This answer is correct. I have an 87 roller motor out of a police cruiser. NON H.O. The cam is smaller to start with, Non forged pistons.
Any thermostat over 180 will keep condesation from forming in an engine that is allowed to run long enough to reach operating temp. The engine isn't going to know the difference between a 190, 195 or 200 degree thermostat. Ford doesn't make their own thermostats so a Stant or any other name brand thermostat that is listed at the same temperature as the stock unit will work just fine. Paying the extra $$ for "Ford" parts is not necessary. Dealerships train their employees with propaganda to sell their brand of parts. I worked for dealerships for a good part of my life as a mechanic and I can tell you that each one does the same thing. When you open a package and see a repacked part box with a "Ford" part init you begin to understand that it is mostly smoke and mirrors to confuse the customer. You won't go wrong using factory parts but you will spend a lot more money than you have to.
The 8.8 is still a good rear Ok first it is disk brakes and that is a couple hundred dollar upgrade on a stock 8" or 9" rear the Posi trac and the rear sway bar with it is a bonus. As for the axle housing, there is nothing an hour or two with a cutoff grinder and a welder can't fix (yes removal of the air suspension included)...yes I have done this before...The 8.8 is one of the most popular swaps for rear axles in Jeeps both out of the lincolns and the explorers. This is due to the diamater of the axle shafts being similar to size of the 9" axle shafts and also the disk brakes (usually number one reason). The drawback to the 8.8 is the c-clips but you can get a c-clip conversion fairly cheep. So don't discount the 8.8. The amount of money spent on upgrading the disk brakes on the 8" is probably more then what you would spend on the 8.8 and you still won't have as strong of an axle...well thats my
Good to see the P headers. I have never seen them before. They really come out a long way, don't they...
Probably are But if they are forged then they are stronger then the cast parts used in most of the motors. Therefore alot more reliable.
So far I tore the engine down the engine, and I also seen a freeze out plug missing...So I replaced it, and installed a head gasket set, intake & carb and the engine runs fine. Any opinions? (I thought cast Iron block and heads don't warp?)
They definately warp just not as bad as aluminum.Exspecially if the car was in a area with a cold climate,the engine sees many extreme heat cycles.So if the engine is running fine and not overheating you should have nothing to worry about.ENJOY!!!
Right now I'm kinda lost, I don't really know what I wanna do with the motor. I just want to have an ok motor that makes 400 hp, and a extra 100 shot of spray on the side. Could I achieve that goal with this type of motor with a stock bottom end and the factory forged pistons?
