The rabbit hole is real for the enthusiast. My 6.0 power stroke diesel refresh turned into $9000 with pretty much everything replaced.

I have a 1992 deep emerald green coupe that I bought brand new in 1992! My car has around 70,000 kms on it. I did the HCI thing 25 years ago and did not regret it at all. I ran a best of 12.36 @ 110.64 with stock fuel injectors, un tuned up here in Edmonton... My car was then parked for a long time after I had my second child in 2008. Well I finally pulled it out last year, because I turned 50 and my car turned 30 years old!! I didn't end up driving it much, because I drove it straight from my house to my nephews shop to get worked on. Original plan was to do an electric water pump, aluminum radiator, swap over to five lug and 4 wheel disc brakes, and new fuel injectors and get it tuned to run 11's in the quarter mile. Well that all completely snow balled out of control and I ended up buying all of the above mentioned parts, PLUS a Vortech V3 SI, Holley Terminator X Max, 35 spline Strange axles, new rear gear set, and a bunch of other stuff! Long story short, I ended up spending more money on parts last year than what I paid for the car brand new back in 1992! The car still isn't quite finished yet, but now I will be shooting for a 10 second time slip when it's all said and done.

Dude you hit this perfectly. Great job! A ton of really good accurate information!

I love yoyr vídeos Budd! You are si informative and youve inspired me through my build. My 87 fox is humming thanks to your guidance in motor knowledge! Keep up the great work!

Great video Brother! I appreciate your honesty ... I think Goal, Desire and Budget truly determine where a build goes...

Wow that engine with those long tube headers look perfect. Great job! Also you excited me by comparing it to the gt350. I’m in love with how they put that car together.

Thanks for the great video and overview. I am doing H/C/I now. Waiting on heads then ready to build. Thought about different options but also like the pushrod "feel"

Your build is a lot more reliable and easier to maintain than an on 3 turbo…I would also be happy with your decision…

Again... Great video. I am in the era of the old school hardcore muscle cars. I've had fast muscle cars and fast euro cars. In short, my goal with my dad's car is to just improve on what he had started. Yes, the heads, camshaft, intake, headers and exhaust are extremely costly today. But these live Foxbody Mustang deserve the upgrade. Keeping it Real!

Thank you sir for another great video. Also something to think about for you gents out there concidering HCI is if you have Speed Density, such as myself, you will need to either go after market EFI solution or MAF conversion. So, to your point and understanding goals and what it takes to get there should ultimately be considered. Plan, plan, plan.

Your honest is appreciated

Another great vid KASL! I also prefer the push rod small block engine, can’t beat the sound and torque!! Old school 👊🏼 brutha

I just pulled my engine last week and freshening up as well and wanting to install hci , unfortunately what I’m looking at is on back order like every thing else . I’m older now and will be happy with just a nice chop. Owned 3 foxes and only got as far as exhaust so now i want that cam sound.

Watching this video again, one thing that you CAN say about the HCI is this. Granted, its not a bottom end rebuild, and i do get that 100%. But you are incredibly beefing up the top end, and thus making it more reliable. No BS with valve stems, or a worn cam/rusty springs, or what have you. AND! You can always go boosted later down the road. That does matter.

Really liked your video. I have a 95 gt bought new back in 94. Just tuned 41000 miles. In 2002 I installed a kenne belle Blowzilla. The motor was stock till this last year. I had ARF heads installed with a Comp cam. Between the the Kenne Belle and heads and cam it deffinatly woke the car up. For me I would do it all again. Theres nothing like the sound of a blown small block ford with a good cam. But like you said I did a few more things to it since it was apart. Such as new water pump and a new SVE aluminum radiator and new larger injectors and a bigger mass air meter. Also forgot to mention that i had bassani equal length headers installed back in 97. This car is mainly used in nice weather for the occasional car show and cruises. I will say its a blast to drive.

