Expert advice needed: Engine trans in a '90

[RacerX]

I know you guys keep up with all the latest technology. I'm basically old school and know I have a lot to learn. Here's the scenaro, I have a nice '90 LX, well optioned 5.0 and a 5spd. It is my daily driver and will continue to be. I want to keep it street drivable, a/c and all my options, run as good as possible (500HP?), stay cool and run on pump gas and still get reasonable milage, maybe 16-18 MPG. I know it's a tall order, kinda have your cake and eat it too I guess. I know the new modern Mustangs can do it but can it be done with a fox?

I'm thinking a 351 based engine, 393 maybe?, fuel injection, 6 spd trans, maybe a supercharger not a fan of turbos. Budget, well that's always the limiting factor, maybe 10k.

My question is what combo would you do, is there a shop in the area that can do the job, and is possible for that budget and be a reliable daily car?

I really like the car and I want to keep it as my daily driver but want the performance of a modern Mustang AND I like the hatchback and the look of the fox body.

Thanks for any and all suggestions, Dave

[quik lx]

You could swap a 4.6L 4valve with a Vortec or Procharger and make those #s and stay reliable. Would cost about the same as building a 500HP stroker.

[cobra429boss]

for 10k , yeah you can do that.. I would say go 351 turbo car 6 speed.. Good nice pump gas tune, you can get 20plus on gas if you keep foot out of it..

But nowadays i agree with quik, Put a mod motor in it or hell some guys these days are putting ls1 is them and going fast... Lots of options out there .

[Dirtyd0g]

I'd go 331 with an aod and a decent turbo or centrifugal blower. THat would be a great street/strip setup. For a more race oriented setup I'd go 331 with a larger turbo (or twins) and a c4.
I'm not into the 6 speed thing. Manuals are only useful for low power motors IMO.
Alan

[quik lx]

Manuals are only useful for low power motors IMO.
Alan

Someone on here has a Jerico 4 speed behind a 1000HP 363 inch blown Dart motor. High HP stick cars are too much fun...although hard on parts.:o

[NUTTSGT]

If you're planing on somebody else doing the work, I don't think you'll get it done for 10 grand.

[RacerX]

Thanks for all the input so far. I don't drag race so I think I want to keep it a manual, I think an automatic could be faster on the strip but standard more fun on the street. Definitley want to keep it a Ford engine. Also since I'm not experienced at this type of stuff I will want a good specialist to do the install.

Thanks for all the advice so far!


Dave

[AntiRice427]

I suggest either a 302 or 351 stroker motor with a trickflow top end kit, paxton novi 1200 or 2000 and a tko trans. A six speed will put you over the $10k budget. I can do all of the install, send me a pm and I will give you my number.

[Pitbull1052]

for 10 I'd say just get an 04 blown cobra motor and a 6 speed, one or two little mods and a good tune and you'd be there...... that's what I'd do if I had 10k to spend.... there's a few of them like that on here so you'd have plenty of sources...

[RacerX]

I really never thought about a modern 4.6 but that's why I posted to get info and options. I wonder if it's a easy install in a fox. Reliable is good.


Dave

[cobra429boss]

I really never thought about a modern 4.6 but that's why I posted to get info and options. I wonder if it's a easy install in a fox. Reliable is good.


Dave
quiklx is the guy to talk too

[NXcoupe]

I would just put a supercharger on it, get a good tune and be done with it. Well within your budget, and you would have the money left over for the 6 speed and a tune. My dd toy is a 600 rwhp car, with a 6 speed. I would say high 400 rwhp is easy to get with a blower on your engine with hci combo as well. Pick up good used stuff or if you're like me go with new stuff and do it in stages. Procharger is nice, and highly recommended, but I noticed you have an LX and they are hard to get the intercooler to fit without hacking up the nose of the car. I would lean towards a novi 2k, very good blower, lots of potential. Hope this helps.

[RacerX]

NX,
Thanks for the info. My "plan" would be to have the new drivetrain ready to install and when the old goes out the new goes in. I like the idea of new stuff too. My experience is mostly stock cars (ARCA, USAR, NASCAR etc.) and of course all that stuff is normally aspirated and carbed. The last race engine I bought was a Yates ARCA 358 that dynoed at 747 hp. and in 2000 that engine was 42K.

I know litterally nothing about the modern blown/turbo injected engines. But for a DD it seems to be the way to go. The budget is always the trick, whether it's racing or street. The dilemma is when does it make more sence to buy another car like maybe a Cobra or put the funds in a fox? For me about 10K sounds like a good #, BUT I really like my hatchback fox and suits me.

Thanks again for all info! Dave

[Maximus]

I really never thought about a modern 4.6 but that's why I posted to get info and options. I wonder if it's a easy install in a fox. Reliable is good.


Dave

http://www.modularfords.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30 :bigthumb


quiklx is the guy to talk too

Yes he is.:)

[quik lx]

I really never thought about a modern 4.6 but that's why I posted to get info and options. I wonder if it's a easy install in a fox. Reliable is good.


Dave


Very easy to install and wire up. Hard part is the header on the drivers side that has to be cut up and rebuilt (if you go with long tubes), and figuring out the hydroboost/steering column options. If I was gonna do it for my first time again, I would have a complete donor car.

[RacerX]

A donar car makes sence, sometimes those little parts can drive you nuts. We put one of my old stockcar engines in my jag a few years ago but it had no FI, no computer etc... It was actually a pretty easy swap.

[RacerX]

Thanks for all the tips. I think I'm leaning toward a 347. Seems to make the most since and easiest to install. My 5.0 is still running fine so I have time to still figure it all out. I guess the next step is to find out what 347 combination works best. Maybe a Ford crate long block and aftermarket intake, injectors, MAF, pump, rails, headers, etc.

I know it's all in getting all the parts to work together.

Thanks, Dave

[Pitbull1052]

get with Cincy Speed they'll get you hooked up that's what I'm leaning tward is a 347 maybe build it this winter or this spring......... a bud of mine on here is right about 400hp all motor...... all holley top end I think.......