Modular 4.6L Tech For all your 1996-2005+ 2V, 3V, and 4V modular motor needs.
View Poll Results: What are your 5.4L swap plans?
Not swapping. You guys are nuts for trying.
1.82%
Not swapping but find the topic interesting.
12.73%
Thinking about doing the swap but not in the next year.
16.82%
Definitely going to do the swap in the next year or so.
25.45%
Doing it now. Looking for an engine or awaiting delivery.
15.45%
Doing it now. Already bought an engine.
18.64%
Done. Got my 5.4L and showin my tail lights to camaro's every day.
7.73%
Screw 5.4, I'm going diesel 4cylinder.
1.36%
Voters: 220. You may not vote on this poll

Anyone intrested in 5.4L swaps, in here. Need you to opine.

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  #6451  
Old 04-05-2009, 04:05 PM
horspla2000's Avatar
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Default long tubes

Originally Posted by r3dn3ck
don't get me started. Most of the companies you mention had already agreed and then backed out of the deal. The rest told me in no uncertain terms to get fucked AFTER I offered them unlimited use of my car including the already custom made headers that are on it and I even specified that I'd take no compensation for my contribution as long as they'd make at least 20 sets for retail sale. Each would accept, then him and haww and then back out. If you get one to agree, then I'll still let them copy mine but they MUST make 20 pairs for retail sale and provide me with 1 set to use as I wish since they all told me to screw off the last time I tried to make them some cash.

I was wondering.........if you already have a pair of long tubes, why couldn't a manufacturer just copy those?? If yours are designed, fit good and work good, those could be copied and mass produced. Sounds legit to me! Of course, getting somebody to do it is another thing. It does seem like there's some profit to be made on this, though.
 
  #6452  
Old 04-05-2009, 06:09 PM
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i wish i was closer to r3d. i have a shop that i trust and will make a few sets at a time to sell. if i was in cali i could borrow his and they would copy them in a couple days... oh well, he'll have to copy my pass side and make new drivers side from the pics.
 
  #6453  
Old 04-05-2009, 09:24 PM
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Hey....r3dness!

I remember some guy had a post on craigslist HERE in Ky, advertising custom made turbo kits or custom made exhaust with his in house madrel tube bending machine. He boasted about having a nice machine and not one of those $1000 backyard jigs!
I'll search him down to see what gives and if he would be capable of headers.

With as much talent this board has and capabilities, it would seem to me that we(as a bickering familiy) could rig up something, jigs, or at least design it on CAD. I own a machining company(header flanges?) and some of you guys reading this have other HELPFUL resources. Avanced CAD, waterjet, madrel bend machines, EDM's

Perhaps, r3d, you could offer some sort of reward for someone to come up with what you want in a long tube header?
 
  #6454  
Old 04-05-2009, 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by zigbigadoru
going to be tearing down my 5.4 fairly quickly and i need some help on the internals. i am going to go with forged rods and pistons but need some help deciding whether i want h or i beams and which pistons. i would be highly appreciative for some help in deciding. im thinking that it will be getting some boost later down the road. if you need any more info let me know and thanks for the advice.
Welcome here!
You should receive gifted answers! Not by me though! My wife informs me on a regular basis of how STUPID I am, so I though "Better not reply with my 2cents, it will haunt me later"!
 
  #6455  
Old 04-05-2009, 09:36 PM
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The Pony is finally running. Thanks for all the advice on my dumbass questions. I have a 97' Mustang GT w/ a 5.4l DOHC out of a 03' Navaigator come to find out. I bought the car w/ that motor in it (barley) didnt know anything about it. The dumb F*^$ had the racing plates mounted on the wrong side some how. (Yes I have the plates,I know about the HPS but I wanted to see if my car would even run first. Plus they came w/ it.) So after switching the plates and drilling out a broken bolt in the head and the plate the Pony would fire up with no problems and vaccum leaks. But it was over heating. My fan was not working after trying to hard wire it I came to the conclusion the motor was burnt. I went to the salvage today and picked up another and the car is staying cool and all. Runnin'fine!! I do have one problem though my idle controll valve or at least I belive. When I have my connector pluged in and tap the gas my idle stays there no matter what 2000, 2100, 2200, whatever. When I disconnect it, it will rev up and come back down. Any advice?
 
  #6456  
Old 04-06-2009, 07:02 AM
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Originally Posted by PitRidgeBull
I do have one problem though my idle controll valve or at least I belive. When I have my connector pluged in and tap the gas my idle stays there no matter what 2000, 2100, 2200, whatever. When I disconnect it, it will rev up and come back down. Any advice?
Sounds like its time for a tune, You should probably double check the TPS voltage too. Just so you know, the HPS intake will NOT work for you if you have a DOHC motor.
 

Last edited by Morgan The Black; 04-06-2009 at 07:06 AM.
  #6457  
Old 04-06-2009, 07:52 AM
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Originally Posted by zigbigadoru
going to be tearing down my 5.4 fairly quickly and i need some help on the internals. i am going to go with forged rods and pistons but need some help deciding whether i want h or i beams and which pistons. i would be highly appreciative for some help in deciding. im thinking that it will be getting some boost later down the road. if you need any more info let me know and thanks for the advice.
H or I doesn't so much matter. You can get a lighter rod in I beam in theory but there's pretty bitchin' deals to be had. You can pony up for eagle/manley/scat/etc... or go with something like:
http://www.themustangdepot.com/servl...tweight/Detail
or
http://www.themustangdepot.com/servl...6L-5.4L/Detail

are great bargains and made in the USA.