Great video. I just completed a HCI with used parts. Explorer upper and lower intake, 3bar heads, Crane 1.6 roll rockers, new LMR TB and spacer 70 mm, new accel distributor, coil and new B cam. It made a difference, like you said. It gave the foxbody a new feel. Nothing earth shattering. Before the HCI I did 4.10s, headers unknown brand, aluminum drive shaft, Mass air and powerdyne BD11 supercharger. I’m trying to keep this side piece affordable for now. Lol. Keep on making your videos, they are definitely a big help with my built and other guys or gals projects out there. White 88’ GT vert.

I love listening to you talk. This really helps me as I'm looking to finally build up my 86 GT. I know I have to work around the flat top pistons and likely the speed density, so I have a lot to consider. Not just the power options but how to make it work. Power adder sure, but am I gonna have to change pistons, then if I'm rebuilding the motor maybe I should buy a new motor, etc, etc, etc. So the thought process you outline in this video is just where I am now.

I 100% feel you about the budget getting more than you anticipate. I have a 1990 GT and I did the same exact thing board the motor, honed, forged crank bought AFR 165 heads and I have the cobra intake as well. I chose to go with the B cam and X pipe. Can’t wait to feel the difference. Great topic and good content ✊🏾

Love these conversations very helpful

Happy New Year Buddy Great video as usual 👍

Great build!!!! Looks GREAT!!

Man,i like your knowledge,clarity,advice and honesty.you many things into perspective with reality.keep it up the great vids bud!

Neo Mustangs is the goat!!!!

Good topic bud, I enjoyed the video.

I just went down the rabbit hole too this last summer. H/C/I and terminator X. About 7K total. I have no plans on racing my car whatsoever. I did it all myself except for tuning on dyno. Had a blast working on my car. The main reason I did it was because i just love the way a pushrod 5.0 sounds with a cam and a higher compression ratio.

Hello, neighbor to the North, from Texas! Back in the day, there was so little aftermarket for the foxes. Bypassing the smog pump, full exhaust, doing the timing and a rear-end gear could get you down into the 13's and that was considered one of the faster cars on the street. A few builds I did back in the 90s 1) Edelbrock Performer 5.0s, 1.72 rockers, GT-40s, full exhaust, 4.10s and sticky tires got me to consistent low 12's. 2)Twisted Wedges, 1.72 rockers, GT-40s, B-cam, 24# Injectors, 73mm Accufab MAS, 70mm TB, GT-40s (port matched), full exhaust, 4.10s and stickies got me to a best of 12.014. Build #1 was the fastest, naturally aspirated, car at the first two Fun Ford Weekends in Houston. Now-a-days you can go get a 10/11 second car off almost any showroom floor. I can do a software tune alone on my Audis and gain ~ 150+HP...Times have changed, both figuratively and literally, indeed.

i think your build is awesome its reliable and clean

Just went thru this and told myself never go used again. Too me it worth the peace of mind. With the available heads now like the AFR Enforcers or Trick Flow as cast the old GT40 stuff is a hard sell. One thing about doing it is the next one I do, what to look for and how to do it will make it much much simpler. Also the deep satisfaction which cannot be overstated. I race against myself as silly as that sounds.

Hell yeah!!! I'm excited to do my 87 gt that I just bought lol.

The luggage rack looks good! Can you do a how to renew the stock luggage rack video? I dont see any on that?!!! Also the outer front trim infront os the side mirrors on the door on the vert!

Great video. As far as stock bottom end I’ve always figured gt40 stuff will get ya where you need to be. Other than those mods I’ve always enjoyed a healthy shot of nitrous, both of my foxes have it, and it’s nice to have that extra power with the flick of a switch. Boost takes more thought, where I’ve just got to pull timing and let her rip lol.

Thank you, just saved me a lot of time, money and headaches. Mines a 91 vert aod. I already bumped the timing, put UD pulleys, bigger TB, CAI, Pro M- mass air meter, smog delete, an x-pipe and refreshed suspension. Future jobs include I'm going to put some bigger diff gears, a performance street shift valve body, so the aod shifts better and an aluminum driveshaft. If i really wanted a little more power, I thought I"d do a smaller shot of nitrous but i don't think I will. Just want a fun little cruiser without breaking the bank.

