newbie needs some help with engine setup choice

ashokn225 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2004, 06:55 PM

Hey guys

Im a newbie obviously and Id first like to say hi to everyone here. Im seriously considering buying and building a factory five coupe and have some questions regarding the engine and transmission. I used the search so please dont tell me to- i did it and ended up with over 2500 posts and found nothing on the first 5 pages.

I am torn between rebuilding the 5.0L motor from a donor mustang and upgrading internals to reach about 400+hp ( Avenger Stage 1 ported heads, Edelbrook Victor Jr Intake, 750cfm demon carb...etc...etc)....or buying a crate 302 engine for about the same price or maybe a little more. When taking performance, reliability, driveability and most importantly resale value, which setup do you guys think is best?

Also, when either upgrading internals to 400hp or buying a crate, would the donor tranny do or would I need a new one or an uprade for it or something?

Thanks for any help.

Ashok

MidOHasp · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2004, 07:05 PM

Ashok,

1) Use the search function (just kidding)

2) If you rebuild the 5.0L and have a reputable machine shop check and machine the block, that's a great place to start.

3) 400+ horsepower out of a stock-stroke 302 is a very hot motor. Make sure it's a good block.

4) 750CFM is a lot of carb for a 302.

5) If there's a crate engine that meets your needs and you don't necessarily want to do it yourself, then by all means.

6) Resale Value is not much of a big deal in today's Cobra market. And with a FFR and 302, you should be more concerned about a bad-a$$ car than resale value. FFR owners can correct me if I'm wrong, but given your time and elbow grease investment, I'm assuming you're not looking toward a future sale as a primary reason behind much of anything, right? I could be wrong. If you are truly concerned about resale, get a Shelby. They hold their value pretty well.

7) Is the donor tranny a Borg/Warner T-5? They break. You can rebuild them and beef them up, but spring for a Tremec Tr-3550. With the introduction of the new Tremec TKO-500 and TKO-600, the prices on the old 3550's should drop and they will hold up to 400 horsepower NO PROBLEM and shift smoother than the TKO's.

8) In any even, enjoy. I like that you are putting a carb on your 302. In my humble opinion, they look better that way under-hood.

JP

ashokn225 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2004, 06:45 AM

1)hahahaha

2/3) I will defintely have a machine shop check it if not only because I dont trust myself enough to build a motor and not get it checked

. Also, I think my goal, if building, is probably around 350-400 at the crank because that jump from 320/350 to about 400 is a big one that not only requires money but a big jump in heat so I think ill stay at the brink.

4/8) I dont think i should get credit for chosing the carb for this engine- i got it from the book im reading on 5.0L motors so...props to them!!

6) I definetely dont have enough money to get a shelby and dont plan on getting my elbow grease investment back. At any rate, im building the car because it is one hell of a car and not because of the resale value, but I dont want to invest over 25k into this car get back less than that. I will make a badass car- as best as i can- i just dont want this to be a bad investment if you know what i mean.

7) The TKO came to mind but wasnt sure whether it or not. The donor tranny is a borg warner T-5 and I guess i will just get a 3550 because rebuilding isnt going to save me alot of money, if any at all.

And to all of those who do have a factory five coupe- what opinions do you have about its value in todays market, or two years down the road? Also, how does your car drive- anyone ever take it over 200mph ???

Ashok

MidOHasp · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2004, 07:07 AM

Aahhh... I didn't even notice this was in the coupe talk forum. Just saw it on the "recent" posts on the left.

I always like seeing well done coupes.

Adds a dimension to our family.

Enjoy the adventure. I hear you on the resale value. Nobody wants to get creamed on it. Most of us can't afford a Shelby, I just wanted to make sure you knew the market is not now what it once was (not so long ago). A year ago, a Superformance held value or evern appreciated if it was "somethin' special" - not any more.

Good luck & Have fun....

ashokn225 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2004, 03:52 PM

Hey

Besides the previous questions about how your guys find the handling of this car and how far you push it...i have a couple more questions regarding suspension:

What kind of suspension are most coupes running and is the IRS from factory five really worth the 2k?

xlr8or · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-2004, 04:23 PM

You may want to ask the suspension questions over on http://www.ffcobra.com
The coupe forum there is pretty active and some of the guys have build site as well.

ashokn225 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2004, 08:08 PM

yeah i was about to post over there too but does no one here have any insight to any of my questions ( except the ones that midohasp already helped me with)?

bk347 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 05:39 AM

Ashok
Am building an FFR coupe right now. This my 3rd FFR and if I could say which part of the build is the most costly, it's when we (myself included) try to "build" a motor for less then a professionally built motor. I built a stroked 347 for my roadster and after everything was said and done, it went like cvrazy, of course, but cost me more then advertised 347s from builders (with warranties). I recently spoke with Southern Automotive and they said that they build a 347. If I were you I'd check them out. You mentioned "most importantly resale value" ; a motor from a recognized engine builder will also help you there.
The 302 based motors sit a little lower in the coupe then the 351 based motors (different deck heights) and you will need the lower height for hood to air cleaner clearance. There are some 351 coupes but they all had to find the right set-up for the air cleaner to fit under the hood. I'm using a stack injection set up on mine and hood clearance is not an issue.
As far as the tranny goes. If you plan on a 400hp small block then you will pushing the limits of the T-5. You can either leave the T5 in it and drive it until it breaks (depending on you usage of the car; auto crossing, cruising, drag racing) and then replace it with the heavier duty Tremmec or do it up front.
I'd be glad to help you out with any other info about the coupes if you'd like to e-mail me. Good luck with your decisions. Bob

bk347 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 05:42 AM

Ashok
One other thing about the tranny is that the Tremmec offers the mid shift location which helps in the coupe and the T5 does not.

LwCwb · #10 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 06:30 AM

I would get the 385hp 351 from Ford Racing. Very reliable engine from what I hear.