Posted by Charlie (IP: 131.204.141.67) on December 12, 1999 at 19:39:44:
In Reply to: Re: 5.0 engines posted by Mark G on December 11, 1999 at 19:58:13:
The late model engines eliminated the threaded boss in the block for the early-style clutch linkage. You have to fabricate a bracket in order to run a stickshift. I did that, but it is a hassle. I think Total Performance sells a bracket for that purpose. I do have roller tip rockers, and it should extend my RPM's, but I haven't tried that out, hehe. I have never heard of a specific manifold for the late model swap. I would be interested in why there is one, if you remember what brand, etc. -CP
: Just curious why you mentioned not running a manual? I ment to say that any manifold will work, but there is a special one made for the swap. Does your engine rev any faster with the roller cam and are you running roller tip rockers? Thanx
: : Mark is generally right, except that any intake manifold will work, there is no difference in the water passages, at least not enough to make a difference. I have run edelbrocks and weiand intakes on my '87 5.0 with no problems. The cam will interchange, but only if you buy aftermarket lifters. It will probably not be worth the expense. You may be able to machine your block, not sure, but it would be cost-prohibitive as oppossed to crane or comp roller lifters.
: : If you are not running a manual trans I would build the '88 motor. Later 302 castings are lighter without giving up strength. Also, the crank and rods have a more efficient design. I attribute my good MPG to my '87 motor (almost 20 mpg hwy with 3.70:1 gears, got 22 with 3.10's). -CP
: :
: : : SWEET! I would jump on it, change over the front cover/waterpump so you can run the old V belt, no point to the serpentine style if you are not going to run the efi, and even then you dont really need it. With the old front cover and dipstick tube, the side one will have to be plugged, either tap it for threads or? The roller cam is not really interchangeable since there will need to be some machining to your existing block if you wanted to run it(it still might need a different spider to hold the lifters). If it runs good, better that what you have, and you have some time, it would make a really nice swap. Roller cam is supposed to be the hot setup. There is also a special intake manifold to use a carb on the newer style heads, i believe the reason is that the water passages are larger. I cant help you with the flywheel or balancer part of this question though. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
: : : Mark G