Performance 5.0
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Performance 5.0
Ok,
Now that I have my truck running and driving, it's time to think about my plans for it.
I was thinking about making an '81 version of the Lightning if Ford had made a super truck back then. But it would take extensive body work to make my truck look good.
Anyway, I was thinking that I could go ahead with the powertrain side of it. Which leads me to my question - will performace parts made for an '80s Mustang 302 work/fit on my 302?
I also would like to know all of the performance mods that I could do with the engine still in the truck. I have an engine hoist, but I'd rather not take the engine out if I don't have to.
Now that I have my truck running and driving, it's time to think about my plans for it.
I was thinking about making an '81 version of the Lightning if Ford had made a super truck back then. But it would take extensive body work to make my truck look good.
Anyway, I was thinking that I could go ahead with the powertrain side of it. Which leads me to my question - will performace parts made for an '80s Mustang 302 work/fit on my 302?
I also would like to know all of the performance mods that I could do with the engine still in the truck. I have an engine hoist, but I'd rather not take the engine out if I don't have to.
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From: Virginia
All of the mustang parts will fit, except the exhaust headers. I don't know what you are going to put on the engine though, since most of the "5.0 mustang" parts are for fuel injected engines. If you want to keep it carbed, then all of the old school hotrod methods will apply, which is basically what the factory did on the carbed mustangs(4bbl, dual exhaust, small cam, etc.)
One warning though. Your truck is a lot heavier than a mustang. As you modify your engine, the powerband will go higher as you get more radical. If you do nothing else to your truck, you will be disappointed with it. As you get more power in the higher rpm band, you will need to at least change the rearend gearing of your truck. If you read the mustang forums, you will see a lot of them going up to 3.50 and 3.73 gears in their cars. This goes along with modifications to the engine, to keep it revved in the new powerband it has.
If your truck is like most f100's with 300 sixes, you probably have a 2.70 something rearend in it, and just changing the gears with no engine modifications will have you doing burnouts easily.
One warning though. Your truck is a lot heavier than a mustang. As you modify your engine, the powerband will go higher as you get more radical. If you do nothing else to your truck, you will be disappointed with it. As you get more power in the higher rpm band, you will need to at least change the rearend gearing of your truck. If you read the mustang forums, you will see a lot of them going up to 3.50 and 3.73 gears in their cars. This goes along with modifications to the engine, to keep it revved in the new powerband it has.
If your truck is like most f100's with 300 sixes, you probably have a 2.70 something rearend in it, and just changing the gears with no engine modifications will have you doing burnouts easily.
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how much money you have? A mild cam, 4 barrel holly, headers, true dual exhaust would be nice, depending on the transmission you have c6 will be fine. A Aod is not a good tranny to beat on with extra power. If you want a nice upgrade, a 351 is a fun engine, but you won't be very fast because no matter what is under the hood your still driving a big heavy box. I'm a fan of the way 302's sound. If you were to just put headers and dual exhaust you will get a thrill out of your 302, just remember your engine could be very tired. I'd do a compression test on all the cylinders before trying to upgrade anything.
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Thanks guys,
This engine is not the original engine. According to the VIN, the truck originaly came with a 300 I6. I also don't know for sure what tranny I have. The engine does have a slight ticking sound (lifters?). I wouldn't doubt that it is tired even being a replacment engine. It does do 0-60 in what I would call an impressive time considering the age and amount of oil leaks the truck has (LOL).
After reading your responses, I'd better do a compression test. If it passes the test, I'll put on new headers and a true dual exhaust (providing I don't have a catalytic converter). Who knows, maybe sometime I'll swap out the rearend gears for something a little more aggressive.
Plus, a new paintjob and some exterior mods might be in order.
This engine is not the original engine. According to the VIN, the truck originaly came with a 300 I6. I also don't know for sure what tranny I have. The engine does have a slight ticking sound (lifters?). I wouldn't doubt that it is tired even being a replacment engine. It does do 0-60 in what I would call an impressive time considering the age and amount of oil leaks the truck has (LOL).
After reading your responses, I'd better do a compression test. If it passes the test, I'll put on new headers and a true dual exhaust (providing I don't have a catalytic converter). Who knows, maybe sometime I'll swap out the rearend gears for something a little more aggressive.
Plus, a new paintjob and some exterior mods might be in order.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Thanks guys,
This engine is not the original engine. According to the VIN, the truck originaly came with a 300 I6. I also don't know for sure what tranny I have. The engine does have a slight ticking sound (lifters?). I wouldn't doubt that it is tired even being a replacment engine. It does do 0-60 in what I would call an impressive time considering the age and amount of oil leaks the truck has (LOL).
After reading your responses, I'd better do a compression test. If it passes the test, I'll put on new headers and a true dual exhaust (providing I don't have a catalytic converter). Who knows, maybe sometime I'll swap out the rearend gears for something a little more aggressive.
Plus, a new paintjob and some exterior mods might be in order.
This engine is not the original engine. According to the VIN, the truck originaly came with a 300 I6. I also don't know for sure what tranny I have. The engine does have a slight ticking sound (lifters?). I wouldn't doubt that it is tired even being a replacment engine. It does do 0-60 in what I would call an impressive time considering the age and amount of oil leaks the truck has (LOL).
After reading your responses, I'd better do a compression test. If it passes the test, I'll put on new headers and a true dual exhaust (providing I don't have a catalytic converter). Who knows, maybe sometime I'll swap out the rearend gears for something a little more aggressive.
Plus, a new paintjob and some exterior mods might be in order.
Sounds like a plan!
I know I like doing modifications that allow the engine to be more efficient and powerful, ignition upgrade or just a good tune up is always helpful. I upgraded to a MSD ignition coil, I've read about them not doing much but I can easily tell a difference in spark with my tester.
