Rebuilding 5.0 v8, best parts to buy? cam?

[juggar]

Ive got a 1998 XLT AWD 5.0 with over 220k miles on it. It does have the rare OBX headers (TM clone). Truck still works great and was a trooper in the snow and ice we just had here in Western NC.

That said, the engine has developed a ticking noise on the drivers side and it is present at idle and gets worse as you get on the throttle. Also, one day I was driving and I looked at the oil pressure gauge and it was wavering up and down in the middle like it was just barley good enough oil pressure. 10w-40 cured that but its no long term fix. It also leaks coolant from the timing chain cover but its not bad, but its there.

Basically, the engine is due for a total rebuild. I will have my shop rebuild it but I will supply the parts as I would like to make some extra power if I am going to this length.Only want higher end parts, I will drive this thing into the ground.

So, if anyone here is knowledgeable on what exact parts I need to buy to make good power, I would really appreciate it!

I will probably spend more than what the truck is worth on parts and labor but ive already fixed every other possible issue with it so to me its worth it. Plus ive already got the rare TM clone/OBX headers.

I would like it to make at least 250 HP at the crank bare minimum but id love 300 crank HP.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

those motors are close to 220ish hp at the crank out of the box. plus the headers arent to great to begin with. better then stock, but they still suck (but its the only thing we have, so they have to do). you can get alum heads for it with roller rockers with a 1.6 ratio (which might be in the 1500 range). i would shy away from a cam however for the reason that you wold have to reprogram the computer, and there would be more involved then buying a handheld and a box tune. you could also bump the compression ratio up a little as well, put a better exhaust system in it, or do a 4406 swap if you havent already. with heads and exhaust, you might, MIGHT even get a little better fuel mileage from it, but if you do higher compression pistons, it will more then likely get worse.

 

[juggar]

Thanks, turns out my shop wont rebuild engines but rather buys Jasper engines and puts those in. Pretty sure the Jasper website said something like $2700 + core for an engine so yeah... wtf....

Gonna have to figure something else out, its crazy but there are good condition V8 AWD explorers around me for $1500 with 140k miles. Almost like these are disposable at this point.

 

[VR4]

Avoid Jasper like the plague.

Regarding the cam, I still haven't had mine tuned and you wouldn't know it's there unless you pay attention. I know I'm leaving HP on the table but have yet to figure out a tuning solution I'm happy with

 

[rabbit91]

Following. When my engine goes im going to rebuild and put a cam in plus any other relatively simple power aiding parts

 

[juggar]

So I found a 2000 XLT 5.0 AWD on a government auction website and actually won it.

Great shape, less than 100K miles and many factory upgrades over my current one, no front end wreck damage, no overloaded pushed down bumper and it has an actual hitch receiver bolted to the frame!

For me it was cheaper to get this one rather than rebuild the engine, I just dont have the know how and my shop wont do it (at least cheaply).

 

[Centaurus5.0]

So I found a 2000 XLT 5.0 AWD on a government auction website and actually won it.

Great shape, less than 100K miles and many factory upgrades over my current one, no front end wreck damage, no overloaded pushed down bumper and it has an actual hitch receiver bolted to the frame!

For me it was cheaper to get this one rather than rebuild the engine, I just dont have the know how and my shop wont do it (at least cheaply).

Nice!

I've also found some good deals at gov auctions in the past. If I can give you one suggestion: change ALL the fluids first thing, especiall coolant and trans fluid. You never know how long its been sitting or who drove it unless it comes with records to verify.

Hope it treats you well!

 

[Centaurus5.0]

Avoid Jasper like the plague.

Regarding the cam, I still haven't had mine tuned and you wouldn't know it's there unless you pay attention. I know I'm leaving HP on the table but have yet to figure out a tuning solution I'm happy with

Have you ever been to Brad's Custom Auto? I'm sure they could point you to a respected dyno tuner it the Puget area.

Good bunch of guys down there.

Brad's Custom Auto
12719 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 367-1471





---Hijack Done---