I want to do a swap of some sort and I'm trying to figure out the best direction to go.

How much WHP/WTQ can I expect from a good 5.0 with good aluminum heads, cam and intake system? I probably wouldn't want to go into the bottom end.

There are simpler solutions for swaps with less power, but also weigh less. But not necessarily cheaper.

So I want to see what the power-weight ratio is on the various options.

​​​​​​Monster kit adds like 150lbs with aluminum heads right?

 

A good H/C/I combo from a good company like TrickFlock can get you around 300-350 RWHP. I'm new to V8 Miatas, but Ive been around these Mustangs for years. Go with a proven set that you know put down the numbers. Ive seen so many people go for cheaper aluminum heads and they end up disapointed. keep in mind you'll also need a tune after you do anything that major.

 

Thanks. That's about what I figured. I'd like to see 7.5lb per RWHP give or take. Right now my car is 2400. So that puts me in that range.

 

I'm a chevy guy so I don't know why anyone would build one of these without a LS motor.
Do some research into them and you will see what I mean.

 

There's more work involved with LS. overall cost is higher. And it's a Chevy. I've been a Ford guy forever.

​​​​And the exhaust note is better with the Ford.

I could do a Chevy. I don't hate Chevy. But it doesn't have the appeal of a Ford for me. So while I'm sure it would be awesome, for me something would be missing.

The monster miata is incredibly well documented and has been done 1000 times.

 

I'll share this video that I've seen on YouTube in hopes it helps guide you in the right direction on your engine build. As far as numbers from a 5.0 go, I'm not sure but a mild bolt on 302 will be damn fun in a Miata and as you know there's nothing better than the sound of a cammed sbf. If I were to build another I'd likely go with a ford in all honesty.

https://youtu.be/LmVVoUT7Di0

 

Good information. Thanks for sharing.

 

I would love to do an LS build but the reality is it is MUCH more expensive to build the car. Just tracking down a T56 would cost what my complete swap has cost me. The SBF is a proven reliable setup and if you want more power, blowers are cheap and a turbo setup is also an option.

 

I built a 1990 about 6 years ago around an engine that I felt was the best mix of OEM Ford 5.0 parts. The bottom end was stock, the heads were iron GT40's with stiffer springs, the intake, 65 mm throttle and 75mm air meter came off a Ford Explorer (with the heads) and the cam was a stock 1992 Mustang GT cam. Running on a stock a9l the car put down 240 rwhp which I felt pretty good about considering a stock 5.0 with the same ecu was only rated at 225 at the crank. As an added bonus the car was capable of 25 mpg's and very daily drivable.

At the other end is the one I built after that with a 331 stroker bottom end, the same heads and intake, a 75mm throttle and E303 cam. That one made right at 300 rwhp and would have made much more had I used a set of proper heads for the displacement.

-Jason