I have an 88 firebird tpi with only slight work. I put on a high performance exhaust (no cat) and a k&n air filter. I have had late 80's and up to 95 5.0s try to race me. I dont wanna race and lose to stang. I know that the late 5.0 make around 210 hp and the older ones like 86 were like 165 ish. I know I should have an equal amount of power if not a tad more. Plans 17 black torque thrust ordered today 350 or 383 crate motor late this year

Is your 'Bird 5-spd or auto? I think you would match up best with a SN95 (1994-95) 5.0 GT as they are heavier than the preceding Fox platform. 1987-95 5.0s pretty much all make 225HP even if the were rated at 215HP for the last few years.

The race will most likely come down to launch and mods. Be aware that 5.0 LXs are very light and can be quick with a good driver even in stock trim...

If your 305TPI is an auto, and you don't want to lose, you better not even try. HP numbers are one thing, reality is another. On paper you've got close to equal horsepower, stock/stock. The problem is that 90% of Mustangs aren't stock. They react much better to mods, and the parts are a lot cheaper. You might come out ahead against a 87 GT with a AOD, but a 89 LX notchback with a 5spd would probably eat you for lunch.

The early 4.6L cars are much easier pickings, but still the above cautions apply. If you don't want to lose, don't risk it.

yah i know the lx 5.0 are actually faster than the gt ones do to the all extra weight added by the style package. My car is an auto even though i wish it is a stick.

I do have another question I am going to by a new motor for my car in the fall and I was wondering if 350 or 383 is the better option. The ones I am looking make around 350 hp each and cost about the same amount. I was hoping to using my stock tranny and the rebuild it later. Any insight would be appreciated.

And thanks for the insight so far as I still have much to learn.

For the A4, I would go with a mild convertor/shift-kit/cooler and some sticky tires in addition to the usual bolt-ons. I've owned two 5.0/5-speed GTs (a 1989 and a 1992) and can tell you that the Foxes are a formidable opponent. My 1989 GT ran 12.9s and looked/sounded totally stock. Here's a shot of my 1992, which was only a full-exhaust and suspension car.


A 383 is only a few hundred bucks more to build than a 355, so I always go with more cubes. A few years back, I had a mild 383 with bolt-ons and the stock TPI through a 700R4 in a 1990 Vette 'vert. It wasn't the fastest car, but jeez it was fun on the street. Giggle-inducing, tire-melting torque everywhere...