88 302 upgrades keeping speed density January 02, 2005, 11:43:02 AM Are there any engine upgrades that can be made to a stock 88 302 engine, keeping the speed density setup? Can headers be added, larger T.B., match boring the upper plenum to match the larger T.B., I use a K&N conical filter. Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #1 – January 02, 2005, 02:40:45 PM The saying that you can't do anything to a speed density motor is a MYTH! GM and Mopar guys did upgrades for years on speed density. It's just different is all. The biggest obstacle on our cars is the fact that the firing order on The SO 5.0 is different from the HO 5.0. If you want to get into cams it may be an issue because most aftermarket cams are made for the HO firing order however there are a few that are in fact made for the SO firing order. As far as everything else you mentioned it is not a problem. As for a larger throttle body and upper plenum just grab an upper intake and TB from a yard for an 87-93 Mustang or 87-92 LSC. The both have the 60MM TB as opposed to the 50 that came stock on these cars. I could type all day, but the bible of cougar upgrades is right here: http://www.coolcats.net/tech/Oh yeah welcome aboard! Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #2 – January 02, 2005, 03:15:56 PM I put mustang upper intake, tb/egr, headers and pulleys on my SD, but sometimes when I hit the gas the car kinda dies for a split second, then takes off, I have practically NO power below 3000 rpm, and sometimes after idling for a minute or 2 the car starts stumling and wanting to die. no tellin if this is because of the stuff I put on it tho Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #3 – January 02, 2005, 03:35:02 PM The most important thing to remember is to not upset the vaccum, a Ford speed densety system needs at least 16"-17" to idle decent and not "hunt". The second thing to remember is to a point larger TB, headers, etc. will definatly give more power. What eventually happens(with enough air flow mods) is the engine will run lean at WOT so power will actually start to decrease. That said, I'm going to have to disagree(slightly)with Paul. If you want to keep good idle and drivability the factory built in, then mods are some what limited. The computer and injector size is calibrated for the air flow of the engine. More air flow equals need for extra fuel, and the speed densety cannot compensate for large changes. Yea you can throw in larger injectors, but it will be to rich at idle. This is where the HO setup is needed, that computer is calibrated for larger injectors so you would get more fuel at WOT.So whats the deal on the HO swap ??? you considering just modifing your present engine??? Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #4 – January 02, 2005, 03:56:41 PM Quote from: TurboCoupe50So whats the deal on the HO swap ??? you considering just modifing your present engine???to whom is that directed? Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #5 – January 02, 2005, 04:10:31 PM Tom, you are correct. I just figured from his post he wasn't goin all out. Seems like modest upgrades for now which the stock system can handle. Even mass air systems have upper limits. Thats why emphasis is placed on MAF sensors when you start getting radical. Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #6 – January 02, 2005, 07:48:47 PM Quote from: zpyroto whom is that directed?http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=1023 Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #7 – January 02, 2005, 09:40:23 PM I am weighing my options. I'm leaning towards the 89 HO with lo miles but was looking for the easy way out! I know if the headers are too big you decrease power with a stock motor but was just curious about what can be done with SD. I guess its best to leave well enough alone. There is a good article in the cool cats tech section on upgrading the SD motor to an HO motor. I have the time , just want to make the right decission and do it right the first time. Thanks guys. Quote Selected
Re: 88 302 upgrades keeping speed density Reply #8 – January 03, 2005, 01:00:24 AM you could put the HO exhaust on with little modification, it gave my car a good pickup in power with just the stock HO headers, H-pipe (with 2 of the cats smashed out), flows and 2.5" tailpipes Quote Selected
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