Need help with build options

[87gtVIC]

Definately will. I was unsure if it was different or not so i didnt grab it.

From what i understand i need a Mark VII ecu, correct? And do i need to get the fuel rail for orange injectors as well?

Fuel injected v8 5.0 mustang ecu will do as well and no you just use the new injectors on your original fuel rail.

[MetalMerc]

Im starting to think the 3.73 might be retarded. Im plan on grabbing a limited slip out of a merc and just slapping different ring and pinion on it but with 3.73 i will get my ass handed to me on the highway. I dont want to sacrifice to much top speed. But 2.73 sucks. What would be the best for hauling ass but still accelerating to. I dont want to have no pull at a hundred. Id like to at least keep up with the newer mercs on the highway. But surpassing them all around is my goal.

[MetalMerc]

I have to make sure that the gears will be decent for the build im doing as well. Naturally i must pick gears that wont be as suitable untill i have the motor done but i want to install the gears first. I plan to get the cop car tires when i get new ones but im on a fairly new set of 215 60 15 right now.

[MetalMerc]

How does 3.55 with 225 70 15 sound? It would still have some pull in the low end but alot of kick at high speeds too correct? I am normally racing from 45 to 70 as start speeds and im sick of assholes blowing me off the road with ease. I want them wandering wtf happened when they try to pass me for driving like a pawpaw.

[johnunit]

I've been doing a lot of playing around with online gear ratio calculators lately. The conclusion I've reached is that with a mild 351 (so slightly lower-revving than your planned HO 302) the 3.55 gears are just a tad too aggressive for daily driving. So with your higher-revving powerplant, and the slightly taller tires, you should be quite happy with 3.55s in your car.

[Outlaw440]

3.55 gears are just a tad too aggressive for daily driving.

[johnunit]

in a Crown Vic with a mild engine and stock AOD, yeah. That's just my opinion though.

[MetalMerc]

I plan on rebuilding the aod eventually... probably do shift kit or bigger servos or something but 3.55 sounds to be best. Thanks for the advice

[mrltd]

Im starting to think the 3.73 might be retarded. Im plan on grabbing a limited slip out of a merc and just slapping different ring and pinion on it but with 3.73 i will get my ass handed to me on the highway. I dont want to sacrifice to much top speed. But 2.73 sucks. What would be the best for hauling ass but still accelerating to. I dont want to have no pull at a hundred. Id like to at least keep up with the newer mercs on the highway. But surpassing them all around is my goal.

I can do 125 in 3rd at 5 grand....with 3.73's. And I run a 15.0 1/4 with a 4500 lb wagon... I've walked hemi chargers from 65 like they were standing still....

Anyway the top speed on these cars is limited by aerodynamics more than gearing. (And the ability to go WOT in OD)

[1980c10]

I have 4.30's on a stock H.O. and I think they are perfect, I love them. The math works out to about 115mph on the rev limiter in 3rd.

And a meisly 2000rpm in OD at 55mph

[Outlaw440]

I have 4.30's on a stock H.O. and I think they are perfect, I love them. The math works out to about 115mph on the rev limiter in 3rd.

And a meisly 2000rpm in OD at 55mph

That sounds pretty good actually.

[1980c10]

They are I love them lol.

[mrltd]

Yeah, but who drives 55?

3.73 is a great all around gear, especially with a WR-AOD

[87gtVIC]

I actually drive 55 to 65 lately. My engine seems to like it there.

[Nathan in MI]

The conclusion I've reached is that with a mild 351 (so slightly lower-revving than your planned HO 302) the 3.55 gears are just a tad too aggressive for daily driving.

I put 3.55s in my '89 351W-equipped CV, and afterward I wished I had gone with 3.73s. From my personal experience, I'd say 3.55s aren't aggressive enough.