Is Cheap Horsepower DEAD? HCI Parts List & Cost Comparison 2023 

This is a really comprehensive rundown of the reality of these upgrades. Im 80% of the way through gathering parts for TFS 11r170 top end kit for a 92 vert. Its taken me about 2 years. If you're not made of money, it's a journey to do it the right way, but fun at the same time. $4k sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but that's not terrible in contrast to buying a new vehicle. I really enjoy this channel and find the information useful. Looking forward to seeing the GT40 build. Nice work!

I have a GT40p setup on my parts shelf for my 94GT when I get the time, looking forward to doing it when I can. People always rag on the GT40 build since you’ll get much more power from an aftermarket head, but some guys just like the nostalgia build. I also like it because they’re just the best head design for the SBF that came out of the Ford factory, there’s something cool about that. They’re factory quality so you know they’ll work, never know what you get from the aftermarket these days. My build plan is this GT40P heads with Alex’s parts beehive springs Steeda #19 cam .516 lift with 1.7’s Ford Racing 1.7RR’s, pedestal Cobra GT40 intake BBK unequal length shorty headers 24lb injectors 155LPH Walbro in tank pump 70MM bbk throttle body 75MM Pro-M mass air tuned for 24lb injectors BBK fender cold air That’s the major stuff, but there’s a lot more parts you’ll replace when digging into the engine this far that push the price up. Even things like gaskets are $$$. Water pump, new timing chain, replace old hardware like head bolts and upgrading those to ARP stuff. just arp head bolts are over $100 Canadian for example. It always end up being like double what you expected when you started down the path, such is the car hobby, lol.

Great content! Perfect timing to make me second guess my life choices. I just finished prepping GT40P heads for a build. Bought a wrecked Explorer from Copart, harvested what I wanted and sold parts until I got my money back out of it. Scrapped the rest and made a few dollars. I think I will be into the heads, cam, intake for about $1k.

Hi Gary. You might want to look at pedestal mount rockers. Your GT40 heads came that way. You will have to drill and tap your heads to install rocker studs. I think Scorpion makes 1.6 pedestal mount roller rockers. So much less hassle to install. I've been so looking forward to this build. Also, the Ford high performance roller lifters kinda aren't worth the extra fifty bucks. All they do is rev a little higher, 2 or 3 hundred rpm. Your mom will never need it. I'm just relating my experience with my build. Thanks for a great video. Bill.

I’ve been waiting for this build for a while as well. I have a 92 vert I bought in Miami and I have everything for the same set up. But I went with one. Seven rockers and the Anderson b21 cam great content I’ll be doing my build alongside with you. Thanks for the knowledge.

Don’t forget timing cover/water pump bolt set, new harmonic balancer, mass airflow sensor to match the fuel injector/throttle body upgrades. May want to do the motor mounts too while you are there lol. Gary you will want the pedestal mount rockers for the stock GT 40 iron heads unless you want to add the cost to the machine shop bill to change over to the stud mount rockers. Hey you did a good job and showed the point that it will not be cheap to do it correctly. Keeping it stock with bolt ons looks better and better lol.

This is a very comprehensive video Gary! Your attention to detail really shines through in this one, I'm sure you have no issues on any job you do since you are also addressing the supporting systems where many people will reuse almost every part they can and that is not always a wise decision. I think your video is going to be a wake up call for many who are considering doing HCI.

Yup it does add up! When I tell my friends how much it was when I did my 347 for my 91 coupe they look at me like I had two heads! It was about 7.000 ! Thanks for the video

Great info! This is why I watch. You did alot of legwork for me on this one. Wow what a rabbit hole 😆. But for 4k you will have a reliable motor for years. On a side note I think you and TIP have the best intros on RU-vid. Thanks again Gary for another great video!

Great Video!!! The cost breakdown was awesome!!! Thanks!!!

Great video! Much respect for those Excel skills.👌🏻

Very cool, it just goes to show how much this stuff just adds up so quick, especially when doing things to last and to have enjoyment. Just like going through the suspension items as well,that stuff can add up quickly too.

