Nik, don't do anything big. Enjoy what you've got!
Minor **** here and there is cool. Box upper, long-tubes, etc... that's easy... done in a day or two, and you're rockin' out again. 351 swap = slow Also, I remember impressing the hell out of people who would not believe that the 302 could do what mine could. They didn't believe it so much that I was accused of it being a 351 or having hidden nitrous on a few different occasions. That feels so good! I don't do this for other people, but surprising other people sure makes me feel good.
I think you oughta do what you said earlier. Focus on the non-performance stuff that would make you enjoy the car even more. Fix any little problems with the car. I've gone from hating my mustang when it was having problems to loving it when they were fixed... I'm back to hating it, at the moment hehe... Same thing with the Corvette. Little problems can add up and make driving it no fun. At the moment, the corvette is running great without any issues and I'm enjoying it. I only had to fix 20 little things this year to get it there.
So, I say fix the small stuff and focus on things you'll eventually need. For example, I think you're still running a T5... It ain't gonna make it long with the motor you're running, as it is. Maybe get a T56 or a TKO in there before you start looking for a new motor.
What exactly does a car guy with a stock ZL1 have that he can take pride in? Are you competing with that guy? If so, then what's next? Z06s? Then Vipers? A Bugatti? At any car hang out, the ZL1 guy might have the attention of car guys for a bit, but he's not getting any respect for plunking down 50+ and buying a car. You could outrun him with a few more tricks like a 100 shot of nitrous or a well set up suspension and sticky tires, but you wouldn't be proving anything that another fox hasn't already proven.
Your Mustang is on a whole different level, and it's not a lower one. Your 336 rwhp Mustang is making about 146 rwhp (76%) more than stock without any blower, turbo, nitrous, extra displacement, or even adjusting the limiter. That's monstrous, when you think about it. I don't think there are many other cars out there that can say that. In the end, you should just make the car what you want it to be. Give it the attention where you feel it needs it the most. If that's the engine, then go for it. If other things about the car are bothering you more, address them. If you like it the way it is, then drive the MFer. Either way, just figure out how to get the most fun for your dollar and your time.
In any case, thanks for making my weekend with an awesome 5.0 representation. I still hope to get my car sorted out some day, and maybe we can get together for a cruise or something.
What exactly does a car guy with a stock ZL1 have that he can take pride in? Are you competing with that guy? If so, then what's next? Z06s? Then Vipers? A Bugatti? At any car hang out, the ZL1 guy might have the attention of car guys for a bit, but he's not getting any respect for plunking down 50+ and buying a car. You could outrun him with a few more tricks like a 100 shot of nitrous or a well set up suspension and sticky tires, but you wouldn't be proving anything that another fox hasn't already proven.
Your Mustang is on a whole different level, and it's not a lower one. Your 336 rwhp Mustang is making about 146 rwhp (76%) more than stock without any blower, turbo, nitrous, extra displacement, or even adjusting the limiter. That's monstrous, when you think about it. I don't think there are many other cars out there that can say that. In the end, you should just make the car what you want it to be. Give it the attention where you feel it needs it the most. If that's the engine, then go for it. If other things about the car are bothering you more, address them. If you like it the way it is, then drive the MFer. Either way, just figure out how to get the most fun for your dollar and your time.
In any case, thanks for making my weekend with an awesome 5.0 representation. I still hope to get my car sorted out some day, and maybe we can get together for a cruise or something.
Would it be cheaper/ more fun to build the 302 to spin really high and take more advantage of the top end instead of building the 408?
Just enjoy it, go to the track often and run for fun. Keep your money in the 351 project. Do the tubular k-member and A-Arms when the motor is out along with Long Tubes.
YSo that's what you look like huh? Interesting....
I am impressed! I was thinking for sure that your torque number was be lower. That is of course based off all the reading and numbers I have seen from the "traditional" builds. Exhaust and an intake would be cool, just to see if you can hit that 350 rwhp benchmark. As far as the diet, changing wheels is always fun, but you wont need the diet once you do get the 351/408 in it.
I haven't been in this thread forever... nice numbers, although IMO the 3" exhaust will be wasted and not needed till you go with the 351w based setup.
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Thanks Rick! Yea, I think the significant difference would be in going to long tubes and ditching the ball-socket connections, but I've always wanted a 3" exhaust and I'm curious to see what kind of an effect it would have.
I can agree! I have seen quite a few 302 based motors perform VERY well with the cnc'd 205 Trickflow's!!Thanks man! You've probably heard so many ignorant people say that big heads+small motor=no torque for so long, it can be hard to free your brain of that way of thinking!