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315 Posts
wondering how I can get more out of this little ol 302, 120 seems a little less than desired.
I had my 89 GT 2.73 gear/ 5 speed up to 137 mph in fourth gear. Fifth gear was useless for anything but MPG at a cruise on the highway. Got close to 30 MPG at 65-70 mph. I did try fifth at about a buck thirty once and hit my head on the windshield. Just too tall and not enough nuts.Seems like you’re doing pretty good given the weight/aerodynamic limitations of the car.
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Like Poohbair said, the heads on the ’85 5.0 sort of ran out of steam after 4k – grab a set of later 5.0 heads & it will help.
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Look at it this way: the late 80’s 5.0 Mustangs weighed about 3,100 lbs & topped out a bit over 140 with a 5 speed & a 2.73 rear. That equated to a 1.86 final drive ratio.
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You must be at a 400 lb disadvantage, with similar HP (probably lower RWHP, given the C6) and a steeper gear.
The heads got better in '87, but heads from a late model explorer are basically GT 40 heads. Do a search on this forum & you'll find what you seek. You should be able to find gears in the 2.79 range for your 9". A locker is not necesary given your quest for top end, but a "get out of jail free" card might be. You'd need a new speedo gear after changing the rear gear for the speedo to be accurate.Advice on some heads? Looking at 2.73's all I see is 8.8"? Switching out my 3.00 would include redoing speedo gear and what else? Detroit Locker? Good idea or no? I want to make this 302 as powerful as possible without stroking it or blowing it, ahahah seriously though
im running 225 70 in rear and smaller in front at 4500-4600 was sitting at 120 riding smooth but motor sounded like she didnt have much moreHmmm... with a 3.0 rear, at 4500 RPM with 26.5" tires (225/70-14) you would be doing 117.8 mph. So to get to 150 you would need to turn that thing right at 5750 RPM. If you could get enough torque It sounds doable.
... and maybe a rollbar. Remember, speed kills. Cougars are built to old school safety standards.