PARTS
TECH
SECTION ...
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UPGRADES /
CHANGES
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As Ford updated the Mustang Models it also updated its components, when I go to the parts store I sometimes find what I'm buying doesn't look like the part I'm replacing. This section is intended to list the new replacement parts and to aid in compatibility of different parts for different years. As this site is new, I know there must be some errors and years that are off. Please E-mail me with suggestions, corrections or more info for this site at SPARKPLUGS@MAILCITY.COM . Thanks... |
87-93 Front Brake Hoses Before and including 1986 the flex brake hose was all rubber. In 1987 it was changed to part rubber and part bent pipe. Still later (Not sure when) Ford changed the design again. I found this out after I had everything apart. The new hose has a different fitting shape to insert into a new bracket opening that holds it in place. The old hose and its opening was star shaped, while the new shape is round with a notch. So now you can plan ahead (had to order new bracket from Dealer, didn't have it in stock) or I guess you can drill the bracket out. I would spend the $5 than to have the hose jump around in the busted bracket and eventually break. |
--NEW--
There are plenty of aftermarket intakes, some
from Ford: GT40 & Cobra intakes, & others from Edelbrock &
Saleen. Basically all better than the restrictive stock intake. Lately
there's more info that Explorer Intake manifolds from 94-98 5.0 V8's
will fit (with minor work) & improve lower end torque Now It's performance
is not as good as the next best intake the Cobra, but I believe the
cost is near half. Go see this website BLK90LX's
Mustang Page for info
on this intake & how to install it.
HEADS |
Supercharging
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Supercharging Your mustang can be done safely as long as you don't over do it ... A stock (1986-94) 5.0 has 9:1 compression, it can safely handle a low output supercharger with about 6 to 8 pounds of boost, while running 92 or higher octane. Going higher in boost could result in detonation (pinging) and some nice holes in your pistons. There is also another matter to keep in mind when planning to get a supercharger, some are designed to give its boost or increase Lower end torque, while others increase Higher end torque. With a lower end increase you wouldn't have to raise the RPM's as high to get a good launch. Owners
of Speed Density 5.0's (87-88) say it is possible to install the low boost
superchargers to Speed Density cars with no idle problems. Before you supercharge your motor install a less restrictive exhaust+ headers & at least cat=back system. Most of all... this is info for the beginner that I have acquired, learn all the info you can on your specific motor setup & ask your mechanic, the supercharger manufacturer, & helpful mustangers at places such as Corral.net to make your decisions... |
Speed
Density VS Mass Air
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Speed Density:
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Mass
Air:
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Mass Air 1989 & up has a Mass Air Sensor (on air inlet tube right
after air filter) that directly measures the amount of air flowing into
the motor. -
Because this system knows exactly how much air it's getting will adapt
to any motor modification, including large cam, supercharger, larger intake. |
Advancing
Timing
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The
lowest cost performance increase you can do to your motor is to increase
the timing. Drivers notice a noticeable increase in lower torque with
as little as a 2 degree increase. |
Alternator 130 3G Upgrade
Most of the 86-93 stock alternators are junk (75
amps), not putting enough voltage out when idling. Even the connector
to the alternator is known to cause fires(very rare though). The solution
is to install Ford's new 130A 3G Alternator (from the 1994-95 V8 Mustang
GT & Cobras only,not V6). It's better designed, will last longer,
and has plenty of power to idle and have all the accessories on. This
will require you to buy a new Alt around $130, and make new connections,
it should fit with no problems other then grinding a small portion of
its bracket. Follow the directions ,you need to replace the stock alt
wire with a thicker gauge wire that can support higher amps. Go to my
LINKS PAGE and
visit The Corral (in its tech section) & The 130A Upgrade project,
& Monte-Smith's Webpage links. |
Outer Tie Rod Ends Around 91-94? Ford changed the Outer Tie Rod Ends (longer ends) to help keep the Rods (steering linkage) parallel with the lower control arms, reducing bumpsteer. I believe the length difference is not the rod to the rack but the smaller pivoting stud that bolts on to the spindle. I believe that You have to ask specifically for these or you will get the shorter (original) ones that came with you 86-91 stang. Unfortunately I didn't know this last year when I replaced all inner & outer tie rod ends (tried to reduce annoying bumpsteer). You will need to adjust the toe (alignment-length from rack to spindle). I don't have any proof of the benefits but it seems to be recommended, on all the mustang tech sites, to upgrade to the later rods. |
Valve Cover Gaskets I don't know exactly when, but Ford has upgraded the valve cover gaskets for the 5.0 to a metal design. Its a solid (rigid) metal gasket with rubber on the inside. The reason for this is the 5.0 has too much of a gap between valve cover bolts and the rubber, or cork gaskets would tend to move or break where the gaps were. The Metal gasket costs around $35 for both sides and is long lasting. I would think you could remove the valve covers many times while not having to replace this gasket. |
Power Window slow/sticks You push the window switch up, (the window might go halfway up seem to shift) then it takes a year to close. First thing is to check the rod that the window is sliding up & down on. Usually the grease deteriorates. Unfortunately you have to take the interior door cover off. Clean off the old grease then put new grease on the rod & diagonal track. Don't use penetrating oil instead of greasing, it will just clean the old grease off, dry up & leave no protection. Also check that the 3 bolts holding the window motor are tight. |
Fuel Pump Connection (Submitted) After removing the gas tank to replace the no longer functioning fuel pump, a Mustanger noticed that a fuel pump wire had became burned. I don't think (& hope not) that this is a common problem but is worth looking at if you have to remove the fuel tank... My
complaint is of the fuel pump connection on the top of the tank where
the fuel lines connect. |
Rear Disk Conversion Thinking of upgrading the rear drums in your Mustang to Disks? You
can buy Rear disk Conversion kits, they will cost more, but you will get
everything needed & everything will be new or rebuilt. Some companies
are Aerospace, Stainless Steel Brake Corp, Wilwood, and FRPP. (look in
Mustang Mags)
More info or sites when I can find them , If you have done this conversion please share with us your experience ...Spark Plug |
PISTONS 1986-1992
Mustang 5.0's have Forged Pistons |
INJECTORS
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A
Note from Spark Plug...
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The
purpose of this section (& this website)
is to gather information from various sources to help the Mustang Owner
stay informed with changes & Useful information all in one place.
I
hope this site can help you maintain your Mustang |
THANK YOU FOR VISITING |