OK. I've been searching the threads but I cant really come up with anything concise on this. I have a 1990 5.0 TPI, 5 spd, 3.42 rear. The motor has 120K miles and it feels about time for a rebuild. I'm just not sure what direction to take. I'm looking for a solid 13 second car that will get decent mileage, be emissions legal, and wont break my wallet.(imagine that!)

Aside from dropping in a 350(I've abandoned this idea, so please don't mention it), I've come up with some possibilities for a rebuild. Basically, I'm looking for input from people who have rebuilt their 5.0 TPIs with either the parts I've mentioned or something better.

I'm going for a standard bottom end rebuild, but is there anything I should include in this?

As for heads I'm either thinking of getting the stock ones done(ported, better valves), or going the Vortec route. It seems that the Vortec heads don't bolt right on, and they would need some machining. Porting the stock ones would be cheaper. I think. What would be better?

I have SLP runners already and the upper plenum ported, so I was considering an Edelbrock base or if I get the Vortec heads, the Scoggin Dickey intake. Or should I just leave the stock one?

I already have 1.6 rockers, but they are about 7 years old. Should these be replaced?

I'm kind of unclear on the cam. I want one that will work well with my gears. Some people are saying use the LTI cam(but I don't think its much more radical than mine), others are saying go to Comp cams, or an LT4 cam. What's best?

Also, is it possible to do all this(or some of it) for under $2000? Try not to laugh too loud.

Any input would be great as my motors days are numbered.

 

i dont think the vortec heads are a good idea, the combustion chambers will be too big, id stick with the porting or better yet get some world 305 torquers which are S/R and will show good gains...intake-wise go for a edelbrock, TPIS, or ACCEL base, high flow runners (longer the better for mean low end 305 torque) and plenum with heavy porting...stay away from the tunnel ram stuff...u already have 1.6 rockers? whys that, they arent necessary at all...i think the lt4 cam will work with this good after much much research but if u wanna spend the money get a comp cams one (not that theyre a waste, just may not be worth it seeing how i got an lt4 cam off ebay for 60 bucks)...the lt1 cam is too small for u ur right...if u stick with ur stock heads ported u still woulnt be able to stay under 2000 with the rebuild included...i just dont see it...ur best doing things in stages as u have the cash and take ur time...if u finish ur engine too fast, what will u do then?!...my opinions...search harder too, ull find stuff

 

The rebuild alone is going to run you some significant bucks... then you add in some new goodies (aftrmrkt base, world heads, lt4 cam) and I think you'll find the price tag to edge over the 2000 mark. But it is feasible, if you shop carefully.

I think a new base, world heads, and the lt4 cam would wake the 305 up! Don't forget the "stock parts rebate" and auction off your stock stuff for some return in funds.

 

Thanks for the input. Do you know which Comp Cam specifically will work well with my car? And is porting the stock heads wothwhile and cheaper than buying World heads?

 

My plan, i think this should work well.

ZZ4 cam
ZZ4 springs
heads rebuilt(stock LB9) with screw in studs and machined for the springs
Those $200 headers and y-pipe
New 19lbs injectors
massive porting to the heads and intake, then just make sure the computer and all sensors and functioning as normal.

With good launching skills and some minor suspention mods, such as panhard bar(mine is too short???) LCA and some good tires it should be in the 13s no problem. There are 305s here that run 13s with just headers and some small mods, the G92 5spd.....if you know how to drive you should get good time.