[mjnd1990]

I plan on buying my first mustang, a foxbody, next year for a project car. If I was to purchase a 2.3, what would be the best engine to replace it with? Would a Ford Racing 302 be a good option? If not what would be? Any cheap engines I can pick up from other fords? I'm in college and on a tight budget so 8k is the max I can spend although id prefer to spend even less. I'm not extremely knowligible of engine internals but have mechanical experience else where on vehicles.

Ford Racing 302: Ford Racing 302 Engines with Z Aluminum Heads - JEGS

[93hatch]

crate engines are way over priced dude, if the stock block needs a rebuild just have that done, pick up some good aftermarked heads, cam, and intake manifold and supporting mods, much more horsepower than a crate motor for cheaper

[mustank..97]

Like he said crate engines are way overpriced you would be better off building your 302

[JBIGBOOTSY]

Ive found some awsome deals on the internets. I found a dart based 9.5 windsor shortblock for just a hair over 4K.

[trueblue01]

Crate engines may seem expensive, at first. But......, unless you know what your doing and have access to a good machine shop that will treat you right the cost to build your own will be the same or higher. Anyone who builds their own engines will tell you the same thing. Most crate engines will come with a warranty of some type. Summit sells crate engines, in fact there are two sitting in the Akron show room right now plus a complete Cobra (mod motor) set up including electronics. Check with Woody as well. Now your talking custom crate engine woo hoo!

[woody1]

that pricing is CRAZZZZZZZY

[mjnd1990]

Well guys I don't really have the facilities to work on rebuilding an engine since I'll be working out of my driveway. (no garage or access to one). And the question was if I was to buy a 2.3 and swap it. 5.0 is extremely overpriced in my area. A 89 5.0 with 90k would run about $6k-$8k. I can get a 2.3 in similiar condition for only about $1500-$2000. So if I bought a 2.3 and swapped it to a V8 what would be a good choice? Keeping in mind I will be working out of a driveway mainly on weekends.

PS- My budget is tight. About $6k initially not including cost of car. Maybe 8.5k including car. This is a project car not my daily driver and I've got college in the fall so yeah...

[93hatch]

if ur gona spend the money on a crate motor and you dont get a stroker kit ill kick ur face! but seriously just drive a couple hours any direction if u have to to get a motor and/or car, cheaper than wishing u had

[mjnd1990]

bump for more engine advice

[93hatch]

well what are you getting it for? boost or na? whats ur power goals? my vote is the 302 with a trickflow top end kit

[mjnd1990]

Originally Posted by 93hatch well what are you getting it for? boost or na? whats ur power goals? my vote is the 302 with a trickflow top end kit

Depends whats the best bang for my buck. I'm in college so I have a tight budget. If I go with a 2.3 and swap it ill have about 8k initially to spend on engine/parts. Then more $ the following year.

BTW my goal is to eventually get around 450-500hp.

[ryans88gt]

I know where you can find a clean fox with 500 hp for $11k...
I can even arrange cheap delivery.