Starting my 83, 5.0 performace upgrade, 3.55 rear, add dual exhaust.

[art19344]

1983 GM 2door, 5.0 turd...I'm finally going for it. I just retired so I have plenty of time. Budget $2000.00 This has been in the family since new, never driven in the snow,no rust, all original.

I just want to smoke the tires and a weekend driver, not a race or show car. Let my kids and grand children experience doing a hole shot ! My mechanic is a Ford guy who has done some mid 80's mustang/ F150 power/drive line upgrades but he is not familiar with this 83 turd of an engine/computer/throttle body. I haven't done any engine upgrades yet, it runs good so figured a 3.55 is the easiest and cheapest way to start, then move up to engine.

1. I want to put in 3.55 gears, any tips,suggestion on brand, limited slip, posi ? axles,splines ? Change the whole axle to a LTD police version that came with a 3.55 ? My experience with 70 muscle cars, the rear was always the first to go. I want something that I can "line lock" and beat the crap out of.

2. At the same time, I want to put on dual exhaust and,take the cats off to maybe gain a little power but mostly to give it a good sound. H or Y pipe, brand of mufflers, pipe size ?? I have a great, inexpensive local muffler shop that will do what ever I ask.

3. after i see how it does a hole shot with a 3.55 rear, then I'll do some bolt on engine upgrades, throttle body to 4bll conversion.

Thanks!

[Tiggie]

Check to see what’s in the rear axle now. http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...258-Axle-Codes
Stick with the stock 28 spline 8.8 gears. I suggest Ford gears. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-4209-88355. You’ll need some type of locking differential if you want to smoke both tires. If you don’t have one already, junkyards have some good options in Fox or SN-95, as well as most 4.0 Rangers. 28-spline units aren’t getting hard to find new but still out there.

Fox shorty headers and an h-pipe are a decent fit. Or a stock replacement H-pipe if you don’t want the headers. Whatever mufflers you like. I think 2” stock tails are still available. Plenty for your needs.

[gadget73]

I'd expect a 7.5" in that honestly. 4 lug too I think? Might want to consider upgrading the brakes if you're giving it more go-power. Lincoln Mark VII and bustleback Continental parts are your friends there. 5 lug, bigger front brakes. rear disc. Same front brakes as a Panther really, but with ~500+ pounds less and the rear discs they stop very well. My Continental is on the porky side for a Fox car and it has absolutely no problems hauling down from speed without locking up or being generally shitty.

[87gtVIC]

I took that he is talking about a Grand Marquis. Unless I am blatantly missing something obvious.

I'd expect a 7.5" in that honestly. 4 lug too I think? Might want to consider upgrading the brakes if you're giving it more go-power. Lincoln Mark VII and bustleback Continental parts are your friends there. 5 lug, bigger front brakes. rear disc. Same front brakes as a Panther really, but with ~500+ pounds less and the rear discs they stop very well. My Continental is on the porky side for a Fox car and it has absolutely no problems hauling down from speed without locking up or being generally shitty.

[gadget73]

I read "turd" and for whatever reason translated that to "Tbird". Derp.

[sluggish91]

I have a similar setup to what you're trying to do.
Needs more gear for a funner hole shot.
I run BBK Mustang shorties and a Summit Mustang 2.5in H-Pipe that fit ok. Muffler shop had to bend it upwards a bit. 2.5in Hooker Max Flow Mufflers. It sounds perfect.
I agree, definitely needs a different form of fuel injection.

[sick88tbird]

Wasn’t ‘85 the first year for an 8.8 in a panther? If that’s the case, you’ll need to start with a later model rear end and upgrade from there...after that, I’d do 4bbl carb and good dual plane intake...but all that plus labor and you’re probably over $2k. I think you’re on the right path, rear end then exhaust...and if money allows, intake & carb.

[gadget73]

82 had an 8.5, which is the same as an 8.8 for all practical purposes. Same carrier and housing, the ring is just 1/4" smaller. An 8.8 R&P will swap into the housing without any problem. 83 or 84 onward had an 8.8.

[art19344]

I read "turd" and for whatever reason translated that to "Tbird". Derp.

Yep, Turd as in it runs like a turd.. The rear should done next week sometime. My mechanic/good friend is a Ford guy so he is tackling the hard stuff for me and i'm letting him decide the exact upgrades with and forwarding the info i get on here. Thanks for all the tips and keep them coming if you've done the carb/manifold/distributor swap.