Legal crate motors?

[Horsewidowers]

I bought a roller 89 mustang. Looking at the ford motorsports catalog, I assume that the gt 40 motor is not legal, is the base motor legal?

[Adam Ginsberg]

The base 5.0 roller shortblock is legal, provided it's not the Cobra shortblock.

 

I believe they still run about $1300.

[Horsewidowers]

Does anyone have any experience with that motor? Does it survive, or do I need to tear it down and balance it?

 

On another note, I will probably run it with a carb so that I don't have to mess with wiring the roller for the stock EFI. The rules allow an "OEM" spec distributor, does that mean I can go to MSD and buy a "direct replacement" distributor? Given that timing (and rev limiting) is controlled by the stock ecu on the EFI motors, it would seem to me that I need more than an OEM spec so that I have a mechnical advance capability. As for a rev limiter, I can only gain that by using an aftermarket box like an MSD 6AL. ?? Just trying to stay legal.

[Alien]

I was wondering the same thing (kinda).

Is a 6AL legal?

[Greg R.]

No MSD allowed. The stock Ford distributor and ignition only. Total Performance sells a kit with a new distributor, wiring, etc. for about $475 or you can source it from a wrecking yard.

 

Greg Robinson

CMC Director

[Alien]

So no adding a rev limiter such as...

http://www.msdignition.com/ignition_13_8364_8225.htm

 

Darn.

 

I'm running a non-computer HEI set-up, and being a newbie to wheel to wheel, I wish there was some comfort that I wouldn't blow my motor from a stupid rookie mistake.

[Al F.]

Well, you can't set up a machine to do it for you, but you can certainly set yourself up with the right tools to help you manage. Lots of people set up big honkin' tachs on the dash, or shift lights. Several companies make very nice progressive and programmable lights.

[Tony G]

And, no one I know has ever blown a motor by over rev-ing,as these motors just don't over rev much even when you miss a shift, so no worries.

Tony