[theninja]

Welp, just a little background info I guess...

I'm new to the board. I'm new to the 5.0. I've worked in the auto maintenance industry for about 6 years now, so I'm not new to cars as a whole. I should be able to understand any tips or information y'all got for me. Anyways,

So not too long ago I came across a deal from a buddy that left me with a completely FREE "junkyard special" Mazda RX7. It doesn't run. It needs bodywork. It needs wires and a lot of TLC to get it back on the road. Since I have a daily driver already and the RX7 is sitting, I've decided to just go ahead and make the RX7 my project/track car. This track car will hopefully be brought to life with the rumble of a 5.0 under the hood.

There is a company out there "Granny's Speed Shop" that makes a full conversion kit for a Ford V8 into an RX7. Its fairly cheap and easy as far as installation. Any V8 in an RX7 would give me an awesome power/weight. I'm just stumped as to which 5.0 I really should be looking for. I know that carburetors are gonna make the installation a lot easier, but I still want a motor with some track potential. Forged internals are quite appealing when it comes to continued stress.

So knowing what I'm trying to do with it, which series 5.0 would probably give me the biggest bang for the buck? Another friend has suggested the carbureted 85 because its got all the potential as the newer motors, but has the built internals as well.

Any "mustang heads" lemme know. + If anyone's got a motor sitting around that you'd let go of cheaply lemme know there as well.

THANKS!
--josh
UniTs

[mikebert]

Welcome, here's a quick overview as I sit in class and try not to die from database induced boredom.

You're looking for a carb vs efi and roller vs non roller.

There are people with carb'ed 302s here and I think the final answer is "whatever you're comfortable with." The EFI setup is going to be more expensive, but there isn't really a difference in potential power when you compare carb vs EFI. From 86 - 88 the engines were speed density as opposed to mass airflow, just FYI. A lot of people switch to MAF.

All the newer blocks are going to be rollers, they stopped non roller in the mid 80s (date?). Chances are you'll come across a roller.

If you're completely new to the 302 thing, the stock blocks split at about 500 hp. You don't have to go out and buy a forged kit for the engine, the stock stuff is pretty stout. The stock internals will last you well past the limits of the block, so don't worry about that. In 93 they started putting hypereutectic pistons, which are weaker than the previous stock forged pistons.

[theninja]

Cool.
Your information inspires a bit more confidence in my project.

When all is said and done, I'm not looking for high hp or torque numbers out of it. With around 400hp and 300torque (what I'm looking for), an old 1986 Mazda RX7 would have much better performance than any stock (N/A) RX7, and even a mustang with the same setup. A 500hp limit on the block is NO PROBLEM-OH.

I've determined that I'm going carb'ed. I've been in and out of motor swaps on other cars F-I systems and I'd rather not even have to deal with all that. My first car was carb'ed and I learned a lot. For a "bring it out once a month to the track" I think a carb would do me just fine.
...
Another question as far as aftermarket parts... I know that being an american Ford V8 aftermarket parts are probably a dime a dozen, but does any one of the carb'ed motorsets have more aftermarket support than another? I'm trying to go somewhat cheap (which i know is not smart for a track car) but I know that buying a motor with 0 support is gonna leave me spending $$ on custom parts in the end. I'm really more into the suspension and handling of the car than having more ponies.

So you think a carb'ed 302 out of an 85' Mustang give me what I'm looking for? Based on my research I think it will, but I figured I'd ask the pros.

--josh

EDIT: BTW, I'm coming down to Atlanta Motorspeedway in Sept.

[radster87]

Personally I would go with a 86 model engine, I used this engine with a carb in my s10, actually seems stronger than the EFI. I think that the cam is more aggressive in them than the 85. not sure though.

Also if the RX-7 still has the engine and tranny would you sell them? I am looking for a rotary engine to drop into my 1974 MG Midget.

[theninja]

I wasn't even aware that they kept a carb'ed version in 86. I thought they switched over to all EFI that year. I also thought the 86 wasn't built with the same forged internals. I'm no expert though.

As far as the RX7 motor...

Yeah, I still have the stock N/A 13b rotary. The injectors are pulled and so are the spark plugs, but they're just sitting in the back. And yes, I'm definately trying to sell it. Money from that could go towards the new v8 for sure. Its actually really clean, too. I don't know if I can post pics yet, so if you want some just send an email to unitsninja@cox.net I'll reply back with some motor shots.



Where are you located? I'm in Virginia Beach, VA. Looking for a trade? Or just trying to buy the motor?

[radster87]

All 5.0s were fuel injected in 1986, I just changed mine to a carb. I am not sure about the internals butI know that the pistons are forged.