Your so right, In my case I went with a 351W and then I was thinking throw a stroker crank in it. So then you need rods, pistons, oil pan, headers to all fit the fox platform. Years later I got a Vortech Supercharger, well that blew the trans after 2 hits so ended up getting a Lentech AOD, these car would do a 1/4 at around 95 mph new no at least in my case it will do that in the 1/8th mile. It really is going down a rabbit hole on these cars, but it give us something to do and look forward to. The new 5.0's are nice but the size and the complexity of those engines are a little much for me, even the the new Godzilla engines that folks are installing are more complicated compared to just installing a windsor based stroker.

Yep I know all about that rabbit hole. I just fully restored a 1989 Bronco II.

Totally right! Im 18 working in a heads, cam, intake build to my fox. I'm at about $3,500 dollars and that's half of what needs to be done. Like he said injectors, water pump, new brake pump and mastercylinder. its a $3,500-6,000 build. Since I'm only 18 it's a good start for a young man. When I get older learn the car and may want to go faster we'll see what the future brings. @KASL Customs

Enjoyed your video. You must be from north Dallas, going by your accent. 😆 I have an '89 LX 5 speed that is stock except for 3.73's, Dr. Gas X-pipe, and Flowmasters. Super fun car to drive...my.main concern is reliability and drive ability. HCI seems to be the answer for both. I subscribes today and look forward to more videos. Thanks! Ps love emerald green...you've got a sweet ride!

Eventually doing HCI on mine. I went with the P-heads. Cleaned, checked, valve springs upgraded, ready to go on. Have the Explorer intake to go with it. I have $750 total in that set up. Went with the Comp 274 cam but the idea at the time was to keep it all Ford and iron head. Of course I have more $ into with Accufab T/body, Pmas MA, Ford 24lb injectors, shorty headers. It was a (budget build) or is a budget build. Should be a nice dependable upgrade.

Well said!

I’m sitting here looking at Heads and Cam combos when I see this video 😂. It easier to say you might not do it when it’s already done. That’s part of fun. That what 99% of fox boy owners want to do Heads, cam, intake. If it wasn’t done you wouldn’t be saying this! Thanks for the video.

That is one beautiful coupe you have👍love the color.

I know I am way late making a comment on this video, but I just found it and watched it. I think it is great. I have a wild strawberry 1991 LX 5.0 AOD car with only 43,000 miles on it and it is in excellent shape. I want to pep it up some with a HCI swap without taking to much away from authenticity and originality of the car, so I am doing period correct all ford performance mods upgrade to it. I hunted down a 93 cobra upper and lower intake, 3bar GT40 heads, and adding a new E303 cam. I am also going with 3:55 gears, 65 MM TB, 70 MM mas air, 24lb injectors, BBK AOD long tube headers, and BBK X Pipe. The only thing I may deviate a little on is getting some porting done on the GT40 heads. I know it will not be the fastest thing on the road, but that is not what I am going for. I want an all stock look and feel with a more modern performance level.

Very well said. Great video. Can't wait to see this car in person someday!

This the truth!!been there and there now!!best simple fun that I did was take note!!fms shorty headers,h pipe, flowmasters,msd 6al box,coil,373 gears,control arms upper, lower,aluminum drive shaft, safety loop,subs, motor!!!b303 cam!!typhoon intake!!130 amp alternator,electrical fan!!and finally a nitrous works throttle body plate,of course a bigger fuel pump 190 or 255,this was years ago!!!now I built a notch!!heads ,cam,intake etc!!still not as fun a basically stock motor with spray on it!!leran from the wise!and had zero issues using the spray!none!!!!

What a gorgeous notch !!!! wow.

