Engine Build Ideas For My 93 Calypso

[Miss5.0]

Hello,

So last post I did was about removing/installing the harmonic balancer so I can replace my timing cover.
End of the story on that was that i got everything off, and I had to drill out two bolts that were in my block.
Any hoots, everyhing is back on so he is running like a champ now.

Now I am just trying to gather ideas on what build I should go in my engine. I have been getting alot of temptation on keeping it stock just because it is an original 93 Calypso.

I already added 373 gears, MSD ignition coil, 3 row aluminum radiator, short shifter SO nothing crazy. and I just bought some BBK shortie headers that I am planning on putting on and also converting to Borla exhaust. (I have the mufflers already )

But I just would like everyones thoughts if I should keep it stock? and if I shouldnt what builds do you think is best? I have been thinking about the gt40 set up but I am still not sure.

As far as my HP want... I want daily race car if that makes sense. haha

 

[mikestang63]

Ok here is the drill

what is your goal
what is your budget
N/A or power adder
Is this your DD
What is your timeframe

Oh, and take of the My Spark Died box, Totally a waste of money for your setup and a POS.

 

[Boosted92LX]

I have no idea what to put in a calypso mustang...

 

[Miss5.0]

Ok here is the drill

what is your goal
what is your budget
N/A or power adder
Is this your DD
What is your timeframe

Oh, and take of the My Spark Died box, Totally a waste of money for your setup and a POS.

LOL at My Spark Died Box!! But Really?? I should take off my MSD? What do you recommend instead?

and thats the thing...I was trying to get an opinon on what you think I should do. Everyone out here is telling me to stay stock. This is my DD right now. My goal is to have a daily that I can race haha and budget...um not a issue lol
The only time frame I have is that in October there is a car show out here where I am from and they want me to put my car in it, which is why everyone is recommending me to stay stock.

 

[Miss5.0]

I have no idea what to put in a calypso mustang...

LOL that is how I feel!!!

 

[A5literMan]

If you have an all stock lower mileage motor and it's running well AND you daily drive it I would recommend keeping it that way. Now I am a "there is never enough power" kind of person so that advise is against my normal answer. It just sounds like to me you'd enjoy the "simple" durability of a stock setup.
The basic head/cam/intake/timing chain/throttle body/MAF/ bigger fuel pump and injectors etc is an option if you want more power. Or you could add the basic Vortech blower kit with the proper fuel system. These will add plenty of extra power with relatively descent reliability.

 

[Boosted92LX]

^^Good advice. We have a member he that goes by @hoopty5.0 who dd'd a fox for a while and spent all of his free time fixing it. Maybe he'll chime in.. But the moral to my story is foxes make great hobby cars and can be made to go really fast, but they are getting so old they are not reliable enough to dd if you commute or modify them. Hoopty can attest to that.. my advice? Buy a used focus or civic and put a blower on the fox.. you'll be happy you did.

edit: I can't speak for msd but I have a mallory hyfire box from the 80's still going strong.

 

[hoopty5.0]

I did indeed, for about 4 months. It drives great now, but maaaaan. Getting it there was an ordeal.

 

[Boosted92LX]

@Miss5.0 can you post some pics of your car? I don't get to see other calypso cars often enough..

 

[mikestang63]

LOL at My Spark Died Box!! But Really?? I should take off my MSD? What do you recommend instead?

and thats the thing...I was trying to get an opinon on what you think I should do. Everyone out here is telling me to stay stock. This is my DD right now. My goal is to have a daily that I can race haha and budget...um not a issue lol
The only time frame I have is that in October there is a car show out here where I am from and they want me to put my car in it, which is why everyone is recommending me to stay stock.

the stock ingition and coil are more than enough for 500 hp. I think that has you covered

 

[Boosted92LX]

the stock ingition and coil are more than enough for 500 hp. I think that has you covered

Maybe 500 N/A hp, but With an HCI upgrade and only 7 psi of boost I had bad spark blow, even with upgrading my coil from the stock 38kv to an aftermarket 53kv. I didn't get it lined out until I broke out the ol' faithful Mallory box, and pulled my plug gap down to .020. What's funny is the manufacturer of my turbo kit said the same thing. Stock ignition is good enough. Apparently not...

..and I started at 10 psi, and dropped down to 7 trying to fix it.

