build plan

[olskoolcrownvic89]

OK so i was gona sell my 87 merc GM but i was inspired to keep it after it dusted dodge neon srt , anyway , i plan on installing 3.73 gears with trac lok
and a trans go shift kit . the crown jewel will be a 347 stroker build up and a 150 shot of nos . advice comments ?

[murphmobile2]

Scratch the NOS. And 347's only last about 100k before they're done. Not to be harsh or anything, but an SRT-4 would dust the shit out of any Crown Vic stock. You might have raced an SXT, they aren't a performance model like the SRT-4 is.

If you want to mod it... start with dual exhaust, a nice intake setup, and you can even use headers off of a 5.0 fox body Mustang. Tighten up your suspension too, make sure you have good performing shocks (like KYB's), and put Energy Suspension sway bar links up front. They're polyurethane and will tighten it a little, really inexpensive upgrade.

After these, then you may consider the new gears and shift kit. And when you do install a shift kit, install a transmission cooler.

Definately start with all the little things before you dive in face first.

[olskoolcrownvic89]

so basicly strengthen or improve stock componenets so it can handle the higher HP ?

[mrltd]

If it was a SRT4 he wasn't racing.

[murphmobile2]

so basicly strengthen or improve stock componenets so it can handle the higher HP ?

You've got it.

[olskoolcrownvic89]

it was an sxt with a coffee can exhaust and srt4 wheels

[gadget73]

How much money do you have to spend? You need a budget in mind before you can plan anything.

[Tiggie]

In addition to money, what kind of skills do you have? Feel comforatble installing a cam, or would you rather farm it out?

I'd start with dual exhaust using Fox Mustang Shorties and H-Pipe, with a pair of mufflers of your choice. A shift kit also isn't a bad idea. You also want some decent performance tires, shocks, and fresh bushings on a PI front and rear swaybars at the minimum. Gears can come now or later.

Then start checking things out under the hood. I like the idea of an HO Swap (see FAQ's) because it opens the door for more down the road. If you don't feel comfortable doing what's involved there, about the most you're gonna get is an HO upper and TB, and some E7TE's without. And at that point, you might as well swap the computer and do the whole swap.

The key here is steps. One step at a time. Don't just jerk the engine out, plop a 347 rotating assembly in, and bolt it back up to the stock EFI. Not a good idea. You're planning ahead and that's a good start.

[Heretic]

In addition to money, what kind of skills do you have? Feel comforatble installing a cam, or would you rather farm it out?

I'd start with dual exhaust using Fox Mustang Shorties and H-Pipe, with a pair of mufflers of your choice. A shift kit also isn't a bad idea. You also want some decent performance tires, shocks, and fresh bushings on a PI front and rear swaybars at the minimum. Gears can come now or later.

Then start checking things out under the hood. I like the idea of an HO Swap (see FAQ's) because it opens the door for more down the road. If you don't feel comfortable doing what's involved there, about the most you're gonna get is an HO upper and TB, and some E7TE's without. And at that point, you might as well swap the computer and do the whole swap.

The key here is steps. One step at a time. Don't just jerk the engine out, plop a 347 rotating assembly in, and bolt it back up to the stock EFI. Not a good idea. You're planning ahead and that's a good start.

+1

Planning and research will always pay off. I was still driving my car, stock, while in my planning stages. After the VV went, I parked it and began teardown. Personally I am going from VV carb to EFI, NOT an easy process. Not only are there all the electrical considerations, but my fuel system is getting completely redone to handle the injection. A lot of folks here like to ditch the squirt system and run carb. This could potentially be an option for you as well depending on what you want to do down the road. These cars will, for the most part, accept anything meant for a 5.0 Mustang, [engine wise] with little to no modification. All a matter of budget, skill, and willingness to spend time on upgrading.

And remember to take your time, I was researching for a year before the car was parked, and 6 months after that I am still researching some stuff, and running into issues here and there. Remember that an engine build-up and swap is not a fast process.

[RunUoveR]

you should stroke a 351w, it'll cost you just about the same to build. i havent done any research but i assume if my tiny maverick can fit a 351 i big ol grand marq should be able to take it

i dont think ive ever been told that a 347 will only last 100k miles, if its build right. id be really tempted to get man o war or boss block though rather then some brittle 1980's roller motor that'll split in half

[gadget73]

351's were optional on fleet model Vics and in Canadia. They fit just fine. There is a specific AC bracket you need, but thats about it.

[olskoolcrownvic89]

351 s are harder to come by here , most of the shops scoop up any cheap engine . while the HO motors are much more plentiful and often over looked and are dirt cheap .

ive revised my build intp "phases"

and my skills are pretty sharp , and my job is building airboat engines so i have unlimited to a FULLY stocked shop =))

i did some lookin and found out the 331 stroker is a <b>VERY<b> potent yet mild mannered street engine . my dream would be a 331 stroker with a procharger ....it will happen much later down the road . right now im gonna slowly modify and enjoy the car

[gadget73]

331 would be a nice setup. They apparently don't have the oil usage problems a lot of 347 motors have since the wrist pin isn't into the oil scraper ring area. If you're doing one of those though, you don't even need an HO motor to start with. Any roller 302 block will be fine, and you can probably pick up a Vic motor or some other lopo for even less than an HO. Same block, the rest of the internals you wouldn't be using anyway.

[olskoolcrownvic89]

Really , i may just stroke a vic block then , just install aftermarket mustang speed parts , i would still a mustang computer though right ?

[gadget73]

yes, and probably the mass air stuff as well.