Im on the fence right now. Ive got a 347 with 3 broken pistons and im trying to decide whether i should fix it or throw in the towel and sell everything. The car feels like a race car on a road course but still slower than a 1LE LT1 Camaro. But still, the satisfaction of taking down alot of modern sports cars at the track is priceless... and this thing feels like a 60s trans am car. Screw it, im keepin it, lol...

You arent kidding. GT40X HEADS @Summit for $1099. LoL. I about fainted when a Gt40 intake was FAR more than 399 for BOTH. 😂😂

Love the saying…”it is what it is”. Couldn’t agree more!! Cost vs Reward…always a great debate. Just to get my girl restored and the price that I paid for her there is no way I will break even if I ever sold her. Keeping her completely stock minus exhaust and I guess I am in the minority here but I just prefer a stock, clean and reliable 5.0. I never have been big into upgrades even 25 years ago when I had my notch. These cars are plenty fun stock for me. Great video as always brother! One of the best foxbody channels by far!! Where is Sadie?? Lol

I went back and forth for years trying to decide between a stout H/C/I combo or On3 turbo. Everyone asks you what your goals are, but the reality is that you will never for sure know how much power you will be happy with. I have an almost identical build as you. It did wake the car up, but it was a lot of cash for 288 rwhp. A little part of me wishes I had the obscene power a turbo would have gave me. However, I got the bad ass sound that turns heads, a dead reliable car that I can beat on all day and take on 2 hour road trips with my wife without a second thought. I may bolt on a Vortech someday when my budget allows, but for now I'm throwing in more gear. If I had to do it all over again, I'd seriously consider getting a Kenne Bell instead.

Having gone turbo on a 2v. I can guarantee you it's a never ending project like this. I would say go intercooled blower and be done with it. Easy. Been that route as well.

I would consider going with the H & I but keep the factory Cam because it's a quality piece and you keep better drivability in traffic. You would loose a bit HP on the top but if you're going racing you probably want to do an entire build (bottom & top end and all the supporting hardware). Check it out!

I went down a rabbit hole with my 92 f150. I took out the 92 5.0 and put in a 2k 5.0. There were alot of "incidentals" and things I didn't expect.

It was worth it with the bagged valve stem seals on my 88 motor. It had been rebuilt .040 forged pistons but, the rebuilder seals let it down. So, Twisted wedges and a ported Exploder, plus 1.7s on the stock speed density cam. Fun little package.

I "was" planning on buying the trick flow stage 2 HCI from LMR it comes with all you need minus fuel pump and 24lb injectors. That was part 1 of what I was going to do. Part 2 ON3 turbo to hit the 500WHP.

What?!?! 100% it is. Stock is cute and all but that extra power just hits diff. Key is not having to buy sale part twice so homework is key.

Very good video. The originality of keeping the 5.0 modernized yet original is what makes me happy. I would never put a turbo on mine. I don't know why but it just doesn't feel right for me. My mechanic continually teases me about putting one on but I'm not going to do it because I feel that it will take away from what the car actually means to me. I hope this makes sense 🙄

You sir are awesome for offering assistance like that. I agree if you want to just go fast get the on3. HCI gives some power but it makes these cars more of a muscle car with the sound and fun factor. Your car is a great combo!

Great vid. That 3500 you talked about is that with the exchange and duty etc etc included? Because that in itself won't get you much, can be painful and get er to 7k lol. I have a 1990 GT and have C & I done, want really bad to do the H. Thinking GT40P with a cleanup p&p. Just found your channel today, love it! Cheers from Kelowna BC.

Yeah it’s funny, I started by saying I was just going to restore my 89 notch and needless to say it’s now a 306 block, aluminum heads w/trick flow roller rockers, cobra intake which I got from Evan Smith, b-cam, long tubes, cold air intake, pulleys, z-spec t-5, 4.10 gears, complete suspension, well over $10 grand in parts, labor done by me. Complete new interior and still needs paint. I definitely know what you mean, I’m seriously thinking about selling it since I just got a 2021 Mach 1

junk yard 351w with a blower or turbo is the best bang for the boogie buck. Back in 2000 when I did my 331, I wish I had spent $300 for a 351w and just did the swap.

