84 5.0 head and cam options

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84 5.0 head and cam options

March 15, 2018, 11:00:23 PM

i have a 84 thunderbird 5.0 that im finally ditching the cfi and doing a mini build on need to know the best heads to run and the best cam to use looking for the 200-225 hp range nothing major she isnt a race car haha i keep getting conflicting info from many diff sources some say i can run gt40s others say i cant because of no valve reliefs idk so leaving it in the hands of people that have more experience than me i also want a nice lumpy cam this cars idle leaves something to be desired

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #1 – March 16, 2018, 08:36:43 AM

86-88 5.0 cars have flat tops. Your 84 engine has valve reliefs. GT40 heads and a stock HO cam should get you what you are looking for.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #2 – March 16, 2018, 09:02:22 AM

84 engine did not have roller cam and block does not have taller lifter bores for factory roller lifters, don't think I'd run even a stock HO roller cam on hydraulic flat lifters. Now you could get the somewhat pricey retro fit link bar roller lifters and they will work fine in your existing motor or you can replace the motor with an explorer or 87-95 Mustang 302 that already has the roller lifters and piston valve reliefs.

Save some in the budget for a good set of roller rocker arms, possibly hardened pushrods depending on what heads you choose and some ARP head bolts.

I'm using the '69 351W heads that were redone with 1.94/1.60 valves, fully ported, screw in rocker studs, etc. Got them from a friend for a deal too good to pass up.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #3 – March 16, 2018, 11:06:42 AM

200hp can be had out of the stock heads. You should have e5 heads which are a lot like factory e7's to begin with. Cam needs changed, and so does the fuel management system. I personally like fuel injection, but itlf there's no emissions where you are, a carb might be the way to go.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #4 – March 16, 2018, 01:10:53 PM

Alright Good to know on the heads what cam would you suggest for the flat tappet motor with gt40 heads

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #5 – March 16, 2018, 04:10:53 PM

Gonna depend on what you do with the rest of the engine. I am not a cam guy.

You nerd to decide if you are gonna go with a better cfi system (like the auto 85 gt or ltd h.o. from 84-85) or a modern sefi setup like the 86 up mustang, or go to a carb.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #6 – March 16, 2018, 07:29:32 PM

Your cam choice (how lumpy) also depends on what you are going to do with the rear gears & torque converter as well.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #7 – March 18, 2018, 11:57:07 PM

Personally I'd still install at least a stock HO cam and link bar lifters.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #8 – March 19, 2018, 11:40:39 AM

Might I suggest you put a dual exhaust on the car with an X or H pipe? I believe that using unequal length 1-1/2" primary shorty headers will allow you to clear the shift linkage if your car is column shifted.

The fuel system you have is most likely the one that has a "lift" pump in the tank and then a high pressure external pump. I want to say the lift pump puts our 6-8 psi and will run a carbed mild motor just fine. So you will just need to get the adapter that clips onto the suction side line of the high pressure pump and run a new line up to the engine bay. I would run a non-return style Holley regulator on it like a P/N 12-803 so you can dial the pressure in. Also, get a replacement in tank pump so that you know you are starting with a good pump.

Something like an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake and a 600 or 650 CFM carb with the correct jets will top the long block off nicely.

So now that you have a decent exhaust on the car, a fuel system that will support some hp, good heads, good intake, and a good carburetor you need to get a cam that will work in the long block. Call Comp Cams for an off the shelf cam with lifters and I would strongly recommend you also change the valve springs on the heads.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #9 – March 19, 2018, 04:08:32 PM

Unequal length shorty headers should clear the shift linkage fine. They did on my car. As long as the AOD column shift linkage is the same from 83-88 he should be good to go.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #10 – March 19, 2018, 06:38:42 PM

All good points. I started out with the same idea on my 84 as well. Forget it! I bought an 88 lx 5.0 t-5 with an 8.8 and 3.73s all in a rusted out body. I put equal length shorties on with an RPM intake, 700DP, 1.7 RRs etc etc. I used the same fuel system with a Mallory 4309 regulator. Built the engine on the stand. I started with the t-5 and 8.8 swap. Then pulled the cfi, replaced it with a 500 2bbl I had and proceeded to dial in the fuel system and Dura spark swap. Pulled the car in the shop at 8.30am, removed the old engine and replaced it with the HO by 4.30 pm. Spent the next few days perfecting wiring, fuel lines, exhaust etc...... Just sayin.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #11 – March 19, 2018, 07:52:30 PM

Well I have a 95 ford van with a 351w I'm thinking about swapping in the thunderbird but dont know exactly how it would work anyone ever tried it

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #12 – March 19, 2018, 08:06:48 PM

Quote from: 88boosted;465028

Well I have a 95 ford van with a 351w I'm thinking about swapping in the thunderbird but dont know exactly how it would work anyone ever tried it

It can be done, but I would stick with a 5.0 so as to retain the same brackets , accessories, exhaust etc.

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #13 – March 20, 2018, 06:07:11 AM

88boosted, Check out CoolCats site. Lots of info there as well for engine swaps, suspension etc. Also try the search feature here. Lots of great people with a lot of knowledge on these cars. On a side note where are you in NC?

84 5.0 head and cam options

Reply #14 – March 20, 2018, 12:19:08 PM

I'm in mt.airy nc