[AtomicLabMonkey]

I'm a n00b here, so please pardon the questions. I've read through some of the threads here on the new AI forum and heard the typical engine setup described as something along the lines of aluminum heads/intake/steel crank on a factory 5.0L block. Are there any reliability issues people have run across like oil starvation, etc. in mostly stock engines from the constant high RPMs and lateral g-forces? Basically I'm wondering what is necessary to use your factory engine block with a good degree of reliability.

[trackboss]

I ran almost an entire season with my old motor which was the original ('93) shortblock with aftermarket heads/intake/cam/exhaust, and the only preventative measures I took were a canton pan and windage tray plus I plumbed the oil with a sandwhich adapter to the oil cooler built into my griffin radiator. The motor ran very well and never had any issues. I have since sold it and have a real race motor. You should be fine with a similar setup. If you have stock heads and such the motor won't make any power above 5000rpm anyway so as long as you don't rev it much over that it should run cool and without any problems.

good luck,
-V

[AtomicLabMonkey]

Originally posted by trackboss
I ran almost an entire season with my old motor which was the original ('93) shortblock with aftermarket heads/intake/cam/exhaust, and the only preventative measures I took were a canton pan and windage tray plus I plumbed the oil with a sandwhich adapter to the oil cooler built into my griffin radiator. The motor ran very well and never had any issues. I have since sold it and have a real race motor. You should be fine with a similar setup. If you have stock heads and such the motor won't make any power above 5000rpm anyway so as long as you don't rev it much over that it should run cool and without any problems.

good luck,
-V

Thanks for the response. If you don't mind me asking, about how many miles were on the '93 engine before using it for the race season? Did you do any kind of refresh on it before the season like new piston rings and such, or were the internals pretty much from the factory?

[trackboss]

About 35,000 miles. It even used to be supercharged on the street at one point. No freshening. The only thing I did was install long tube headers and later in the season I replaced the cobra intake with a performer RPM for some more top end power. I am not sure it if matters, but I always had fresh oil/filter before each weekend of racing.

[HistoricMustang]

The short block on my 289 is totally stock Ford with a high volumn oil pump. Top side has been modified with off the shelf parts. No need for high dollar motors to road race.

Hope this helps and I am new to the board.

Thanks,

AIX #97
www.historicmustang.com