88 mustang build

[The_ CaneCorso]

Im looking to buy a 86-92 shell and put a 302 in it or maybe a 351cleveland in it. My question is in a lx body would a 351 fit fine or would I have to modify the mounts and what not? Also is a 351 worth it? If I go with a 302 I will get the 331 or 349 kit for it.

[Brock]

if you have the money i would go out and buy a nice foxbody. yank the engine, send it out to get it stoked and bored (347 stroker) forged internals, good heads and a cam. then put some 4.10's in it with some drag radials

[The_ CaneCorso]

I kinda already said that. I said I wanted a lx around 88-92 and if I kept the 302 I said I would stroke it prob 349 but there is the 331 kit. I can get the 349 kit for about 550. Also the stock trans is it fine?

[Brock]

yea the basic rule of thumb for domestics is that stock trani and rear are fine to 150 hp / tq over factory then you should beef it up a lil to be safe

[The_ CaneCorso]

rear? Meaning the axle?

[jfman]

yea the basic rule of thumb for domestics is that stock trani and rear are fine to 150 hp / tq over factory then you should beef it up a lil to be safe

rule of thumb.... wow dont get too technical on us.

Some cars have much stronger trannies/rear ends than others.. there is no rule of thumb.

For example you can run 6-700 hp on the stock tranny in 03-04 cobra and be fine while the t5's that came in the earlier foxes can barely handle
a stock 5.0.


A stock 8.8 rear end can take 600hp but the GM 7.5 10 bolts that came in the f-bodies most often cant even take the power of a stock motor.

[The_ CaneCorso]

rule of thumb.... wow dont get too technical on us.

Some cars have much stronger trannies/rear ends than others.. there is no rule of thumb.

For example you can run 6-700 hp on the stock tranny in 03-04 cobra and be fine while the t5's that came in the earlier foxes can barely handle
a stock 5.0.


A stock 8.8 rear end can take 600hp but the GM 7.5 10 bolts that came in the f-bodies most often cant even take the power of a stock motor.
So which trans came in the 86-93 gt or lx 5.0

[Brock]

BORG-WARNER FTW!

[jfman]

BORG-WARNER FTW!

Could you be more vague? BW makes over 100 kinds of trannies.


The tranny that comes in the fox bodies is a t5. This tranny was originaly designed for a 180hp v8 motor. They have a lot of issues but you can buy upgraded versions.

Do a serach on "world class t5" and "tremec" etc...

[The_ CaneCorso]

So you saying the stock trranny is supposed to be for 180 hp but that year makes 225hp so it ALREADY has issues? Then again someone told me that the stock tranny is fine for another 150hp on top of the 225. So its like what do I believe.

[David88vert]

My T5 is original and stock on my 92 LX. No issues. I make a little bit more power than stock.

[jfman]

Bottom line is the T5 isnt the greatest of trannies. When they were first designed the Foxes were making 180ish hp.

The t5 is a very light trans. Weights about the same or less than a civic tranny. Gears are very small, they are nowhere near as strong as what comes in the newer mustangs. They also got a lot of issues with grinds and sloppy shifts. It's just a very old desing is all. You can tell they are worlds apart whne you drive them and then drive a newer mustang with a t45 or a t56.

[stanger04]

WOW okay why are you wanting 88-92??87-93 shells are the same but make sure its a V8 car for wiring issues. If you want mass air then get a 89-93 and again make sure its a V8 car. If your wanting a 5spd car look for the A9l computer. You can make just as much power with alot less money with a 302. stroke it out to a 347 and go have phone. The rearend is not going to hold up or neither is the transmission. but its not that expensive to up grade. Just have the rearend built with better axles stud'd cover etc etc. the trans just go buy a tko600 and you'll be find. but really you dont have to stroke it to get alot of power just through a couple kit's on it. check out prospeed they deal alot with the 5.0's

[The_ CaneCorso]

87-93 is what I meant.Motors did 225hp I think.So assson as I stroke it then the trans sucks huh? I'm thinking of stroking it,headers (not sure what kind) exhaust,intake,N2o,improving the suspension,bigger back tires,and not sure what else.

[JRDman]

well i see theres another thread here along side of the one in the all motor stuff. the trans is iffy. I have had some cars in the 320 whp on motor range in stock T5's power shifting the **** out of them and they didnt break. then theres been trans ive seen just going down the road that have broken. you can get a fresh trans in the atlanta area for around 350 ish . dont ever pay more than that for a trans unless its a world class or theres alot of work done to it.

take everything you read on internet forums with a grain of salt.

CJ