?? About Gearing for a 5.0 Mustang Stocker

[Stock 5 point 0]

I am getting ready to start a 5.0 Mustang Stocker Project. I am going to start out with the simple stuff like gears, headers, suspension work, converter, Right now the motor is 100% stock What gear should I start with??

[Robbie Welch]

I've been keeping an eye on your posts. I'm going through the same thing. Been collecting parts for a Mustang stocker also, looking to run in G/FIA. The only exsperience I have with Mustangs is with street cars and bracket cars. I'm sure some of the more knowledgeable racer will speak up. I'd say 4.56 gears a loose converter and the talls rear tire you can fit. There are a lot of possible combinations but thats what I'll be looking for. I think the converter is the key to a good combo . Good luck with your project.

[Stock 5 point 0]

Thanks for your reply. 4:56s is what I was thinking as a starting point. Are you starting with a stock motor? or do you have a aftermarket peice built? Any info would be grate

[Evan Smith]

I would not let the stock engine rev too far past 6,200 in bone stock trim. If so you will eventually float the valves and cause breakage. I recommend getting a set of new valve springs with something like 120-130 lbs. pressure on the seat. This will be a simple way to get you a few extra rpm. Use either 4.30s with a 28-inch tall tire or 4.56s with a 30-inch tire.

About 12 years ago I ran 12.74/105 with a bone stock 5.0 in Stocker trim. That was with a T5 manual transmission. I'd go with 1 1/2-inch headers, not 1 5/8.

Evan

[BRETV]

I ran a G/FIA mustang for four years and I started out just like you guys with a fairly stock motor. I ran 5.13 gears with a 30inch radial. when you are running an automatic you need all the gear you can get because these little motors don't have much torque. Also run the 2.92 first gear in the trans.



Bret Velde
3028 A/FI 03 Cobra

[Stock 5 point 0]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

I would not let the stock engine rev too far past 6,200 in bone stock trim. If so you will eventually float the valves and cause breakage. I recommend getting a set of new valve springs with something like 120-130 lbs. pressure on the seat. This will be a simple way to get you a few extra rpm. Use either 4.30s with a 28-inch tall tire or 4.56s with a 30-inch tire.

About 12 years ago I ran 12.74/105 with a bone stock 5.0 in Stocker trim. That was with a T5 manual transmission. I'd go with 1 1/2-inch headers, not 1 5/8.

Evan

What was the index when you went 12.74 and how heavy was the car ?

[Robbie Welch]

I'll be using the stock block and the correct heads for the class but I'll be using aftermarket rods and pistons. Evan has a lot of experience with Mustangs, he'd be a good source for info.

[Dennis Paz]

I have a chance at driving an 87 mustang auto at the autolite nats. Does anyone have a clue what these things weigh?

[Evan Smith]

I think the index was 13.0 and I don't remember what the car weighed.

Paz, depending on the body style (coupe, LX hatch, LX conv., GT, GT conv.) that a V8 225-hp car can run anywhere from H/FI-F/FI.

Also, Bret is correct about running as much gear as you can, as long as you have the motor to pull the gear. There is no sense turning 6,500-6,800, when the stock cam and valvetrain is done at 5,800. The rev range for a bone stock 5.0 should be between 4,200-5,800, with the engine revving to about 6,200 in the traps. With better valve springs and a Stocker cam you can take this higher.

Evan

[BRETV]

I called mine an 87 and it had to weigh 3180 with me in the car in G/FIA. That's 14.00 x 215= 3010 + 170 driver.




Bret Velde
3028 A/FI Cobra