paul (Conaski) would know better about that than I do.
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ah. I am not sure what the gearing is or if it is limited slip... Would that be on the window sticker? And it says it has the handling package... I guess that adds sway bars?
What about the engine management on the 87's? I have seen chips for them, but is there anything else that can be done?
What about the engine management on the 87's? I have seen chips for them, but is there anything else that can be done?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Concord, NC
The axle code on the sticker in the driver side door jamb will give you the gearing. I'm not exactly sure what is included in the handling package, but front and rear sway bars should fit in that category if it were up to me. Depending on the calibration, you may be able to get in and modify the tune using something like a Tweecer, but that depends on if they support the specific computer calibration used in that computer.