Mark VII performance

[perry 91lsc]

This may sound like a stupid question, but other than intake work what are some cheap ways to improve performance for my 1991 Mark VII LSC?

[Lscman]

There are many ways to produce acceleration gains.
>>Here are some almost free mods that will produce small gains:
1)Remove the intake air muffler and run a K&N filter(~5HP).
2)Advance the timing to about 13-15 degrees BTDC(~5HP)
3)Full synthetic motor oil and rear axle fluid (~2-4HP).
>>Here are some more costly mods that will produce nice gains:
1)Steeper gears (3.55-3.73)
2)Custom 2-1/4" or 2-1/2" cat back exhaust
3)shorty 1-5/8" headers and 2-1/2" X-Pipe
4)1.7 ratio roller rockers
5)Supercharger or Nitrous
6)base engine mods like heads, cam, more cubes
7)higher stall converter & shift kit

Basically, anything you can do to a Mustang 5.0L can be done to a Mark VII 5.0L. The only difference is the weight which results in a 1/2+ second 1/4 mile deficit.

[perry 91lsc]

Thanks for the advice Lscman. I have already ordered an (86-88) mustang air intake tube to use and I am going to purchase a k&n filter. Can you give me a step by step process on how to advance the timing? I would appreciate it. -Andrew

[Lscman]

The distributor is in the front of the motor. The wiring harness on it has a pigtail (dead end connector) on it near the distributor's connector. The pigtail has a plug in it that's removed to set timing. A bolt is used at the base of the distributor to prevent it from rotating. You must loosen it to rotate the distributor and change timing. With a timing light on the #1 cylinder and the plug removed, you set the timing by looking at the dampener and needle. Factory setting is 10 degrees. I'd advance it as far as possible on premium fuel without exceeding 16 degrees BTC until you hear slight knock. Once you detect knock, back it off 1 to 2 degrees. Maximum power output will be attained when the timing is advanced more but not exceeding 16 degrees. Also, output drops severely when knock occurs. That's why it must be set and optimized by test. Usually, knock is most prominent under heavy loading up a long hill. Replace the pigtail plug when you're done or when your testing for knock.