WOT - Any Ford 5.0 gurus on this site?, Need some "while I'm in there' advice Options

[anderssj]

Sorry, absolutely no 914 content . . . but thought this might be a good place to turn for honest advice if there are any knowledgeable Ford 5.0 folks out there.

Last weekend I finally started to the install parts I've been gathering for our Ford-engined Volvo ("Fjord") wagon. These include GT40 heads, Cobra intake manifold, 65mm throttle body (with a 70mm MAF and a set of 24# injectors still on the shelf). While the work isn't going as smoothly as I'd hoped, the delays give me an opportunity to look at what else I should do "while I'm in there."

One of the recommendations I'm getting from the local shop is to install "roller rockers" (1.7:1 ratio, same as on the 94-95 Mustang Cobras). I can understand some of the benefits (greater valve lift, less friction, lower oil temps), but I'm not hearing any disadvantages (other than "some clearancing of the valve covers may be required").

So, what are goods, bads, and uglies associated 1.7:1 RR's? Will I be giving up bottom-end compared to the stock rockers (1.6:1 pressed steel)?

Any advice--especially BTDT's--would be great.

Thanks in advance!

Steve A-

[byndbad914]

good to here Troy mentioned elsewhere... he is the coolest guy and most knowledgeable Ford guy I have ever met. He is too cheap too (charges too little for his knowledge IMO) so take advantage of it!

I saw your post right after I posted mine... if you plan to do some bottom end work, unless you have a real need to put the heads on and so forth (like blown gaskets, cracks, burnt valves or whatever) just wait and do it all at one time. It is so much easier to send the heads out for porting before you need 'em if you catch my drift (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Then you can get the right cam, the heads could already be a Troy's (FPS) and he can set them up for the right springs to match the cam exactly, port the lower and do a simple match on the upper to the lower and TB, and then get all that back at one time and be ready to tear in with all the parts.

You will be impressed with the power that stuff with the right cam and porting can make... but just bolt it all on as-is and you won't feel you spent your money well at all.