1986 Tbird Perf Upgrades

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1986 Tbird Perf Upgrades

October 24, 2015, 07:49:08 PM

Hello everyone, I'm Tim. I just got an 86 thunderbird 5.0 for $300 with a clean title! Runs handles shifts and stops just like it should. Everyone around me has Foxbody Mustangs, so I like to be different! My questions are,
1) What bolt on heads will help me gain a little power? I've been told everything from GT40 heads off an explorer, 351 heads, e7te heads?? I honestly don't even know what the stock heads on this 302 are. I'm wanting to put 1.7 roller rockers on it and want to make sure there's no issues with clearance.
2) I'd also like to add a cold air intake, underdrive pulleys, and 3.73 gears in the pumpkin. Any ideas on the best inexpensive Cold Air Intake for this speed density 5.0?

My goal is just a great daily driver that sounds good( I already have headers, H pipe, and flowmaster 40 series to put on it.) I'm looking to not spend a ton of money on it, so aluminum heads, and intakes and such aren't really an option right now.

Thanks to everyone, and Nice to meet y'all!!

Tim

1986 Tbird Perf Upgrades

Reply #1 – October 26, 2015, 10:55:20 AM

This link should get you started on 5.0 upgrades. Lots more info on the Cool Cats site to look at too.
http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/ho_conversion.html

1986 Tbird Perf Upgrades

Reply #2 – November 13, 2015, 09:10:55 AM

The factory air intake is already a cold air intake. remove the silencer from the inner fender, install a K&N filter and it's good.

Your stock heads are E-6 heads. E-7 heads are cheap and plentiful and were used on the '87 up Mustang GT's. They will help a bit. Explorer GT-40 heads are plentiful and if you shop around, fairly priced ata times, they are better than the E-7 heads. You have flat top pistons, so you will need to watch for piston to valve clearance. I'd bet the GT-40 heads will work fine with better aftermarket springs.

An H.O conversion would really help you. It's pretty cheap and easy.....H.O cam, Speed Density computer (about $50-75), 19# injectors. That's about it. Of course you'll need gaskets and such, and I'd swap the timing chain as well.

An Explorer intake , 65mm throttle body, and 65mm throttle body spacer will be a good addition, and they can be had pretty cheap as well, and will make a difference. The cam will help a lot. The H.O cams are cheap, and will really wake up your car. A good exhaust is never a bad thing. And then gears....that will make a huge difference.