So I'm planning on doing a V8 swap in my 74 Mav which is currently running a 250 I6. Problem is, I'm not sure of which displacement engine I should go after. 289 vs 302 vs Boss 302. I'm open to other options as long as they are well recommended. Things to consider for me are: 1. Price, I'm not looking to go all out with this as I do not have unlimited funds 2. Fuel Economy, I want something reasonable, but still a blast to drive. 3. Power, I like being able to just get out and exercise the car, the 250 just does not have the horses for that. I want to be able to beat people off the line for fun too, I don't plan on racing at a track or anything. But if there's a little friendly competition on the road, I want to be able to take the guy next to me if he isn't driving a new mustang or something obviously faster. Also, recommended transmission for whichever engine you suggest would be outstanding. Thanks in advance!
Go for one of the late model 5.0 motors(302), they are easy to find, parts are cheap, and they are a direct bolt in to our cars. Also they have roller cams and they usually have an overdrive transmission attached to them that you can use in your car too and get better fuel economy then with a factory 3 speed. Also if you get one of the early 90's 5.0 they were some of the highest factory horsepower producing 302 windsor motors released from ford for the regular market. You can bolt a 4V intake manifold and carb and with a few other minor power adders you can have a fun car to scoot around town with that gets decent fuel economy and has a little power when you want it
Without a doubt a roller motor. Unless of course you PM the guy in another thread (racing new cars) who claims he can have the motor running 10's for 1500 bucks.
Skip the 5.0 HO.(they've been ragged to death and picked over anyway) Look for a 94-97 5.0 from a pickup or van. Same parts as the HO, but with a slightly smaller roller cam. Great for use with a carb. All you need to do is remove the thermactor bumps from the exhaust ports (ditto for the HO motor too as they have the same heads) Might also jump on an Explorer 5.0 too, these have even better heads.
pffffttttt.... That front suspension needs to go anyway. The wheels camber in the opposite direction for handling and it is guaranteed to bump steer. It was designed to hold the engine off the ground and that is about all it's good for. Besides, a boss 302(c) or a 351(w or c) doesn't really fit between the towers either. A 302W barely fits and is still a pain if you want to change plugs.
I dare you to quote me to where i said you can have a SBF running 10's for 1,500. Or any motor. I just said that that guys motor cost $1,500 to build. Like everyone mentioned Roller 5.0 is the way to go picking up a H.O. this week!
When you are on a budget and you want HP and a swap engine is planned then you have to do a lot of the work yourself. You still have to plan forthe required machine work but You might be able to put the engine together yourself, modify your own transmission to take the new power and perform all the operations you feel adventurous enough to take on. The best engine to start with is the 5.0 with the big rods and forged pistons - that has been said a few times. Do some minor pocket (valve bowls) blending and minor work to port match and blend the runners and your heads are in great shape for a street engine. Get a carb, intake, cam, and headers to all work at the same RPM and build an exhaust the is suited to the same cfm as your carb. Lighten your car as much as you can (or are willing to do yourself) and select the rear gears that will give you the top speed you want (or will use) with decent acceleration.
Must have misunderstood your post . Sorry. You may want to go back over the thread as it looks like a few guys may have misunderstood it. So it was someone you know who had 1475 into a motor that runs 10's. OK that makes more sense. Could have a dollar into it if we are talking cost out of pocket. I took it as 1475 to build a 10 sec. motor. My fault, those threads full of numbers thrown into the wind get me going sometimes.
