FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    • 1 of 1

       

    5/31/2023 3:41 PM  #1

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,220

    1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    I tore down the 5.0 today.  Really low miles and no wear anywhere. This is for my 65 convertible. Looking for smooth and reliable, not max HP.
    The plan is stock bore, 1990 5.0 GT roller cam, GT40 heads, 289 Hipo exhaust manifolds, duraspark distributor and a 3x2 Holley setup.  Low enough compression for regular gas. If the carbs cause any issues, I will just juice up the center carb and block off the end carbs.

    The GT40 engine has flat top cast pistons, which are suitable for this build.  However, they are a different piston than any sbf piston I have come across. See the pic. Has anybody ever used any like this?
    The right side shows the GT40 piston. Left is a 90 GT HO version. I am wondering if there are any drawbacks to using this style of piston.  I figure if I just stick them back in with no machine work, I won’t even have to balance this assembly.  Opinions ?   (This group?   Never,  LOL)

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    5/31/2023 4:31 PM  #2

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,962

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Are either the slugs cast, hypereutectic or forged.
    I’d go with the better quality. I have forged in my 331.
    The pistons and bores should be “miked” regardless for proper clearance, I think each type has different clearances.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    5/31/2023 6:07 PM  #3

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,220

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Explorer pistons are cast, which work fine in 302 stockish engines.  I am just going to put new rings and bearing in and hone the cylinders.
    I recently bought a nice dial bore gauge kit.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
       •Thread Starter
     

    6/01/2023 7:05 AM  #4

    Bullet Bob
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,884

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Izit my old eyes or does the Explorer have narrower rings...a good thing, I think.  Also, I always thought that the stock HO had forged pistons.

    Last edited by Bullet Bob (6/01/2023 7:06 AM)

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    6/01/2023 12:33 PM  #5

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,220

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Bullet Bob wrote:

    Izit my old eyes or does the Explorer have narrower rings...a good thing, I think.  Also, I always thought that the stock HO had forged pistons.

    Both pistons use the narrow rings. Yes, GT HO pistons are forged, but are also dished. The ‘Sploder pistons are cast or hypereutectic. Good enough to move the truck down the road.  Should be good enough for a cruiser convertible.

    I have two more 5.0 blocks to disassemble.  If one needs boring, I might go with a set of 4.030” flattop hypereutectic pistons I have on the shelf.  Then just use that block in the vert.  Lots of options with all these engines I have collected.

    One for the vert.  One for a spare.  Will build two of them for sale after I convert them to fit in a classic Mustang.

    Anybody need one?

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
       •Thread Starter
     

    6/02/2023 2:13 PM  #6

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,625

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Opinion – If these worked in a 90 GT HO, I don’t see any reason they wouldn’t be just fine for your cruiser.
    Also, love the look of 3-2 setup.  I have seen a few setups that blocked of the end carbs just to avoid issues, and the car ran fine (they were cruisers like you indicate).

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    6/02/2023 2:42 PM  #7

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,820

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    I think....... when the two end carbs are blocked off of a 3 X 2's set-up the proper term is.....
    CASTRATION !
    You probably won't be making enough 'beans' (compression/cam/exhaust mods) to make the tri-power work right any who.
    Jus say'in.....
    6sally6
    PS......Big Al Neuman would be proud though !

    Last edited by 6sally6 (6/02/2023 2:42 PM)

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    6/02/2023 7:44 PM  #8

    Nos681
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,325

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Hey Sal…

    This is my favorite quote by “Al Newman.”

    “I personally would not slow down if I saw a Holley setup lying in the road.”

     

    6/02/2023 8:19 PM  #9

    BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA
    Carrollton, GA Bash Host

    Offline

    From: CARROLLTON GEORGIA
    Registered: 4/14/2013
    Posts: 2,431

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    I replaced my explorer pistons with a set of new forged flat tops.

    Last edited by BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA (6/02/2023 8:50 PM)

    Its really me....I fixed my caps lock .
     

    6/02/2023 8:39 PM  #10

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,220

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    6sally6 wrote:

    I think....... when the two end carbs are blocked off of a 3 X 2's set-up the proper term is.....
    CASTRATION !
    You probably won't be making enough 'beans' (compression/cam/exhaust mods) to make the tri-power work right any who.
    Jus say'in.....
    6sally6
    PS......Big Al Neuman would be proud though !

    Al… Whose Mustang actually makes it down the highway and whose stays in the garage while they take a rent car to the bash?

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
       •Thread Starter
     

    6/02/2023 8:40 PM  #11

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,220

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    BobE wrote:

    Opinion – If these worked in a 90 GT HO, I don’t see any reason they wouldn’t be just fine for your cruiser.
    Also, love the look of 3-2 setup.  I have seen a few setups that blocked of the end carbs just to avoid issues, and the car ran fine (they were cruisers like you indicate).

    Bob, the GT HO pistons are different than the Explder pistons. See pic.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
       •Thread Starter
     

    6/03/2023 6:00 AM  #12

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,625

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    MS wrote:

    BobE wrote:

    Opinion – If these worked in a 90 GT HO, I don’t see any reason they wouldn’t be just fine for your cruiser.
    Also, love the look of 3-2 setup.  I have seen a few setups that blocked of the end carbs just to avoid issues, and the car ran fine (they were cruisers like you indicate).

    Bob, the GT HO pistons are different than the Explder pistons. See pic.

    I do see the difference in the two pistons.  My opinion is if one is building a cruiser, why get overly complicated with the engine build, it really doesn’t matter much which is used as long as it’s a matched set and you don’t have to deal with any balancing issues.  For a cruiser, my general thoughts are to keep it simple, and enjoy the ride.   
     

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    6/03/2023 6:40 AM  #13

    Nos681
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,325

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    Are the carbs 2881/2882? Just wondering.

    Last edited by Nos681 (6/03/2023 6:41 AM)

     

    6/03/2023 7:15 AM  #14

    Greg B
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,685

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    What is the difference in weight of each piston?   

    I saw a video on you tube where the guy cerakoted the skirts at home.   Interesting idea.

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     

    6/03/2023 7:33 AM  #15

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,693

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    That could go either way really.  I never new there was a difference in them.   The explorer V8’s are known to run forever.  Not sure the difference in pistons has anything to do with it. 

    I run high octane in all my cars so if one was to have a higher compression, then I would lean towards that piston.  If all the same the the HO piston would be my choice. 

    It couldn’t hurt to mic the pistons.  Maybe one set has less wear than the other.

     

    6/03/2023 10:40 AM  #16

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,220

    Re: 1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    The engine is low miles and still had clean oil in the pan.  No visible wear anywhere.  Since the pistons are flat top, that is what will go in.
    I took block and heads to the machine shop.  Eight week lead time, so I have lots of time to think it over.  Probably the only things that will be changed are the valve springs, retainers and the cam will be HO version.

    Side note. The 302 distributor I bought for $10 at the last swap meet has a Pertronix 2 and a steel gear on it already!   Deals are there once in a while.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
       •Thread Starter
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  1997 Explorer 5.0 GT40 Build for 1965 Mustang convertble

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.