Believe me I didn't realize the cost on my 89 I wanted it more dependable then my 91 but without thinking of it I started doing the same upgrades but not as much I bought it next week went into paint I've only driven 5 times and started the process and scratching head like this was not what I was thinking but I'm half way into it and next week my 1.7s come in so I can get the pony moving

Great video and I agree hci for me it's happening as we speak. I'm doing gt40p heads and explorer intake and tb already had the e303 in the motor. Doing it all myself including the port work. What Ford should've done with it in the first place.

I am facing this dilemma now. Keep it simple or go Coyote and add complexity. Great video!

I’ve got a 95 GT. I’m the same way with wanting to know the ins and outs of my car. First thing I did was preventative maintenance stuff. Next summer I’d like to do the 90’s tune. I want my car to sound good and I like na motor. And she doesn’t need to rip my face off. The AC doesn’t work and I’m really tempted to decom it. 1. I really like a clean engine bay, 2. I want a simple car with less features. I also would like to remove my smog pump as well. I got the car on Aug 3rd and I worked on her every night until I drove her to the Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug 18th. I drove her from Omaha, NE to Detroit, MI (1500 miles round trip). After getting the coolant all fixed up (replaced water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, manual fan switch and flush) she did just fine on the trip. I also did the oil change, new tires and seafoamed the throttle body as well as the fuel tank. Only thing was the night before I drove home the tail lights wouldn’t turn off. From what I gathered it could be the brake light brake switch. Not to hard to replace but in a tight spot. I put in a hurst short throw shifter, cai, new cobra smoked head lights and led bulbs. The original owner installed the 96-98 taillights and he kept the originals. It drives me nuts my tails are period correct.

Lots of guys back then did it like this , exhaust , cam , intake for looks lol and a vortech supercharger , they never did heads they were the expensive part. With labor and head gaskets..

I started with my oil pan leaking… pulled the motor… engine bay shaved and painted… wire tuck…. 351w swap so it didn’t crack then heads cam intake 408 lolol it’s crazy

I drive my 95 mustang with pride. I just have pype bomb catback exhaust system, 4.10 gears, SR performance cold air intake, drop new ac delco plugs, It sounds great and fun to drive. I was thinking for future project new intake manifold, throttle body, cam and heads, fuel injectors, It's nostalgic reasons.I bought the car with 180k mi for $2700 title,plates 13:14

I agree 100% I found myself there last year 😂

Great Video and I am now subscribed!! I want to do an HCI upgrade but I'm afraid of the labor costs and more importantly finding a reputable place that understands Fox Body's. I know there is always that rabbit hole but how many legit hours should someone charge to do an HCI upgrade?

Hey Gary! Great topic. I’ve debated this one a lot over the years. Tough choice. I don’t think boost is for everyone. HCI might have less risk. But I think now days you get more bang for your buck with boost. You may have better drivability with a proper tune on a stock engine with a bolt on Vortech kit that you may lose with some big cammed HCI combos? Depends a lot of on the person doing the build maybe? Especially those guys who aren’t as respectful or mechanical as us. Get a guy in a HCI car and he could probably beat on it regularly without much worry. Boosted car I personally think has more risks with keeping proper fuel, heat, detonation, etc. in check that you want to take in consideration when driving. I think the best combo is BOTH! Gain the low end with the HCI and add a little boost to make it all even better!

Sounds better than current standards. Impresses me, which is important. My buddy had a 91 worth bolt ons running 13.2@104. He put 75 hp nitrous on it at 225,000 miles. Still never broke until he sold it at over 250k.

Your build is awesome. But I agree the price is not cheap. For me I think I’d be happy with gt40 3 bars and a little cam. I’m running cobra upper and lower , bigger tb. I’m still speed density still so that’s a factor for me. Probably go mega squirt first. Then cam and heads. Thanks for sharing your build. Enjoy all the content.

