CR125_tom wrote:
Mustangs were carbed until 85. 86, 87 and some early 88's had the speed density FI system which didn't take to engine mods so easily. In 88 the mustangs started to use the mass air flow system which will adapt more readily to engine mods.
The 1989 5.0 was the first MODEL year to benefit from the MAF unit.
I have many friends with 88's that had to convert from speed to mass air flow units, both they and their checkbooks can attest to the fact that the 1988 5.0 roller motor did NOT come with a MAF sensor from the factory.
Great place to start is the heads
Is there an echo in here? :)
I put on the GT40 upper/lower intake as well, Crane roller rockers, Accufab billet 70mm throttle body/spacer, Pro-M 77mm MAF meter & conical K&N filter. That coupled with the DART II heads really let this motor breathe.
Also MAC 2 1/2" equal lenght headers, off-road H-pipe, and 3 chamber flowmasters w/ 3.55 gears in the rear end. The H-pipe is only legal if you don't need to DEQ the car, otherwise a set of hi-flow cats are needed.
The handling can be greatly improved with stiffer springs and poly bushings in the front/ rear control arms, sway bars, and steering rack. Those 2 things made the biggest difference in handling for me. I'm sure the Kenny Brown subframe connectors, strut tower brace, and K-member brace helped, but springs/bushings made the biggest improvement.
I sold mine after our son was born, hopefully will get the chance to do another one soon.
As CR125_tom said, they are great hot rods, and you're only limited by your wallet as to how "hot" you want to make them.
Good luck in your search, and keep us posted!
All this talk makes me want another one in the garage right now. ;)