i have a '94 f150 with the 5.0 and i was wondering what they do different to the HO version, is it just a cam shaft or what?

 

Back when it started w/ the mustangs, they put a 351Windsor cam in it. It just changed the firing order. Then they started putting forged pistons & roller cams in them. '92 & up 5.0 trucks have roller cams. Speed density trucks have the old 302 firing order & mass air trucks have the Windsor firing order. But they're not exactly "H.O."

 

I don't believe the roller cams started in the F-Series/Bronco until the 1994 model year.

The term "HO" has been used on various models and included different components throughout the years. On the F-Series/Broncos in the 1980s it referred to the 351/4 barrel (or "V") vis a vis the 351/2 barrel.

dn.

 

There really is only one 5.0HO and it was only ever put in cars, the cam, intake, pistons, and computer are unique to this motor. The vast majority of all late model('87+) 5.0 motors share the same block, heads, and rotating assembly(with the exception of pistons), but.. in terms of peak output the truck motors actually have more potential because it has the largest volume intake by far. The '87 to '92 HO motors got forged pistons and that is beneficial if power adders are used, but natuarally aspirated make no difference.
The Explorer/Mountaineer motor actually has more HP potential than either the Mustang or truck motor due to the GT40 heads, but it was never considered a HO.. probably because of the RV style cam that was installed.

Bottom line is you're not getting anywhere near full potential form any 5.0 with the stock camshaft, there's lots more power waiting to get out.

 

In '94 they started putting roller cams in the Windsors.

 

so if i have a 91 f150 with the 302 what vehicles/parts would i want to look for to get the most powerful 302 keeping it stock

mustang intake and computer
explorer gt-40 heads
and the roller cam from a 94+ f150 ?

im looking for an extended cab with the 302 to replace my old beater 91 and my boss has a gorgeous 91 w/ 302 ford premium reman engine he is willing to sell to me, for a price LOL

im asking because i basically want the best performance possible but still be able to say its a stock 302 HAHA

 

Ok. In '94 the 5.0 engine in the truck & the Mustang are essentially the same. They have different intake & exhaust manifolds & possibly a different cam grind (couldn't find much about specs). Of course the totally different ECM controlled fuel & ignition timing curves. According to Ford, though, the Mustang "H.O." engine only produces a few more horsepower than the truck engine. Phenominal.

 

First thing to do is define your idea of "most powerful".

A)most TQ
b)most peak HP
C)widest powerband

Most TQ will have E7 heads, F4TE cam + 1.7 rockers, and a HO intake with a ported lower.

Most peak power will use the GT40 heads, HO cam and 1.7 rockers, and the truck intake.

Widest powerband is the same as above with the GT40/Explorer intake.

Use a mustang mass air system with all for optimum results

 

hmmmm...im gonna remember this...thanks haha

 

so i manged to find a gt40 explore upper and lower intake how much will this add to my truck?

 

0-10 hp increase. You might lose a few ft/lbs of torque. All parts of an engine need to be matched for it to perform at its best.

 

Zero all by itself because the truck intake is not restrictive.