Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

I’m piecing together my first stocker (5.0 mustang coupe M or N car) and I’ve read and re-read nearly everything I can get my hands and eyes on putting together an efi mustang.
I’ve got a quality machine shop ready to work on my heads. They have experience with performance work but not specifically with a class car. I really want to work with them and keep my money local. Anyone willing to pass along any general advice they may use?

I’m just getting started in class racing so any advice or direction appreciated!

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

Check you PM.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

Thanks SSDiv6.

I also have a rookie type question about stocker pistons. I’ve read the rulebook, blueprint guide, and approved piston list for the 302 ford (1988). I assume you can use factory pistons (ie. Ford part numbered TRW pistons) provided they are OE for your application. However, I don’t find the part number listed anywhere in the blueprint guide. Also, since Ford no longer has the part and it has been changed up to a different part number… can you run the retrofit part or not?

Any input appreciated…just trying to piece together a stocker on a beginners budget :)

I assume that running a piston that meets the blueprint criteria but is not on the approved list is going to be a major problem - correct?

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

The OEM pistons used in the 5.0 were forged TRW pistons; and yes, you can use the factory pistons. The OEM factory pistons are not shown in the guide. If you read the first line in Page 139, Titled: Pistons, reads: "OEM or NHRA-accepted aftermarket replacements permitted..."

I do not know how much Ford is asking for their replacement pistons, nevertheless, the Sterling (Sealed Power) H606P piston is a Hyperteutic piston, affordable (about $300.00) and easily available. For the 1994 to 1995 5.0 engines, Ford switched from forged to Hyperteutic pistons and they used the H606P piston.

If you still want to run the OEM replacement piston, then have the Ford parts counter person print for you the parts book page that shows the superceeded piston part number and send it to NHRA tech, explaining the part number change.

In a nutshell, you either have to run an OEM piston or a replacement piston as shown in the approved list.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

there are six different pistons you can use as per the NHRA guide.

http://www.nhra.com/tech_specs/pistons/index.html

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

Swandog you have a PM

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

i too am looking for a 302 buildup, c4 automatic in a 88 lx coupe. any motor suggestions along with stall advice would be great. going with 3.73 gears.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

For what class are you building the car for??? 3.73 gears are not going to work

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

my origional plan was going to run a SVO motor in superstock GT, but im going to run M stock. you think i need steeper gears?

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

With all due respect, how much experience do you have in class racing? First, if you are talking about the Ford Racing SVO engine, it is not legal in SS/GT. The only SVO engine that was available in a production car was the 4-Cylinder Turbo engine. Yes, if you want ot be competitive, you need steeper gears from 4.88 to 5.14, and if you have an automatic, you will also need a low gear set in your transmission.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

not much experiance. The SVO engine is the 4 cyl motor that i was talking about. ill use the 5.3x gears that i have then.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

I would suggest that before you start spending any money, that you go to some Divisional and national events and talk to the racers and get the real perspective. Also, get the rule book and read it with a fine tooth comb and also read the rule changes/updates as shown in the NHRA site.

SS/GT is a V-8 engine class.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

hmmmm. cause when i called cali, they said it would be SS/GT for the 4 cyl. I work at a race shop in omaha, ne and have been talking to some local racers in div. 5, just this is a new idea.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

Get a rule book. Calling NHRA headquarters will not get you all the answers, many times will get you more confused. :) The rule book is very specific that SS/GT class is a V-8 class only.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

The SVO was only available as a manual trans. No auto

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

I would be happy to try and answer any of your questions. I built an 88 F/FIA (at the time) now KL/SA LX Mustang a few years ago. Drop me an e-mail.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

Jim - you have a PM.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

he has 2 atcually. ive been waiting for an email for few days now. Cant wait for good advice.

Re: Looking for 5.0 stocker buildup advice
 

You have a PM.