[dcastine]

Hi guys, a new old guy here (48) - been building carb'd 60's and 70's Mopars for a while now. I just picked up a very nice black/grey leather 93 LX 5.0 T5 Hatch that has had its motor removed for some upgrades that were never done. Motor was eventually sold and the car has been garaged and under a cover ever since. It's in very nice shape, no rust, nice orig paint, and it's a very loaded up car. All the wires are labled, and I have what looks like most of the misc parts to get her back together. I found a 93 engine today w/83k on it, and I'll need most of the underhood AC parts - the original owner scrapped those to go racing, but I'll want them back in the car... so the story begins.

I'm looking forward to your guidance and helpful tips! This is a hobby car for me, so I'll be taking my time and doing things right.

Question #1 >> If you had a 100% Stock 5.0/T5 car and $2,000 to 'enhance' the car's performance - what would you do? Remember, I have the engine OUT of the car right now...

Thanks guys,
Dave
72 Plymouth 340 Duster (for sale)
93 Mustang LX 5.0/T5

[notch9350]

The '93 5.0s came with cast hyperuetectic pistons in case you didn't know. I just thought I'd throw it out there before you made the purchase. I believe '89-'92 had forged pistons, so it's something to think depending on your future plans. What are some of your goals with the car?

[Goblin]

Having hyper pistons doesnt mean you cant have fun with the engine and make power. I would look for a used set of aluminum heads, and a good upper and lower intake. Underdrive pulleys, long tube headers, and an exhaust. With a 3.73 ring and pinion, you'll be in business. Shouldnt be hard to keep all those parts at or under $2,000... finding the right deals ofcourse.

[dcastine]

I'd like to keep the car reliable, so it'll never see NOS and most likely never see a blower... I'm thinking gears, maybe cam, intake, exhaust, heads (?)... will the lower end of a 93 motor handle that? I would think it would - thanks!

[Goblin]

Originally Posted by dcastine I'd like to keep the car reliable, so it'll never see NOS and most likely never see a blower... I'm thinking gears, maybe cam, intake, exhaust, heads (?)... will the lower end of a 93 motor handle that? I would think it would - thanks!

You shouldnt say "never." Nitrous isnt bad for an engine, especially when its used correctly. Same goes for a supercharger/turbocharger. Basic bolt-ons are completely safe, and will not harm your shortblock, so long as you make sure its tuned properly.

[dcastine]

LOL should'a read your reply Goblin... but I'm thinking exactly that, old fashioned bolt-ons I guess...

[Goblin]

Old fashioned bolt-ons will get you an 11 second car if you can drive it.

[dcastine]

12's is plenty for this old dawg.... with the AC on

[ryans88gt]

Trick flow upper end kit, maybe find some parts used.

[BWAL]

Originally Posted by ryans88gt Trick flow upper end kit, maybe find some parts used.

+2

here's my list though if i was personally in your situation.

port and polish stock heads and intake
cam
3.73 gears
cold air intake
full exhaust (with long tubes)
100-150 shot of nitrous

[STREET6]

good used heads 500-900 try ebay.
intake that will match head well 250-400 new. 150-200 used.
Shorty headers 150- 250
2.5" exhaust w/h or x pipe 250-500 depending on what you use.
cam 200-300
underdrive pullies 100-150
?roller rockers? 150-250
Cold Air intake
Throttle body.

Plan B

Dig around salvage yards.
What you are looking for...
Ford explorer heads. (Gt-40 or gt-40p)
Explorer intake manifold.
^These should cost under $500 in all depending on your area. Though they may be hard to find.
Then get a cam, cold air induction, pullies, headers and exhuast and you should come in under budget.

Oh yes.... Get some 3.73:1 gears.

[fogged306]

Welcome to the site! I'm also a mopar guy, kinda. My last car was a 69 Cornet with a 440, a 727 torqueflight and a 391 sure grip... that car moved.

While I completely agree with Goblin about nitrous not being bad for a motor when used properly, I personally don't think it's the best for a car with hypers unless you really know your way around nitrous. Those pistons won't be as forgiving to mistakes as forged ones will.

You have the right idea with doing an H/C/I and some gears. While you're at it, get some aftermarket upper and lower rear control arms and some sub-frame connectors to help you launch.

[Goblin]

Originally Posted by fogged306 Welcome to the site! I'm also a mopar guy, kinda. My last car was a 69 Cornet with a 440, a 727 torqueflight and a 391 sure grip... that car moved. While I completely agree with Goblin about nitrous not being bad for a motor when used properly, I personally don't think it's the best for a car with hypers unless you really know your way around nitrous. Those pistons won't be as forgiving to mistakes as forged ones will. You have the right idea with doing an H/C/I and some gears. While you're at it, get some aftermarket upper and lower rear control arms and some sub-frame connectors to help you launch.

100% agreed.

[Casper98GT]

Well, welcome. Im in New Hampshire. Where are you?

I also have a 93, and like goblin said. Dont worry about hyper pistons. just make sure you have a good tune and they will be just fine.

Heads, cam, intake. Exhaust and gears and you'll be happy. then when more money comes do smaller stuff, shifter, and whatever else. I have a bunch of a/c stuff i just took off my 93 lx. almost brand new compressor.

take care

[dcastine]

I'm in Wakefield, MA - about 10 miles N of Boston....

[e3sean]

Originally Posted by dcastine I'm in Wakefield, MA - about 10 miles N of Boston....

i am in phoenix arizona about 1000000000000000 miles from anything!!!

[notch9350]

My post was just a suggestion guys, if I was to buy another motor it wouldn't have cast pistons. Just figured I'd let him know in case he didn't already.

[Goblin]

Thats cool man, but you really shouldnt base a decision on what motor you purchase because of what type of pistons it uses. Thats something that can easily be changed. No pun intended.

[blakehunter316]

I started with mostly stock and it still is pretty much lol full exhuast, 3.73s, steeda triax shifter is all i got and had it tuned up and it runs awesome but if i had the money do that plus a h/c/i kit u would have a awesome stang and be runnin some perdy good numbers i would think.

[dcastine]

What year Explorers should I be looking for in the bone yards?

FOR SALE: 72 340 Duster