Thoughts: Upgraded fuel pump is a must-have; stock 5.0L HO pumps are only 88 LPH and won't support even GT40 power levels (Ford upgraded to 110 LPH on factory GT40 cars. But don't go bigger than 190 LPH with stock fuel lines). Also consider a new timing chain set as a must-have on any older/high mileage engine; the new cam/stiff springs will trash an old set quickly. The $200 rockers you looked at are only "roller tip," not "full roller;" they lack the roller trunnion bearing, hence the $200 cost delta. ~5500 rpm GT40 motor could be okay with those single rollers; higher rpm is better served with full rollers. Among the ~$400 class roller rockers, Harland Sharp or Scorpion offer superior quality. The imported, no-name cheapies are a false economy and a disaster waiting to happen. As others mentioned, a larger mass air meter will be mandatory. To really get the most pleasure, satisfaction, and performance (in order of importance IMHO), you really need to get a custom tune to make it run smooth and sweet after these numerous modifications. Your thought process is a GREAT example of thinking through any upgrade plans before you start. Well thought-out and well presented.

Ahh buddy you got a jackpot series here my man! This is gonna be big, I’ve been waiting for this one. I’m literally doing the exact same build. Going to look at a set of gt 40 three bars tomorrow. 👍🏻

My god im so happy my buddy builds race cars and bought a 69 camaro and needed to sell his 88 lx vert HCI . I paid high at 20k CAD like 5 years ago. But the car has literally everything all motor done to it and was turn key, clean paint too. HCI is no joke no more. Buddy had to do a rear lsd 373 rebuild and it cost 2200 when it use to be like 800. Parts are going up like crazy.

Always great content 👌🏽

great video. im in the market to get an 87-93(hopefully a 90-93) in about a year or so and i have already learned a lot from you're videos.

Hey great video. It’s almost hard to justify the cost for the performance but I still did it. To a few cars haha. Most recent car (an electric red 93 hatch I’m restoring) had a nice top end kit on it installed by a reputable speed shop in Calgary when purchased it. I paid a bit of a premium for it but nowhere near what that work would cost today. Haha this actually sounds pretty cheap if you’re coming from the coyote game. They can make big hp but everything is super expensive. Arp head studs alone on my 13 build were $700 🤦‍♂️

Hey buddy, thanks for the video. Very informative and realistic. I'm currently going thru the same set up on my 90 vert. I got lucky with some of the parts but it's still adds up. I went with a Trickflow Stage 1 cam, very popular for this set up. Also, I had to measure for piston clearance and my pushrod length needed was .0635, get that tool it's only $20. Can't wait to get her fired up. Also, I love your desk set up in your garage, I may steal that idea 😆.

Good video. Reminds me of the old days cooking up a plan. I would go 30lb injectors for the same money. Will need a mass air calibrated to match of course. Can't wait to follow this build!

Nice 👍🏾 thanks for the info

I just pulled the complete engine out of a 96 explorer and I’m pulling the 8.8 out of it also.

Awesome video appreciate it!!👊🏻

Brother! This is a very good, comprehensive and well thought out video! Definitely one to keep!💯👊🏾 Foxbody Mustangs are NOT a cheap hobby! 😅

As always, a great video. A big fan of your content… my 2 cents is those LMR and Summit prices are in USD, so don’t forget to add 35-40% for exchange 😒🙄… the ‘we live in Canada tax’… lol

Not everyone has deep pockets for a coyote swap, godzilla or ls. Power on the cheap will always be around.

Gr8 video bruh ! I don’t know if anybody mentioned this but as for the throttle body you can use the bigger explorer one you just got to swap over your original linkage for the accelerator cable to work! Plus its still is ford oem .the hardest part for my gt40 swap was or still is lol choosing what cam to roll with .

Awesome video buddy! So helpful and insightful 👏. I am on the lookout for when u start the gt40 build on your vert. I myself am planning to go down the rabbit hole as well with a mild gt40 set up on my stock speed density 5 speed 88lx vert . I plan on keeping stock computer, injectors, fuel pump and the stock cam.. plan is to run gt40p heads, upgraded springs, explorer egr gt40 Upper and lower intake, 65mm throttle body and factory air box for the stock look.. would u run 1.6 or 1.7 rockers with the stock cam?? 🤔... really enjoy your channel and vids! Hopefully u update us on the gt40 stuff... take care 🤝 much respect. I'm finding out quickly that the gt40 parts aren't cheap anymore! 😂

Thanks for putting this out. I've been wanting to order a trickflow top end kit but it's been out of stock each time I look. Might consider piecing something together instead

I say yes, because the secret is out that the 1996 - 2001 V8 ford explorers have a lot of goodies on them, even the GM boys are hip too this also and probably goto their local pick-n-pull and then flip them on eBay

good stuff.... good channel.!!!! pony power.!!

