Alright, bear with me here. I am new to the 5.0 world (other than pretty much just plopping one for next to free in a ranger).


I have become pretty well versed with what I need to start gathering to make this thing happen. I will be using Martin's swap kit once I get my other parts ready to install. I am going to be looking for around 300whp NA.


Driveline: 7.5 IRS with axles, custom drive shaft, T5 with mustang bell housing, starter, flywheel, and a clutch. Would a new stock clutch do ok in a Miata? Lifetime warranty from autozone baby!


Suspension: Mine should suffice, I am planning on going full coil over anyways. I do want to get some upper rear control arms to deal with wheel hop, which is freaking annoying.


Engine/Engine Management: This is where things start getting confusing for me. I think I've got it, but I'm not sure, so I want to run it by you guys. Because if you think I am putting a stock engine in my car, I'm not.


So, to start with, my power goal is around 300whp (more is ok). I may do some nitrous down the road if I feel froggy and want it for some 1/4 mile runs. I just don't care about making all that low end torque that folks on the foxbody forums tend to like, but I do care about higher end power, given the fact this car will see a fair bit of track time, and I would (I think) like the extra revs to play with. Is 7k out of the question? Anyways, this is kind of what I cobbled together from the research I have done.


The engine itself: A 5.0, obviously. Does it matter what year or anything else it came out of? I was thinking about picking up one out of an explorer. Will the front accessories work on that? I may also end up putting AC and Powersteering back in my car. It currently has none of the above. I will also be eliminating all emissions controls, because, well, I'm not sure the last time my car had them.


Short Block: I was planning on doing a full rebuild on it. By the time I take a junkyard engine apart and check it, I may as well freshen it up. Are the Chinese rods good, like they are for the Miata? Since I am rebuilding anyways, I may as well throw some cheap rods in there if they are better. Are they good insurance or worthless? Do I need to upgrade pistons if I plan on running nitrous later (just a little)? Or are lower end mods a waste of money for what I want. Also, what about the oil pump? Is stock ok, or should I upgrade?


Top end: Ok, I know I am going to have to bite the bullet on aluminum heads. Not only is it a hefty weight reduction, there is tons of power there. I have read about the cheaper heads, like the pro comp, and basically everyone says they're garbage. I know you can make some power out of the GT40P heads but they're iron, so the weight is a turn off for me. I was thinking about forking over for the trick flows. They seem to be lauded and just a few bucks more than the other heads.


I would use the explorer intake manifold and port it to match the heads. I don't know what kind of cam I should go with (guidance please?) but I know that is in the cards as well. I also know I am going to need to upgrade my throttle body. I am allowing for that. Headers come with the kit, and I will fab my own exhaust.


Engine Management: A9L ecu. I will have McCully do the harness if I am lazy. If not, I will do it. I was thinking #30 injectors would be a great size, and give me a little room to grow. Could I get away with the #24? Also, I would need a larger MAF for the power and calibrated to my chosen injector size.


So, would all of those engine modifications net me with a near 300whp car and start up once I finally got everything crammed in? Is there anything I should add or subtract? IE: don't do internals or anything I looked over like a Mr. Fusion for the flux capacitor? Thanks.

 

Some info here:
https://www.v8miata.net/ford-v8-disc...nfo-fords-779/

-Jason