Does anybody who's ever seriously contemplated an engine swap actually say that! "I'm thinking 305 over 350." Wow.

Here's a good idea for you - spend some time reading around the board, there is more information here than you can imagine, and answers to every question you've asked so far. That doesn't mean don't ask questions, but don't toss something ridiculous out there and not expect it to get mauled to death. I'm guessing you're new at the whole car thing and don't have a lot of experience with all this stuff - cool, this is the best place in the world to learn a lot about it!

As for a straight answer - building a v6 to beat him isn't a terribly economical choice, your better off going V8. You'll spend lots of money on the v6 to make it fast and reliable, more than a basic v8 swap would cost.

If you're going to do a V8 swap, there isn't a single reason to go with a 305 over a 350, unless somebody gifts you a super low mileage 305 or some crazy scenario like that. The reason being is the 350 has much more potential for almost zero difference in price on the short block, and no difference in price on ANY of the other parts. 305's don't get better mileage, and if you've got a lead foot will get you in trouble just as much as a 350 will. As far as mods, a 305 or 350 wouldn't need much to beat a mid-late 90's Stang - I'd confident race a near-stock Mustang of that year with my setup, or with any stock L98 car. (L98 = Tune Port Injection 350ci)

 

u have a better chance of beating him in a lightly modded civic then u do in ur 2.8. plus that doesnt look like a brand spanking new mustang. looks like mid 90's mustang, which is far from being BRAND SPANKING new

 

Yeah i am 17 myself (18 by the end of the year) and i would never even think of racing a stock 2.8L. Just want to point out that not all teenagers are dumbasses when it comes to mechanics (though spelling is a week point of mine lol), i don't eat my school lunch though so i can't tell you if its been drugged.... Anyway didn't mean to insult the one who started this so if i did sorry, I've always said we all have are strong points and our week points. Anyway i have a stock (for the most part) 87 iroc 350 tpi and have raced a v8 mustang in this body style, i think it was a 98, and it was no contest (i won). I had heard these were slow mustangs and decided to find out myself lol.... Yeah i can do stupid things sometimes..

Btw if he (no offense man) thinks he can build the v6 to beat this car, which can be done just costs alot im sure lol, then what makes you think that he will be able to do a v8 swap?

 

Some Ideas....

Unplug 2 of his spark plug wires (now you're somewhat even)

Install a remote line lock (so his front wheels are locked)

Have someone quickly jack the back of the car up at the starting line...

Reverse the linkage in the trans so instead of D he's in R!

Take the side mirror off the door where the mustang will not be... place it just behind the other side mirror, but facing it, so in the reflection, it looks like your passing him...

Just messin with ya, but seriously, even a stock V8 would have some trouble, that car is lighter... a true solution would cost a lot of $$$... Just enjoy it...

From a legally blind guy that can't even drive his Firebird...

Raf

 

thanks to atc3434, i guess your right i might as well go for the 350, and i will in face look around this site a bit more before i ask questions

and i admit i am new when it comes to engine work, i've never really had to do anything more to an engine than change the oil before now but i am trying to learn.

and thanks to luvofjah for a good laugh

i'll see what i can do with a swap i guess

 

ok, well, lets not compare apples to oranges though. 4.3 is a completely different animal than a 2.8. the gen I 2.8s that went into camaros were terrible especially compared to later models. I don't really know why someone would use a 4.3 because if they could use a 4.3 they could've just used a v8. 2.8s aren't really the worst thing though, we have really heavy cars and small engines really don't shine too bright under such heavy loads. I guess I'm trying to say
v6+3500lb car=bad idea
I have a 3.1L and I know its not fast. its more for fun. not winning races. just enjoy what you have and work on getting the most out of it.

umm....wtf?! lol

 

wow....you can not think outside the box and see the relevance in my post.


Reason i brought up a friend with a 4.3L was showing the fact of building a v6 is useless for dollar per horsepower gain vs build a 350sbc

 

yeah when i got the 2.8 i never really intended to race anything more than kids on bicycles, cqtm

but i know its nothing special for racing i just wanted a smaller eengine to just "put around in"
but he just irks me
i get my v6 sucks
he thinks his stock v8 is the fastes car this side of the autoban

just drove me nuts
i get i have no chance

 

Relax a little.
First off he can think whatever he want's that just stupid to think you have the fastest thing. I love people like that, because I plan on putting a 355 in an S10 soon. I want an old rusty multicolored truck. With quiet exhaust.
What would you think of something like that. Not much until you got owned.

Keep in mind if you do go with a 350 it still won't be real fast. But alot better then the V6 that you have now. My 89 RS is a 16 sec 1/4. Don't really care to much. Kinda makes ya look a little stupid when Jr dragsters go faster and the kids that drive them aren't even old enough to drive.
I race my car cause I want to. I drive it cause its fun to drive. I do have plans for a 454 or an LS engine.

Another thing I noticed you may be better off saving the money to build an engine, trans, and rear end. Hopefully you will have a greater appreciation for what a car can do, and keep your foot out of it instead of doing something stupid. I will also add that even with a V6 you can still do something stupid, and get in a lot of trouble. Just a little easier with a V8, or my preffernce a big V8.
Theirs a time and a place, all you need to do it learn the right time and right place. Which is at a track.

 

if i was going to "pop in" a 350 i would have no intentions of keeping it stock. i'm lucky enough to have a "home mechanic" to learn off of when it comes to an engine swap and other aftermarket upgrades and such. i will end up rebuilding the engine transmission rear end and suspension, as well as some body work. i've really taken an inteest in learning as much as i could about this stuff.

and when i said maniac driving, i excagerated a bit. i'm probably your average driver, who just likes going a little faster than the lawfull limit. but nothing trully dangerous.

i also understand racing is for the track, not streets..... too much at risk there

 

 

yeah i have to admit.... i got a kick out of that one

 

You guys who are reckless, and don't know how to drive are running around on the streets of CT?

Scary, just please don't kill one of my friends or family members when you do end up racing.

 

who said we were reckless? did you not read the above post when i said " i also understand racing is for the track, not streets..... too much at risk there"

not everyone who wants to race does it in a stupid way.

 

Your young and said that earlier. Even though you "took back" that statement later... I tend to lean towards what you originally said. Have you ever been to a track? Do you know where the closest ones are?

I'll just repeat what I said, when your out racing other kids, try not to kill my family and friends...

 

I think everyone here understands your desire to beat your friend. However, don't do any knee jerk reactions and get yourself into trouble by buying a bunch of parts now that will end up being sold on ebay this time next year. You have come to the right place to research power potential for the 3rd gen platform. You only need this site, the search function, and some time to read. The best way to "beat" this person is to educate yourself on building power with these cars. Things will work themselves out when you end up spending less $ per HP and learning something that will pay off dividends in the future. This thread has gone far enough.