lol exactly. You didnt miss much by not reading. Just fivepointNO(by the way whats your name?) and I entertaining ourselves going back and forth
Robert
I vote for a 351w or a LSX.
And the LSX is only a "equal" option $ wise with someone who is going to buy a k-member/engine management/etc. Most "built" cars buy what is necessary to swap it in....so really there is no extra cost compared to staying with ford. Especially if you have a 96-04 cause then you dont need a new k-member. Only thing is if you are a "ford in ford, gm in gm" kinda guy.
More than 1 way to skin a cat!
Does the LS engine bolt in with any standard aftermarket K-member? Two thoughts on that, unless it does. 1, you ain't simply swapping back to Ford power without adding more money. 2, many people buy a rolling chassis which already has an aftermarket version in it.
You'll also still have to spend more on whatever will be needed to do the changeover for any Mustang because almost none of the electronics will match up or be easily matched.
To build either engine for power won't take much, but I'm not aware of better replacement LS series heads than what can be found for the 351W. Also, it seems to me a good set for the LS is more expensive than the Ford. Cams are about the same, as are intakes(I suspect-never bought an intake for an LS). I did a look up on TFS heads for each and the 302/351 heads cost 200 less(in high end R form), BUT... the LS version is not a direct replacement for the LS1. You'll need at least a 4.030 bore. For the 351, mine were a direct bolt on. Flow isn't enough for me. It also needs velocity and excellent characteristics for longevity.
Then there's the whole transmission adaptation issue. You'll have to spend for that with any LS, but not with the 351. If you us a GM trans, the mount will have to be modified or replaced along with the possible need for inside changes(to go along with all the wiring and maybe even gauge changes). If you use a Ford transmission, you'll need an adapter plate, a new speedometer connection/cable. I've actually done this before, using a GM transmission in my Ford. It was a JOB, believe me. Had to fab the mount, pay a real fabricator to adapt my flexplate, replace and adapt my D/S, build and install an adapter plate and figure out what to do for my speedo cable. Took me about 20hrs to complete the job... over the course of several days. Oh, and I also needed a spacer for the converter to flexplate mounting point, which wasn't cheap because it had to be CNC milled of billet aluminum. At least my transmission was strong!
If drag racing is your thing, I simply don't think the LS has produced the results of a 351W build or the 4.6/5.4. Actually, I'm certain no LS Camaro(let alone Mustang, which surely isn't the quickest LS car out there) having run the numbers of the three Ford power plants. The Fords have seen at least 6.60's for serious racing while the quickest LS car(an iron block) I've heard of/seen managed a 6.8x. I'm told the quickest 4.6 has gone 6.4's and the 5.4 has seen a 6.19... Donno what the quickest 351W build has done, but I'm betting it's at least in the .50's.
On the other hand, if you want a decent runner and to be different, the LS is fine with me. I won't do it, but I don't care if others do.
Regarding what motorcycle engines are doing... A different animal entirely. They have RPM... End of story on that.