I bought a set of GT40 heads last year that Im hoping to instal soon. However I see what you are talking about when it comes to hidden cost. I catch myself wanting to just pull the motor and make the engine bay as nice as I can while checking bearing clearances and bore size. Realistically I know the power gain will be small for the price but when Im finished I will know my engine. I also have a 351 block that I guess I need to focus on if I really want to make power. So yea I feel your pain.

Awesome video man, you brought up some really good points. My goal is fun, yet reliable. Curious to know how you feel about that, thanks!

On the fence my friend…..your video helped me make a decision on doing a top and or just spending the money and putting a mild supercharger. I currently have a stock motor. Not sure what route is the best still.

with a completely bone stock foxbody would you recommend HCI or go forced induction like turbo/supercharger in todays modern world? Just a daily weekend driver, not a drag race demon or street racer anything too crazy. just to wake it up a little. AOD car as well if that maters. Thanks man, your the foxbody GOAT

Are heads cam and intake worth it? Cam is the wild card can make or break the setup but assuming you pick something reasonable yes the upgrades are absolutely worth it!

Agree with the HCI path. That’s what I’m planning now!

The old TFS HCI on an LX will run with modern cars. Give it 3.73 or 4.10s and subframe connectors, you have an impressive street machine.

man, i have a 351w and i'd kill to get rid of it and go back to a stock 302 w/HCI.. Its probably b/c the PO did a poor-mans job of slapping it in but i have so many issues w/ the 351w and parts fitment. Everything just becomes a huge hassle. Anyway, great video and looking forward to your collaboration with TIP.

Subbed bro. Just got back into the fox. Mid life 😀 cool channel

I’d buy everything used and just do the cam and intake, if I was to do the heads I’d try and get a set of used aluminum heads that were in good shape. At that point you could find a used supercharger kit bolt it on and be in a better position than a new set of heads.

I think the vortech or on3 kit is more bang for your buck. Even with top of the line HCI your gonna be somewhere in the 300-375 whp range more then likely. The engines are safe to around 500-550 in my opinion.

Hey buddy, I recently needed to remove my windshield on my 7up. I had to search for days to find info on how to remove the two metal panels on top of the windshield. Turns out there’s two hidden screws on each side under the weather striping and under what holds the weather strip on. I’m telling you this because I found RUST. Not terrible rust but no rust is good rust. I did live in Florida and it got rained on a lot lol. Maybe a quick video idea for you to replace the windshield weather strip and show how to remove these pieces. I know it sure would of helped me out. PS I’m still trying to get my Instagram back.

I don't even have a mustang but I watch these videos lol . hoping to sell my Miata for one at some point

I built a HCI 306 for my 66 Mustang when the inline 6 engine died. Definitely woke the car up for sure, but for the money spent on doing a SBF HCI, I should've LS swapped it. LQ4 SBE with a cam swap would make 500hp easily. Plus have modern fuel injection, 6 speed transmission, etc. SBF is a pretty expensive platform to build, and for the money spent, you don't go as far compared to LS. Couple of years down the road, I'll be selling the SBF and doing an LS swap.

Spend the money! It's good for you, good for me, and good for the economy! 😂 Besides, what else you gonna do? Building two 5.0L right now. One for my 71 Mustang and and the other for my 65 F100.

