Although it is a much more expensive under-taking in Britain than stateside, Richard nicely defends the economics of the 5.0 project to his European readers: "This is a modern street machine. It accelerates like a Pro Streeter, handles like a circuit car, is as comfortable and practical as a modern saloon, yet has the looks of a super-car. Best of all, it's American and, therefore, cheaper than any supercar when it comes to servicing and repairs. Beat that."
As for its 450-bhp performance in comparison to the factory four-cylinder turbocharged offerings that are far more common in his part of the world, Richard is equally succinct. "To just hang on to their tail while they give their car everything it's got, then pass them like they're standing still, is sheer bliss. It's something I recommend."
Listen up, Brits. This guy knows what he's talking about. But don't say he didn't warn you about the affliction.
| 5.0 TECH SPECS |
| ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN |
| Block | Stock, with Coast High |
Performance girdle |
| Bore | Stock |
| Stroke | Stock |
| Displacement | 302 ci |
| Crank | Stock, balanced by Real Steel |
| Rods | Stock, with ARP bolts |
| Pistons | Stock-replacement TTRW forged |
| Cam | Trick Flow |
| Heads | Trick Flow Twisted Wedge |
| Valves | 2.02/1.60 |
| Intake | Trick Flow Track Heat |
| Throttle Body | BBK 75mm |
| Mass Air | Pro-M 77mm |
| Injectors | MSD/Lucas 38-lb/hr |
| Fuel Pumps | BBK 190-lph in-tank |
and Vortech T-Rex |
| Headers | Bassani 151/48 equal-lengths, with |
2.5-in X-pipe |
| Exhaust | Flowmaster 2.5-in Force II |
| Power Adder | Vortech V2 SQ, with AFM Power Pipe |
| Transmission | Tremec 3550 five-speed |
| Clutch | Centerforce Dual Friction |
| Rearend | 8.8 with Eaton Posi diff, 3.55 gears, and Moser 31-spline axles |