 

[mikestang63]

Maybe 500 N/A hp, but With an HCI upgrade and only 7 psi of boost I had bad spark blow, even with upgrading my coil from the stock 38kv to an aftermarket 53kv. I didn't get it lined out until I broke out the ol' faithful Mallory box, and pulled my plug gap down to .020. What's funny is the manufacturer of my turbo kit said the same thing. Stock ignition is good enough. Apparently not...

..and I started at 10 psi, and dropped down to 7 trying to fix it.

You are comparing a power adder to n/a. I didn't see where the OP is talking about adding any power adder. In those cases, a multiple spark box like crane or mallory willl be helpful. In most n/a motors, they are a waste of money and often cause more problems than they do any good.

 

[Boosted92LX]

You are comparing a power adder to n/a. I didn't see where the OP is talking about adding any power adder. In those cases, a multiple spark box like crane or mallory willl be helpful. In most n/a motors, they are a waste of money and often cause more problems than they do any good.

You are correct, I am comparing the two. It does help with spark blow under boost. However back in the carb days with high compression and nitrous oxide, it helped also. At least the mallory unit performed well with no "problems." I don't think it's fair to make a blanket statement about ignition boxes in general when it's msd that causes the problems.

The OP is asking about engine build opinions.. If she decides to go n/a with giggle gas, OR higher compression, a good spark box can and will help, imho. Again, I just say no to msd.

edit: I will agree that taking a stock engine and throwing a spark box at it is pointless though. These things are support items to keep things working properly when you change your combustion chamber conditions with power mods. Typically, the more hp you make, the stronger spark you need to keep the fire where it needs to be. Just my .02..

 

[powerstroke987]

i just did a high compression 351w swap and i would have to say if im doing it again i would go with a power adder over the high compression maybe even stick with the 5.0 block. ive had a lot of headaches just to get the motor in the engine bay

 

[TOOLOW91]

Daily driver car ? HCI and enjoy it . OR leave it stock and put a blower on it. The reliability will still very much be intact.

If sky is the limit. Well an 8.2 deck dart block stroker with a custom cam etc etc but thats a can of worms that you must be ready for. and have a DD . Look at my progress thread if your bored.

 

[Miss5.0]

If you have an all stock lower mileage motor and it's running well AND you daily drive it I would recommend keeping it that way. Now I am a "there is never enough power" kind of person so that advise is against my normal answer. It just sounds like to me you'd enjoy the "simple" durability of a stock setup.
The basic head/cam/intake/timing chain/throttle body/MAF/ bigger fuel pump and injectors etc is an option if you want more power. Or you could add the basic Vortech blower kit with the proper fuel system. These will add plenty of extra power with relatively descent reliability.

 

[Miss5.0]

If you have an all stock lower mileage motor and it's running well AND you daily drive it I would recommend keeping it that way. Now I am a "there is never enough power" kind of person so that advise is against my normal answer. It just sounds like to me you'd enjoy the "simple" durability of a stock setup.
The basic head/cam/intake/timing chain/throttle body/MAF/ bigger fuel pump and injectors etc is an option if you want more power. Or you could add the basic Vortech blower kit with the proper fuel system. These will add plenty of extra power with relatively descent reliability.

Well that is exactly what my engine is a stock lower mileage and since I changed the whole cooling sytstem on it. My fox has been running fine. ok!! yeah thank you!! I am just getting ideas right now! I will let you know what I decide!! haha

I think for right now I will just finish my exhaust system and focus on suspension (shocks, struts..etc) what do you think?

 

[Miss5.0]

I did indeed, for about 4 months. It drives great now, but maaaaan. Getting it there was an ordeal.

I would love to hear your story!!! Because mine gave me a little bit of challenge too but hes driving great now!!!

 

[Miss5.0]

the stock ingition and coil are more than enough for 500 hp. I think that has you covered

haha!! yeah for sure!!!

 

[Miss5.0]

Daily driver car ? HCI and enjoy it . OR leave it stock and put a blower on it. The reliability will still very much be intact.

If sky is the limit. Well an 8.2 deck dart block stroker with a custom cam etc etc but thats a can of worms that you must be ready for. and have a DD . Look at my progress thread if your bored.

Thanks jeff!!! I will definately check it out!!