Surely helped me with my plan. Thanks

I did a trickflow top end kit on my first mustang a 1990 LX hatch. First performance engine build I ever did, learned a lot. Trickflow makes a great head for the 5.0 pushrod engine and imo the best aftermarket cylinder head brand. Did I make more power? Yes. Trickflow didn’t do anything wrong. But the question is, was it worth it? My personal opinion? No. Fox body build ups are much more expensive in my experience than people make them seem for starters. Maybe others are satisfied with hci but in my personal experience this wasn’t worth it when I factor in the cost to speed ratio, looking back it. Many people are satisfied with these packages but I guess in my mind I thought 300 rwhp would be stronger than it was. I probably expected too much but I guess that’s the point. You spend thousands on the kit, lots of money on all the supporting mods, tune up parts, things you freshen up, fluids, etc and it’s on 30 yr old car give or take. I turns out the power level I find thrilling is 400 + and with a powerband that revs out much further. My 2015 mustang gt with ford performance power pack 2 absolutely takes a giant explosive power shit all over my 90 fox. The car also does everything better, quieter, with more comfort. So 41 yr old me wishes early 20s me saved the thousands back then for the life stuff that came after, and I could use that $10k or whatever was and put a Roush supercharger on my 2015 and make 700 horsepower. Just my 2 cents. I know a lot of guys are happy with 300 rwhp. For me it ain’t enough

I had a 93 the same color as you’s. I sold it like a fool in. Anyway I bought another 93 about 6 years ago not knowing it was a SSP until I went to look at it. To make a long story short. It was one of the last one built in excellent condition. I was going to start doing my thing with it and was told that I was crazy to be driving it because it is worth upwards of 50 thousand dollars. So if I start doing what I wanted to do to it, what would you do? This is my third Fox. The one I bought in 93,I did to many mods to it and I bought the one I have now,I wanted to do the same, with less mods. I am 76 and love the foxes.

👍😎 Well said 😁😁 (90 T5)

How about a crate motor? After a quick look online $6500 should get you near 370 hp? All new parts with a warranty?

Ive been toying with the idea of h/c/I or a vortech v3 on my ranger with a cam and spring kit. It’s on a gt40p motor. I still want a cam even if I went with the supercharger. Idk it’s still a lot of bucks either way.

Depends if you are buying new parts or doing the "junkyard GT40 swap". An Explorer top end with a decent cam still might be THE classic bargain swap to get you that decent running "like it should have been from the factory" car without dropping a fortune. Naturally the parts will dry up at some point and this won't be as economical as it once was. Like you said, for an all out mega HP machine, HCI isn't it. In the old days it was HCI, boost, cubes....the whole kitchen sink! We didn't have Coyotes, LS swaps or dirt cheap turbo kits either! You started with that pushrod 302 and worked with what you had stacking every little mod as you went. We weren't competing with 30 year newer cars either! The 5.0 was leading edge when you compared it to its competition at the time. The fact that it is still so damn relevant AND still reasonably competitive 30-40 years later is part of what's making these cars timeless. Easily the 55-57 Chevy of OUR generation. Kept in context, an HCI 5.0 is still a blast on the street even though it might not always be front of the pack measured against the modern offerings. At the end of the day an S550 just doesn't have that "summer night back in '93" nostalgia we get from these cars!

The old opinion is that anything over 500hp and they'll crack along the lifter valley. The reality is, as long as you keep them from detonating they'll hold up. You do however need to keep an eye on things around the 600hp mark, that's when things start getting dicey.

I took my fan shroud off for an easy repaint. Month later and the whole front of the car is off and we are refinishing it all! Rabbit hole!

Yeah In July I payed 1900 for my trick flow 170 heads and cam and that was getting discount on parts and total I’m at 5100 in everything for h/c/I in my 95 it def woke the car up and can run with newer v8 cars

An NA vs a boosted car drive so differently when and how the power comes on. I'm an HCI guy, I don't need the fastest fast only want that old school feel and drive-ability. Back in the day I had a built to the hilt fox and it was miserable to drive on the street. Never again.

You trailer it everywhere? I drive mine in the snow.

I can answer your question..!! I have an bone stock 95 mustang gt . That has a Vortech supercharger ,on 6 psi. At the same time, my 89 lx had H/C/I with no supercharger , and I could tell you my 95 with boost was faster , and much better to drive . The the answer everyone’s question, stock with boost is the way yo go.

It really depends on what you do for a living lol I remember paid $1049 from summit racing for twisted wedge heads in 2003. Prices are crazy these days.