Hey guys, so I don't have a build thread here yet but do on stangnet... anyway, the TLDR is I have a 92 Coupe that I've had since 2012 and is currently undergoing a FULL build where it is currently finishing up the body work and setting gaps but it's just a shell.
I had a 5.0 with a TFS top end kit and a 5 speed but I sold that setup and bought a 97 Cobra vert with a rebuilt title but had a 4V with a built T56 with a Vortech and aftercooler that I will be swapping into my 92. The Cobra had been "Dyno Tuned" at Gearheads in Arlington and came with the printed results showing 450 RWHP but it also cut out and wouldn't go past 4500RPM under load as it was running out of fuel.
Overall the car and drivetrain was worth the risk as I got the engine/trans/supercharger setup and everything for $3500 after selling off the rest.
That said, I'm going to end up getting a Holley Term X for it and it will be custom tuned. I emailed Vortech and they said the head unit had been sent back and serviced less than 2 years before I got it so that's a win! The engine overall was is in good shape but had some questionable things that makes us want to go through everything with a fine tooth comb as my build is basically "do it right the first time". I have a new fuel system with a dual pump hat and 03/04 style tank with AN lines and rails, but I still need to get some new injectors. The fuel system will support at least 800+ depending on injectors.
So the plan is to replace all the engine gaskets at a minimum as the whole thing is already out anyways and I already bought a full gasket kit. It has already been converted to COP but I'm unsure of the kit as it came on the car, will have to look into that more.
The engine will go to the machine shop to ensure there's no major defects, but since it will be mostly apart anyway, I think it will be worth it to go ahead and replace the rods with something that will handle over 500 hp even though that's basically my max goal...
I just don't want to have to pull this back out later and I'm thinking maybe the rods, rings, and bearings could be replaced for not a ton of money but give us a layer of safety. I also already got the head cooling mod for it. What else is a MUST DO at this point?
I had a 5.0 with a TFS top end kit and a 5 speed but I sold that setup and bought a 97 Cobra vert with a rebuilt title but had a 4V with a built T56 with a Vortech and aftercooler that I will be swapping into my 92. The Cobra had been "Dyno Tuned" at Gearheads in Arlington and came with the printed results showing 450 RWHP but it also cut out and wouldn't go past 4500RPM under load as it was running out of fuel.
Overall the car and drivetrain was worth the risk as I got the engine/trans/supercharger setup and everything for $3500 after selling off the rest.
That said, I'm going to end up getting a Holley Term X for it and it will be custom tuned. I emailed Vortech and they said the head unit had been sent back and serviced less than 2 years before I got it so that's a win! The engine overall was is in good shape but had some questionable things that makes us want to go through everything with a fine tooth comb as my build is basically "do it right the first time". I have a new fuel system with a dual pump hat and 03/04 style tank with AN lines and rails, but I still need to get some new injectors. The fuel system will support at least 800+ depending on injectors.
So the plan is to replace all the engine gaskets at a minimum as the whole thing is already out anyways and I already bought a full gasket kit. It has already been converted to COP but I'm unsure of the kit as it came on the car, will have to look into that more.
The engine will go to the machine shop to ensure there's no major defects, but since it will be mostly apart anyway, I think it will be worth it to go ahead and replace the rods with something that will handle over 500 hp even though that's basically my max goal...
I just don't want to have to pull this back out later and I'm thinking maybe the rods, rings, and bearings could be replaced for not a ton of money but give us a layer of safety. I also already got the head cooling mod for it. What else is a MUST DO at this point?