[Spazntwich]

A little backstory:

I've had my '99 Ranger for a little over a year now, and it's pathetic. 2.5l 4 banger with 117 flywheel horsepower, and 4500 pounds. It's nice, in good condition, runs well, but it's just slow. I'm looking to sell it, and I'm trying to figure out what my best path for getting a decently fast and nice looking daily driver would be, and I think a 5.0 mustang would do the trick.

My current plan is to buy a 5.0 with everything working except the engine. What I want to do is replace the engine with one from www.badassmotors.com. Specifically, I want the engine located on this page. . It's the second one down.

I've got very very mechanically inclined friends who can help me do the engine swap, and since it will be a 302, I think I can just bolt it in and connect the tubes/wires.

Naturally though, I've got lots of questions.

1. Will I want to get new brakes and suspension right away to handle the 300+ hp?

2. Can the stock transmission handle that much power?

3. Does the engine I'm looking at buying even look like a good buy?

4. What things tend to break on 5.0s? Are they expensive?

Any information you all can provide would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

[GTRaptor]

You will want better brakes and yes, some suspension and chassis upgrades. It is not a MUST but very desirable. It will depend a lot on the condition of the car you get.

The stock trans can handle 300 hp, but dont abuse it !!!. Something i'm sure wont happen hehehe. So be prepared to upgrade it sometime.

Sorry to tell you but that engine doesnt look worth it, it is a very basic block, not even forged pistons or at least good iron heads. I doubt it would be capable of 325HP unless they use high compression on it.
Look at DSS, SCAT and Ford for some good block deals. You want at least a block with a decent set of heads and if possible forged pistons in case you have plans for a supercharger.

A ford GT40 crate engine with alum heads sells for around $3,500, but doesnt include intake or carb. But those you can get both from Edelbrock for around $500.


Things that break:
Electronics: wiring tends to have cracked insulation, bad contacts on the connectors. Aftermarket stereo and alarm systems if not installed correctly can cause problems, make sure all wiring under the dash is properly insulated.

Exhaust: Could be crap if the car spent some time near salt.

Body: same problems as above.

Suspension: worn bushings, easy and cheap to replace, a must when buying a car with many k miles.

Disc Rotors: inspect the thickness and look for cracks or "spiderwebbing", could need replacement
Water pump and cooling system: have it checked !!!!

Trannys: AOD or AODE, T5 or T45, both decent on a street car, but if abused it doesnt take much to break them.

5.0s are pretty reliable, the above problems are not 5.0 specific, mostly things to look at.

$3200 for that motor is a rip off IMO.

[Spazntwich]

Originally posted by Nic
$3200 for that motor is a rip off IMO.

OK, thanks for being blunt, because it saved me a LOT of money, and GTRaptor, thank you a lot also for all of the info, though I would like to say in my defense I'm not a total moron, and I would be checking the body/exhaust for rust/corrosion, and also the rotors.

Do you know what would make for a good tranny upgrade once my stock one ends up dead? (As it's bound to do if I stick a 300hp+ engine in it)

I also never plan on putting any sort of a power adder on this thing, but... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have an engine strong enough to take a supercharger if I were to ever want to put one on.

Now, you mention chassis upgrades too as very desirable. I didn't even think of that. What kind of upgrades might I need?

(Sorry if my post seems all over the place. My mind's not too organized right now)

[Amustang42]

After the new motor, sub-frame connectors are a must. Also, look into putting a good strut tower brace on there. I recommend maximum motorsports. I hear they have good quality and customer service.

[StalkerStang]

If you plan on having a 5 speed, the Tremec 3550 is an exccelent tranny, that can handle more than what they advertise it can.

Like Amustang42 said, sub-frame connectors, and a strut tower brace are reccomended. Also some good control arms and tires to help you hook up your new power.

Check these prices out. They're cheaper, plus you get a much better combination.

http://www.centralcoastmustang.com/engcat.htm

*In no way, shape, or form am I endorsing CCM here. I've never done business with them and cannot comment on the quality of the workmanship or customer service*

[StalkerStang]

Nic, not to stomp on your post or anything, but DO NOT buy from Central Coast Mustangs, they are about a 20 min drive from where I live and and they have a bad reputation with the local Mustang people. I won't deal with them and neither will Mustang owners around here.

That's why I included the disclaimer...never dealt with them, but their prices seemed to be pretty good.

[mike_777]

You guys happen to know how much a 93 cobra tranny can hold hp wise?

PHilip

[StalkerStang]

The 93 cobra T5 can handle 310 ft/lbs, of torque. they have tapered roller bearing assemblies.

[jjd975]

If you plan to get a mustang and do a motor swap you might want to look for a 4cly model. They can be found for much less than a 5.0 in many cases. Find one of those real cheap and you make the upgrades you need to the tranny and rear and still be at the same price of a used 5.0. The 4 bangers have weak 7.5 rears and you could add either a T-5 or a 3550. Personally I dont see any need for a 3550 in a 300hp car. A T-5 will hold fine.

[Duke of Earl]

Does anyone know where I can buy Cobra T-5 gearsets online (for cheap!!!)?

For the engine got to www.mustangengines.com

[jjd975]

For any tranny parts try D&D performance.