The problem w/ the thirdgens is they had too many engine options even in the top cars. Even in the later cars you could have a 170hp boat anchor 305, or a good performing (for the time) 230hp 305, with a step in between as well (190-205hp 305s), then the 230-245hp 350s. It's hard to argue in these threads because too many people just plain whopped poorly optioned or poorly driven cars, throwing off their view of the whole line.

A G92 230hp 305 5spd or a 350 TPI, especially later years, will run with the Stangs all day long stock vs stock, period. But there were plenty of slowass poorly optioned cars running around too...

For the thread starter, I'm going to assume you have the common 305 TPI auto setup, probably w/ 2.73s. Should have 195hp. I would look at getting a set of headers w/ aftermarket y-pipe, and a catback. Then I'd port the plenum openings (should be some articles around with info on that, you want to knock down the EGR walls right inside the openings.). While you've got the plenum off remove the FPR and throw a quarter in the top of it, will bump fuel pressure by about 5 psi. Remove the air intake ducting and filters and mod to the bottoms of the filter housings to open them up to more air, there are some baffles and junk you can remove and I believe I cut mine up a fair bit to get the air openings to a more respectable size.

That will be a decent starter to get the car running a little more respectably. Of course you'll also want to do some of the standard tuneup stuff to make sure your car is running as well as it can like making sure the TPS is set within range, good plugs and wires, maybe bump the timing a couple degrees, etc.

If you've still got some money I'd throw in some 3.42 or 3.73 gears (assuming you have 2.73s) and/or maybe do some aftermarket TPI parts. I don't know if you can tackle the install but if you have the 195hp motor it will have the "peanut cam" basically (roller version of it anyways), always a great idea to put in a real cam. The better cam is where the majority of the 230hp 5spd 305's extra power comes from over the 305 auto.

 

I have heard the same story from Stang guys about the L98 cars, so it goes both ways. The L98 may make more torque down low, but it dies on the top end, where the Stang is better suited.

Yeah, a stock L98 may run with a stock 5.0, but a 5 speed LX 5.0 is what my money would be on in a race. I know guys that have run 14.1s with these cars, totally stock on stock tires. A welll driven 5.0 LX 5 speed versus a L98 f-body, and I gotta say the 5.0 will win every time, at least through a 1/4 mile. The Mustang has the better power to weight ratio, and has the advantage of better gearing.

 

Agreed. Back in the day, I drove a bone stock 1988 L98 Iroc hardtop with the performance rear axle ratio, 4 wheel disks and 16" rims. I never had a problem with Mustangs beating me. The car was a factory freak. man, that thing was strong. It would beat Corvettes of the same year. Maybe I just had a ringer?