Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice

[Swandog]

I’m piecing together my first stocker (5.0 mustang coupe M or N car) and I’ve read and re-read nearly everything I can get my hands and eyes on putting together an efi mustang.
I’ve got a quality machine shop ready to work on my heads. They have experience with performance work but not specifically with a class car. I really want to work with them and keep my money local. Anyone willing to pass along any general advice they may use?

I’m just getting started in class racing so any advice or direction appreciated!

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Swandog

I’m piecing together my first stocker (5.0 mustang coupe M or N car) and I’ve read and re-read nearly everything I can get my hands and eyes on putting together an efi mustang.
I’ve got a quality machine shop ready to work on my heads. They have experience with performance work but not specifically with a class car. I really want to work with them and keep my money local. Anyone willing to pass along any general advice they may use?

I’m just getting started in class racing so any advice or direction appreciated!

Check you PM.

[Swandog]

Thanks SSDiv6.

I also have a rookie type question about stocker pistons. I’ve read the rulebook, blueprint guide, and approved piston list for the 302 ford (1988). I assume you can use factory pistons (ie. Ford part numbered TRW pistons) provided they are OE for your application. However, I don’t find the part number listed anywhere in the blueprint guide. Also, since Ford no longer has the part and it has been changed up to a different part number… can you run the retrofit part or not?

Any input appreciated…just trying to piece together a stocker on a beginners budget

I assume that running a piston that meets the blueprint criteria but is not on the approved list is going to be a major problem - correct?

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Swandog

Thanks SSDiv6.

I also have a rookie type question about stocker pistons. I’ve read the rulebook, blueprint guide, and approved piston list for the 302 ford (1988). I assume you can use factory pistons (ie. Ford part numbered TRW pistons) provided they are OE for your application. However, I don’t find the part number listed anywhere in the blueprint guide. Also, since Ford no longer has the part and it has been changed up to a different part number… can you run the retrofit part or not?

Any input appreciated…just trying to piece together a stocker on a beginners budget

I assume that running a piston that meets the blueprint criteria but is not on the approved list is going to be a major problem - correct?

The OEM pistons used in the 5.0 were forged TRW pistons; and yes, you can use the factory pistons. The OEM factory pistons are not shown in the guide. If you read the first line in Page 139, Titled: Pistons, reads: "OEM or NHRA-accepted aftermarket replacements permitted..."

I do not know how much Ford is asking for their replacement pistons, nevertheless, the Sterling (Sealed Power) H606P piston is a Hyperteutic piston, affordable (about $300.00) and easily available. For the 1994 to 1995 5.0 engines, Ford switched from forged to Hyperteutic pistons and they used the H606P piston.

If you still want to run the OEM replacement piston, then have the Ford parts counter person print for you the parts book page that shows the superceeded piston part number and send it to NHRA tech, explaining the part number change.

In a nutshell, you either have to run an OEM piston or a replacement piston as shown in the approved list.

[Chris1529]

there are six different pistons you can use as per the NHRA guide.

http://www.nhra.com/tech_specs/pistons/index.html

[rseibenick]

Swandog you have a PM

[HellraisingRacer]

i too am looking for a 302 buildup, c4 automatic in a 88 lx coupe. any motor suggestions along with stall advice would be great. going with 3.73 gears.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by HellraisingRacer

i too am looking for a 302 buildup, c4 automatic in a 88 lx coupe. any motor suggestions along with stall advice would be great. going with 3.73 gears.

For what class are you building the car for??? 3.73 gears are not going to work

[HellraisingRacer]

my origional plan was going to run a SVO motor in superstock GT, but im going to run M stock. you think i need steeper gears?

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by HellraisingRacer

my origional plan was going to run a SVO motor in superstock GT, but im going to run M stock. you think i need steeper gears?

With all due respect, how much experience do you have in class racing? First, if you are talking about the Ford Racing SVO engine, it is not legal in SS/GT. The only SVO engine that was available in a production car was the 4-Cylinder Turbo engine. Yes, if you want ot be competitive, you need steeper gears from 4.88 to 5.14, and if you have an automatic, you will also need a low gear set in your transmission.