[Black Five 0h]

fords gt-40 302 crate motor, 340hp, 345ft lbs, 8 psi blower

[theninja]

Originally Posted by Black Five 0h fords gt-40 302 crate motor, 340hp, 345ft lbs, 8 psi blower

How retardedly expensive is that?

[theninja]

Welp, due to lack of communication I'm gonna go ahead and assume that radster87 has disappeared off the face of the earth and that I'm no longer trading him motors. Hope he's okay, but anyways...

I'm looking for ANY "cheap" Ford 8-cylinder. There's so many freakin different motor codes I really have no idea what I'm looking for anymore.

- It should be stock or only lightly modded.
- It should be carbureted.
- It should be clear of any known mechanical defect.
- It should be within 3 hours of my location (Virginia Beach, VA).

And if you really wanna trade your V8 for a rotary, the Wankel 13B (in AMAZING condition) is available for trades as well.

[Drick]

Just get a plain ol 302 from ford racing

Like This

[Speedstang302]

89-92 if im right had forged internals and are great basis's for a hot motor..carburated is best for the track..fuel injected would be great for the street but this isnt for the street

get an 302...stroke it to like 331 or 347...throw everything but the kitchen sink at it...and that mofo should go..

[theninja]

Originally Posted by 8t6gt Just get a plain ol 302 from ford racing Like This

Ho-lee crap.

$4,799.00 for the cheapest 302 available? That's crayzee. For future suggestions: "cheap" means under 2k. I have really been looking for older, stock-ish, USED, motors so I can save some cash. Gotta build it since I can't buy it...

[Iownastang]

You can buy a 347 stroker short block from coast high for under 2500

[dStoltenberg]

lol a man after my own heart.
I came across an '82 rx7 for 200$ awhile ago, purchased it, got it running, and resold for 1k.
Shoulda kept that car for the 5.0 conversion. I currently have a non HO 302 sitting in my garage, and I have been looking for another rx7 like my old one as a new home for the motor, possibly with a turbo a friend has.
Also, for your 302 hunt, any of the 89-93 HO motors had forged internals and roller cam and rockers, you'll want one of those. The 93's were rated at less horsepower through minor changes, such as the maf, tuning, etc. If you want to go carburated, any carburated intake manifold will work on those motors.
Are you planning on using a manual or automatic for your conversion?

[Drick]

Originally Posted by theninja Originally Posted by 8t6gt Just get a plain ol 302 from ford racing Like This Ho-lee crap. $4,799.00 for the cheapest 302 available? That's crayzee. For future suggestions: "cheap" means under 2k. I have really been looking for older, stock-ish, USED, motors so I can save some cash. Gotta build it since I can't buy it...

Just linking you to the ford racing cheapest 302 block never siad it was cheap but I will keep that in mind under 2k

[ryans88gt]

I have a 302 short block that is the older (stronger) non-roller style. It has about 1000 miles on it. Basically the block (0.030 over), stock crank reground 10/10, with TRW forged pistons (big valve reliefs), stock forged rods. It has a 550 lift 224 deg duration hydraulic comp cams camshaft. If you want to convert it to a roller motor, you need retrofit roller lifters, or a retrofit roller camshaft and the stock rollers. It's been in the garage for awhile on an engine stand in a bag. If you make a reasonable offer and are willing to pick it up, it's yours.

[theninja]

Where are you located?

Originally Posted by jordan You can buy a 347 stroker short block from coast high for under 2500

And anyone got a link to that "Coast High" website if there is one?

Originally Posted by dStoltenberg lol a man after my own heart. ... Are you planning on using a manual or automatic for your conversion?

Yeah man, the 5.0 is mean in something as light and balanced as an RX7. I had an RX7 a long time ago and drove the piss out of the stock motor until one day i wrecked it. What it lacked... that 5.0 will pick up the slack. Fo' sho. And I plan on it being manual. Its gonna be track only. No need for that automatic stuff.

Originally Posted by ryans88gt If you make a reasonable offer and are willing to pick it up, it's yours.

Got pictures of the build? If not, what's reasonable? $200! The cheaper, the better. And where are you located?

[ryans88gt]

I honestly didn't build it. I bought a mustang from a local guy cheap and I parted it out. I made money before I ever sold the short block, so I was just keeping it as a backup. I'm getting tired of it sitting in the garage, so I am selling it. It was a running 12 second car. It is just a shortblock so there isn't much to the buildup. Just machine work, and R&Red rods, TRW pistons, and new bearings and rings. The motor has about 1000 miles on it, it still has the cross hatching from the hone and no lip at the top of the bore. The pistons are still shiny! If you want to pick it up, $250 and it is yours. I am in central Illinois. I think it still has the front cover, and a few other extraneous parts too.

[theninja]

Dang, illinois. Got a zip code so I can look you up?

[ryans88gt]

61761