I just went through this. AFR Enforcer heads, TFS -1 cam, sent Cobra lower to B Moss for porting. Work done by local shop. Initial plan was engine in job- $1000 labor and about $2000 hci related parts. This quickly escalated to an engine out job- bad motor mounts discovered and leaky rear seal. Then a bad harmonic balancer was found, then there was ptv clearance issues, then my valve covers had clearance issues, then maybe my fuel pump and 24lb injectors may be limiting, and while we’re here we might as well x,y, z. In the end it was $4400 in parts and $2200 labor and I’m glad it happened that way. I have a car that I’m super happy with, the shop was great to deal with. From a ROI standpoint, it was a horrible decision.

Great work…. Thank as you give me hope!! I am doing the same …

Soild video 🤜🤛

Don't forget if you go larger injectors you must get a matching calibrated MAF. Good info Gary.

Prices are crazy but depending on what you want to do you have to pay to play. That GT40 set up is a great little street set up and I love the nostalgia behind it but it isn't cheap to even go that route these days. I just ordered a set of AFR 185's (72cc) for my 393 and a set of Cometic gaskets as well but I've been saving for a while, was exciting to finally order them but my bank account is pretty depressing now, lol. Now to pick out of new cam....more money, lol.

My 93 5.0 was leaking antifreeze at the timing chain cover. Preventive maintenance was included in my fixing that. AFR heads, 70mm throttle body, ARP head bolts and 1.7 cobra rocker arms were all I classified as new performance parts. The Explorer manifold was $25, plus my labor for removal. I don't classify gaskets etc as performance cost. I had previously long tube header, new exhaust, T-race oil pan, so the head-leak fix wasn't as big a hit. Yes, in total, it is not cheap. What I have, now, in the car I could have bought a newer one with more power, what is the fun of that?

I was going to do a simple h.c.i 😂 I ended up rebuilding engine because cam bearings came out so yes I've got around 20k total in that 89 headache

Great video! Always love your content! :) This is a general comment from my perspective for others that haven't been around the Fox 5.0 game for long....it's a largely questionable investment to do anything with GT-40 iron heads anymore... There is no question that a set of basic aluminum heads ranging from $1,300-$1,750 (AFR enforcers, TFS 170s, etc.), is the biggest bang for the buck and smartest move. I see people paying several hundred dollars for clapped out GT-40 iron heads that need to be completely rebuilt and even with porting, won't make anywhere near the power of a nice aluminum head for the same money. The springs on GT-40 heads are horrible for anything other than a stock cam. There are many advantages to buying a new set of aluminum heads over putting time and money into iron heads. I hear people talk about nostalgia builds, but is lackluster performance from an engine part/head that you can barely see worth it? Sure, run a COBRA or GT-40 tubular intake because you can actually see it, but skip the paper weight GT-40s unless you like spending a lot of money and investing time for performance achieved 25 years ago. Unless you get the heads for literally next to nothing and don't spend more than $700-$800 getting them into proper shape, you are doing yourself a disservice. Additionally, when you buy a set of aftermarket heads (and other parts for that matter) you are supporting the aftermarket manufacturers that make a great product - these businesses also bring us other parts that we need for these cars and our hobby. I've had no less than 10 sets of aftermarket heads through my hands over the years that I've been involved in this hobby and not one set has been problematic, yes, I've tested spring rates, checked valve seal, etc.

ARP the world 👌🏻 Rock Auto is a good place to look for gaskets, plugs etc...

I have a question that has nothing to do with the video, does a Bluetooth adapter work on a 1993 mustang?

What about thunderbird 93 5.0

So. Is it worth it? Whats your view on all of that. I appreciate the breakdown, i want to know like if you think personally that this is the route to go down. Love the video! Thanks a bunch

