150 Horsepower

To some, kid's play. To others, a goal. To us....150 horsepower is the epitome of our cars' power output from the factory, in a V8 engine. Granted, if you have a 1988 5.0 car, you got an extra whopping 5 hp from the factory quasi-dual exhaust. But still, that was it for us. Why? Several reasons.

First off, let's go back to 1986. The sounds of New Wave filled the airwaves. Remember Miami Vice? And the automotive industry had just been rocked by the new Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable. Now plans had come about to increase the 1986 Mustang GT HO 5.0's power output from 200 hp to 225 hp, using a new cylinder head to be used on the F-150 truck. Was the 5.0 Cougar to get the same HO treatment for its mild redesign in 1987? Nope. Ford believed that the power output for the car was fine, and in keeping with the car's luxury image. Also, they might have been embarassed had the Cat and Bird almost been as fast as the Pony, and certainly faster than the much-heavier Ford flagship, the Lincoln Mark VII. Looking back, I'm sure some people would have favored the Corvette/F-body plan for the Mustang/T-Bird/Cougar: the F-bodies (Camaro/Firebird) always got a detuned version of the same motor used in the Corvette, usually just a camshaft change. Would've made perfect sense for the Cat and Bird, and I'm sure that there were supporters for this plan inside FoMoCo. Shamefully, it never saw the light of day.

Then there's the marketing game. How would one market this car, anyway? Would it be "the Mustang's little cousin"? Would it be "the ultimate luxury/performance Cat"? Would it be a "new muscle Cougar, reminiscent of the Eliminators of old"? Would Ford be willing to give up the personal luxury coupe image for a more muscular stance, and alienate the generally older crowd buying the Cougars at that time? We all know that answer.

But the greatest roadblock to the Cougar's power output was the dreaded evil empire---that's right, the insurance companies. If any of you paid insurance back in the 80's, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Apparently, the thought of people wrapping themselves around trees in Cougars (just like the Mustang drivers were doing) was a little too riveting for them. I wouldn't doubt for a second that would've happened either. Still, for the insurance industry to literally dictate what an automaker does with their products is total bull. Unfortunately that's what happened in our case.

In the end, then, what did we end up with---a watered-down Cougar? No, not even close. Ask anyone that owns a 5.0 Cat and they'll tell you otherwise. The blend of power and performance is quite unexpected and does fit the car very well. Cornering, in particular, is lots of fun. But one area that could definitely see an improvement is in all-out straight-line acceleration.

That being said, the HO conversion is simple enough to do, and it will keep you happy for years to come. Plus, you'll at least be back in the running with most of today's higher-horsepower cars. Isn't it a shame that a Cavalier puts out the same amount of power as your car? And with front-wheel-drive, it gets off the line better too. If you are sick and tired of these little cheap econo-boxes getting the best of you---do something about it. With the efficiency of the V8, and the efficiency of the HO conversion (reusing the block, crank, pistons, etc.), you've got an awesome 1-2 punch, with low-end torque that will knock your socks off. Our cars are not as heavy as people think so they're a great base upon which to build. I personally can say that my '86 can run with, or even outrun, some of my buddies' Mustangs. Did it cost me an arm and a leg? Well...yes, but that's my fault! Yet my HO conversion on my original motor cost me a whopping $450 with labor. For 75 hp, bolted on no less, that is indeed a hell of a bargain.

Still not happy? Drop in another motor. Traditionally, 3.8 V6 owners have suffered due to the lack of performace parts for that engine. The new Mustang 3.8 has helped things a little, but never will be enough to bring up the 1983's meager 112 hp rating. Dollar for dollar, it is simply not worth your time and money and effort to soup up a 3.8 V6. The HO 5.0 is relatively easy to find, will bolt right up, and only requires that you change the wiring harness and computer. Not only do you get a more powerful motor, but you will see an increase in gas mileage in some cases, and the motor will burn cleaner. After owning a 1984 Cougar with the 3.8, I know your pain, trust me. There is absolutely no substitute for a 5.0 Ford V8. Period.

My whole point here is, if you're not privy to staying stock with the car, then by all means, make it more powerful. Make it your car and enjoy it. For the relative ease and cost of doing so, it's a no-brainer.

Until next time,

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