Since its debut in 1968, Ford's 302-cubic-inch V-8 has always displaced 4942 cubic centimeters. Or, as any engineer, mathematician, or quick-witted second-grader would tell you, 4.9 liters. Despite this fact, back in 1975 Ford began calling its 4.9-liter, 302cc V-8 a "5.0 L." Why? Well, when it comes to V-8s, bigger is better, even if it's just for perception. And, let's face it: uttering "five-point-oh" with some attitude sounds a helluva lot more imposing than saying "four-point-nine" under your breath.
Well, for all those "5.0" owners who over the last five decades have felt a little embarrassed or deceitful -- and by all means to those who don't even care and simply love their 302s -- it is time to rejoice. After a 16-year hiatus, the 5.0 has returned in the 2011 Mustang GT and, yes, at 4951cc, it now officially displaces five full liters. Better yet, thanks to all-aluminum construction, twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and a 6800-rpm redline, this don't-ever-call-me-a-4.9, 32-valve 5.0 liter cranks out 412 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4250.
Equipped with the available 3.73 rear axle ($395), our 5.0 needed just 4.3 seconds to hit 60 and only 12.8 at 110.8 mph to knockout the quarter mile.
To answer the million-dollar question: Yes, it's quicker than both the 426-horsepower Chevy Camaro SS (4.5, 12.9 at 110.7) and the 425-horse Dodge Challenger SRT-8 (4.6, 13.1 at 108.4).
I remember when i first built the wagon and the then new mustang cobras first came out they where fun to snack on their even was a certain twin turbo 300z than got a nasty surprise from a high reving small block oh to be young and silly again.
I remember when i first built the wagon and the then new mustang cobras first came out they where fun to snack on their even was a certain twin turbo 300z than got a nasty surprise from a high reving small block oh to be young and silly again.
you wouldn't be running 12.80's on street tires in those days
i cannt say 331 gear 235 15 2nd gear and about 7800 rpm, i could never get the big girl to hook with those narrow tire i had to slip the clutch. but we stuck the wagon on the dyno and it was pushing a tad over 377 at the rear end so ad 20% to that for flywheel. She was a scary ride. the 256s are going back in this year the 09 can easily handle that
-- Edited by 65wagon on Thursday 1st of April 2010 10:43:20 PM