hope my response isn't to lengthy for my foxbody build. I run canfield heads 2.02 intake 1.90 exh. $1400 MY intake is an edelbrock performer..$585.00 comp cam extreme energy camshaft 555 int lift 565 lift with 112 lobe center. $389 ford racing 1.6 roller rockers. $250, comp cam harden push rods 3.350 length. BBK 76mm MAF meter, $290 70MM edelbrock throttle body $250, BBK fuel rail $200. , BBK 1,5/8 long tube headers $375. no cat off road H pipe with 2 chamber flowmaster mufflers, Kirban adjustable fuel pressure regulator. $90. 190LPH BBK fuel pump.$ 120 comp cam double roller timing chain ,$100 BBK underdrive pulleys, black magic extreme magic electric fan. EV8 24Lb injectors, felpro gaskets, all ARP bolts through out the block. not scratching the surface on the other mods but these mods will take a stock 302 foxbody from around 225 hp to closer to 330 to 340 hp. this is depending on the TPS setting, timing. I run 15 degrees of timing. the fuel pressure is set to 45 PSI, Other mods are fidanza alluminum flywheel. world class T5 5 speed, B&M short shifter, ford racing alluminum drive shaft. Precision 3.73 gears, Moser 31 spline axles, Rear end girdle. MSD Billet Distributor, MSD Digital 6AL ignition, MSD 8.5 MM plug wires, MSD ignition Coil. adjustable caster camber plates, Strut tower brace,, K member girdle, Mac subframe connectors,,,, rear strut tower brace, Maximum motor sport sway bar upgrade,, Maximum motorsport pan hard bar. South side lift bars, grantelli adjustable upper control arms. grippo springs, KYB shocks,, all wheel disc brakes. soon upgrading to wilwood brakes. fiboglass hood. 130 alternator upgrade.. all autometer gauges, 10,000 rpm nitrous wet plate system. I also bought the twin turbo kit for it ( Not Installed) 8 point roll cage, and lots more, not to mention all that was done to the block itself. but the HCI alone will up the power to more than 100 over stock. this is good enough to go from high 14s low 15s to mid to 13s, unless you do alot more like I did and now its 12s. and the nitrous will put in the 11s. or even 10s,, this builds will embarrass challenger and charger scat pack owners. The beauty of what I love about the mods of my car is that my car only weighs 3100 pounds. these are super light and thats why modifying these cars will make these foxbodies ridicuoulsy scary to drive.

Mass air meter to match your 24lbs injectors too.

Good video! Did you get 3bar or 4bar heads? Gt40p heads require a different header. Gt40 heads are the same as mustang. Also maybe bigger mass air meter or have one recalibrated for injectors you are using?

Almost into Vortech territory 😎 Or definitely an On3 kit? Fun ain’t cheap for sure!!

You can save alot of $ by purchasing 1.7 pedestal mount (factory is pedestal) rockers and running the stock cam..reusing the lifters, pushrod, and camshaft is huge savings in relation to the small HP gains and degradation in driveability. You can also save by skipping the injectors, which will require a new and expensive MAF...You didn't mention headers but that's something to add..

I am doing my 5.0 build with keeping it in the explorer its a 99 I wanna cam and supercharge it

The performance lifters says they offer higher revs than oem!!! Thats the difference in the two!!

A lot of money to maybe make a little over 300 wheel if you're lucky

So....I have a set of heads, upper & lower intake off of a 97 Explorer that's been sitting in my garage for 2 years. I am NOT a mechanic.....I just love these cars! Do you think I'd be getting in over my head ($$$) by taking it to a mechanic to do this HCI? Or put another way, would I be better off just getting a crate motor? Blueprint is wanting about $8k for the entire engine. I get that I'd be paying someone to swap it out, but I'm thinking that could be covered (or a chunk of it) by selling my GT40 3-bar stuff and my entire current engine. Thoughts Gary? Or anyone?

don't forget to add labor costs

Should take into account if you’ll pay someone to do it or if you’ll DIY

How do you know the stock block on your new but 30+ year old 302 block will handle all the swaps? Is there anything to look for ?

You can pretty much geta 395 hp 302 for 4gs.

First!

#24lb mass air meter?

3 years ago you could have done all of that for half the price. Sad times we live in...

GT40P heads call for the 6.3 push rod length. 🦊

Not cheap. This is why I haven't pulled my motor yet. Even just detailing the motor and doing a cam swap it pricey. Already GT40 heads, explorer intake and a 30lb injector set up.

Where’s the OIL PUMP?

Wow you overpaid for those Gt40 parts. Unless you got 3 bar heads which for the price im assuming you did. I sell restored explorer intakes for 250 and 150 for junkyard condition. And 4 bar heads for 200, 3 bar heads for 300.

4k for an EXPLORER top end? Absolute waste of money

you forgot headers

JUST GET A SUPERCHARGER AND DRIVE>>> ON STOCK MOTOR, WONT BE DISSAPOINTED ....

I did all this for right at $500. I found gt40p heads. Recently setup Manley valves, Alex springs $250 brand new rpm intake $100 got it with my car, e303 $50 Gaskets was like $80. Take that back total was like $1k because I bought a brand new 650 brawler double pumper. Without the carb $500. All the gt40 stuff keep it cheap or it’s not worth it. This all for my 85 vert. same color as yours.