since I am picking up my new 5.0 lx this weekend, i was just wondering what you guys thought would be the best mods to start off with. Im thinkin bout some headers and exhaust and intake of course,but does anybody have some other suggestions? also what would be the best headers and exhaust I could put on for a reasonable price? (im in college) thanks for any info

 

also I was wondering about the engine that the seller says is in the car. He claims it is a 305 but I thought they only came stock with 302's. I havent seen the car yet im picking it up this weekend...thats why I ask

 

I don't have any suggestions about mods... but they definately come stock with a 302.

 

Not sure what brand of headers and exhaust is the best bang for the buck, since mine was all on mine already when i got it. But for the headers id say get equal length shorties. The long tubes are a lot more expensive and i think the difference in power is very small. As for the exhaust, im not sure what the price diff is between x and h pipes but go for the x if its not too much. They sure sound sweet with full exhaust on them though.

It's a good car to have in college though, all those ricers running around need to be taught some respect, at least at mine anyways. Im doing my part.

 

came with a 302. but never put it past someone to put a cheby motor in a mustang. the easiest way to tell is pop the hood. if the distributor is at the front of the motor its a 302 if the distributor is at the back it is a chevy motor

 

heres a pic of the engine that the seller sent me.

 

yea scott those ricers get on my nerves too

 

She's definitely a 302!!

As far as exhaust, Mac makes a decent short tube header, x - or h - pipes (with and w/o cats) and cat-back kits. Of course Flowmasters are also an excellent choice for mufflers and catback kits and would be my choice on a limited budget. I'd go with an unequal length short tube header on a stock or mildly modified car. Equal-lengths are harder to install and not really a benefit until you progress further down the modification path. And once you reach that point, long tubes are the way to go.

There are other excellent high quality mostly stainless steel options available from Borla, Bassani and Magnaflow but the price tag is much steeper. I've used Bassani products on several of my 'Stangs and would highly recommend them to anyone. BBK also has several header options as well but I've never used their stuff.

 

thanks for the info guys Ill keep everyone updated with pics when I get my car and start working on it

 

the chevy 5.0 is 305 cubes and the ford 5.0 is 302 cubes,so that could be why he said its a 305

 

yeah, thats a 302. i have the full mac exhaust on my 92. i like it, but then i like LOUD exhaust. i have shorty headers, prochamber H- pipe and catback. yeah scott, my mod list is almost the same as yours. do you like the mac CAI?? that and my cam are the only difference between your mods and mine.

 

and also the fact that a 305 is close to actually being 5.0L exactly than a 302.

i think 302 works out to about 4.9something whereas 305 is exactly 5.0, or damnnear close to it.

so maybe he just did the calculations for Cid

but either way, its a 302 so it doesnt really amtter lol

 

61 cubic inches for every liter, so 61x5 is 305 but I think the stroke of a Ford 302 is longer so it still makes it a true 5 liter

 

For some reason i remember the 5.0 is 4948cc so its really a 4.9.

Nick, i love the mac cai. It sounds a lot better, and the power is noticable. The sound aint too shabby either. Cam is next on my list, what kind are you running and how is it?

 

just drove the car home today..i was two days late getting back from florida because of problems i had to take care of myself(me and my friend anyway) i did a tune up ...spark plugs wires oil etc....and i have taken more pics i will post them soon....i will also post my story up when i have more time,its good for a laugh. I missed work for two days because of this car! anyways will keep everybody posted

 

Exactly... some car magazines even put 4.9 down as the engine displacement. Ford basically was 2cc's away from rounding up to 5.0 but they did so anyways.

I'd say the first mod is to clean the engine compartment up, give her a tune up and oil change and see how she runs.

I would definitely get an exhaust system if there isn't one on it already. The options are limitless with Fox Mustangs.

 

E303, i like it a noticible chop compared to the stock cam. definitely revs up faster and cleaner. pulls good to about 6200. have a hard time w. traction on street tires though, especially when i use the short belt to bypass the PS, AC and Smog pump and ditch all the extras from the car i dont need
gears, rear rebuild and paint are on my winter list. then suspension for the spring

 

thanks for the info