[Mazlem]

There's an '86 GT near me FS. I haven't checked it out yet but it sounds stock from the description.

From what I've read, the heads hinder it's performance, the throttle-body is smaller, and it's got the speed-density air instead of mass air. That said, is it really any worse of a year to start with for mods? The 1/4mi times look about the same for similar years. For any other year tho, I'd want to upgrade the throttle-body and intake manifold anyway; maybe not the heads, at least initially.

My short-term goal would be 250HP, long-term of 275-300 if that's possible without getting into blowers an such.

[Tony_90fox]

of course its possible. go for it!

[82GT]

The only thing that sucks about that year, besides the heads, as you mentioned is the fact the pistons are flat tops without any valve reliefs.
That means you are pretty much stuck with that cam, unless you flycut the pistons or get different ones.
There aren't too many changes you can do before have to switch to mass air.
You could probably get away with some headers, 2.5 inch exhaust and pulleys. I'm not sure about swapping intakes if the computer would like that or not. It might just be easier to find a car with mass air since you plan on making more hp later on because at some point you will need a mass air conversion....something to think about.

[Tony_90fox]

there are some posts in this forum about mass air conversions. If you get the whole set up, its pretty easy.

But if you dont want to do all the work, then try to find a 87-93 foxbody.
The aftermarket for these 5.0s is crazy..and the HP possibilities for these are numerous. You can find anything for the 87-93 on the web if you look hard enough.

[95opal]

Originally Posted by Mazlem From what I've read, the heads hinder it's performance, the throttle-body is smaller, and it's got the speed-density air instead of mass air. That said, is it really any worse of a year to start with for mods?

NA I think your pretty much looking at the blacksheep of the family as far as performance friendly foxs. was ford thinking about in 86 thats what I want to know. Actually now that i think about it, they seemed to have had a brain fart in 76, 86, 96.

[Tony_90fox]

what happened in 76?

[Mazlem]

The Mustang II?

So it sounds like I'd want to change to mass-air first thing, then new heads and probably intake manifold at the same time. That'd be worth what, 30HP?

Can I get heads better than the stock 87-93 Mustang or Explorer without breaking the bank? Or should I just get heads/intake from a junker, (all-explorer stuff for maybe 20-25HP?)

[Tony_90fox]

how much bank do you want to spend?

[Mazlem]

I haven't looked up any prices; I guess the question is what are the best bang-for-buck heads that provide say, ~10HP over stock for '87-'93.

[ChrisJ]

1986 Gt is my favorite GT...

I got 4-Eye love...

Its a decent platform to start off with...But it is the first year of Fuel Injection for the GT so there are some bugs...

Do a MAF conversion and it will alot better...

[Bill]

Originally Posted by ChrisJ 1986 Gt is my favorite GT... I got 4-Eye love... Its a decent platform to start off with...But it is the first year of Fuel Injection for the GT so there are some bugs... Do a MAF conversion and it will alot better...

+1. i love the 86 GT the most out of all the Fox years.

[1slo5.0]

Originally Posted by Mazlem There's an '86 GT near me FS. I haven't checked it out yet but it sounds stock from the description. From what I've read, the heads hinder it's performance, the throttle-body is smaller, and it's got the speed-density air instead of mass air. That said, is it really any worse of a year to start with for mods? The 1/4mi times look about the same for similar years. For any other year tho, I'd want to upgrade the throttle-body and intake manifold anyway; maybe not the heads, at least initially. My short-term goal would be 250HP, long-term of 275-300 if that's possible without getting into blowers an such.

Like 82GT mentioned, the pistons are the major drawback in 1986. Not a big deal though. You have a few options. Flycut the stock pistons, buy some replacements or get a 1987 - 1993 short block from a salvage yard. Your horsepower goal is attainable, even without converting to mass air. Throttle bodies, intakes, heads, headers, etc can all be changed on a speed density car. Chips can be burned as well. Camshafts are about the only thing that makes a factory speed density system pissed off. 300 hp has been done by many people with a stock cam. The motor makes right around 225 hp right now. Another 75 hp is a walk in the park.

[03svtsnakevert]

the four eyes are great looking cars...then you can find a later model 5.0 and stick it in

[Mazlem]

I'd thought of that - if I'd be replacing stuff anyway, why not get the '86 since it's local, and put a modded motor in it. (Hard to find good older cars around here.)

There's an '89 motor nearby with 100k mi, which would match the 100k mi on the '86. Aside from wiring for the mass-air, would there be any issues putting an '89-'93 motor in the '86?

Also is the 5spd in the '86 any better/worse than '87-'93?

[OTreborO]

Originally Posted by Darrell Originally Posted by Mazlem There's an '86 GT near me FS. I haven't checked it out yet but it sounds stock from the description. From what I've read, the heads hinder it's performance, the throttle-body is smaller, and it's got the speed-density air instead of mass air. That said, is it really any worse of a year to start with for mods? The 1/4mi times look about the same for similar years. For any other year tho, I'd want to upgrade the throttle-body and intake manifold anyway; maybe not the heads, at least initially. My short-term goal would be 250HP, long-term of 275-300 if that's possible without getting into blowers an such. Like 82GT mentioned, the pistons are the major drawback in 1986. Not a big deal though. You have a few options. Flycut the stock pistons, buy some replacements or get a 1987 - 1993 short block from a salvage yard. Your horsepower goal is attainable, even without converting to mass air. Throttle bodies, intakes, heads, headers, etc can all be changed on a speed density car. Chips can be burned as well. Camshafts are about the only thing that makes a factory speed density system pissed off. 300 hp has been done by many people with a stock cam. The motor makes right around 225 hp right now. Another 75 hp is a walk in the park.

Or put in a 351........................................