Pistons: Depends really on a lot of things. You need to find a manufacturer that makes a piston that will yeild the compression ratio you want with the alloy you want at the price you're willing to pay. I went with inexpensive forged Probe slugs, so did many others. They're a great piston but not a CP/Manley/Arias great piston. Mahle are another choice along the lines of Probe. They came stock in 03-04 cobras. Any decent forged piston will do as long as the CR is right.

http://www.themustangdepot.com/servl.../21/Categories

Call them up for assistance figuring out which set you need. I'd suggest something like a 10.5cc dish if you're looking at modest boost (8-10lbs-ish) down the road. You'll still have decent compression NA but it won't be a bitch to tune when you do throw boost at it.

Originally Posted by horspla2000
I was wondering.........if you already have a pair of long tubes, why couldn't a manufacturer just copy those?? If yours are designed, fit good and work good, those could be copied and mass produced. Sounds legit to me! Of course, getting somebody to do it is another thing. It does seem like there's some profit to be made on this, though.
That's been the offer on the table to every single manufacturer so far.

Originally Posted by 96blackgt54
Hey....r3dness!

I remember some guy had a post on craigslist HERE in Ky, advertising custom made turbo kits or custom made exhaust with his in house madrel tube bending machine. He boasted about having a nice machine and not one of those $1000 backyard jigs!
I'll search him down to see what gives and if he would be capable of headers.

With as much talent this board has and capabilities, it would seem to me that we(as a bickering familiy) could rig up something, jigs, or at least design it on CAD. I own a machining company(header flanges?) and some of you guys reading this have other HELPFUL resources. Avanced CAD, waterjet, madrel bend machines, EDM's

Perhaps, r3d, you could offer some sort of reward for someone to come up with what you want in a long tube header?
Question is what could I reward anyone with. I'm half tempted to drive the beast out to myillwill's place and leave it for a couple months.

Originally Posted by PitRidgeBull
The Pony is finally running. Thanks for all the advice on my dumbass questions. I have a 97' Mustang GT w/ a 5.4l DOHC out of a 03' Navaigator come to find out. I bought the car w/ that motor in it (barley) didnt know anything about it. The dumb F*^$ had the racing plates mounted on the wrong side some how. (Yes I have the plates,I know about the HPS but I wanted to see if my car would even run first. Plus they came w/ it.) So after switching the plates and drilling out a broken bolt in the head and the plate the Pony would fire up with no problems and vaccum leaks. But it was over heating. My fan was not working after trying to hard wire it I came to the conclusion the motor was burnt. I went to the salvage today and picked up another and the car is staying cool and all. Runnin'fine!! I do have one problem though my idle controll valve or at least I belive. When I have my connector pluged in and tap the gas my idle stays there no matter what 2000, 2100, 2200, whatever. When I disconnect it, it will rev up and come back down. Any advice?
Tune issue or sensor issue. It almost certainly needs a good tune and/or possibly TPS sensor or buggy MAF data.

Adapter plates are about the only way to go on a 4v. You could do something like a navi lower and a MMR upper but you'd gain probably little or nothing... may lose a little even.

We demand pics and a video. We don't get many 4v cars in.

Now then, welcome. Please add your experiences to our own.

The HPS is a 2v intake. If you beg hard enough you might convince Bob to make a 4v intake. It'd take a yearish though. I'm hoping he does a 3v intake.

Originally Posted by Morgan The Black
Sounds like its time for a tune, You should probably double check the TPS voltage too. Just so you know, the HPS intake will NOT work for you if you have a DOHC motor.
What he said.
 
  #6458  
Old 04-06-2009, 08:21 AM
zigbigadoru's Avatar
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a set of complimentary long tube headers
 
  #6459  
Old 04-06-2009, 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 96blackgt54
I own a machining company(header flanges?)
Hmmm....how much to pop out a set of these?

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/...0%201&comp=LRS



I was just gonna buy a set, but will need to make them myself now since I just decided for sure to pull the 3v heads and send them to Kris Starnes (does Al Papitto's porting).... I just put a couple golf clubs and my radial arm saw on Craigslist....needs to pay for powa!!
 
  #6460  
Old 04-06-2009, 09:18 AM
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Hey all, i have been lookin for a good deal on a 5.4 ever since i found this site, which was back in october. I have finally found what i think i am lookin for. A 2002 2v with 143000 miles for 500 bucks. I was plannin on droppin this in my car stock, and then saving up and buyin a block from karkraft and forging everything. Does this sound like a solid plan?
 
  #6461  
Old 04-06-2009, 10:04 AM
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Default My Build

Hey everyone just signed up after lurking this thread for a good 6 months. Started as a 'budget' build and got out of control. All due to oil pump failure on my old 4.6 at 74k


BUT my build is almost done finally! i wanted to post up my setup and get you guys' opinions and thoughts on what my #'s might be


Started with an MMR street mod 800 5.4
Fully worked PI heads from Total Performance flowing 50/40 over stock at .500
upgraded to bigger valves
stage 2.5 last call racing blower cams
mmr intake adapters
FRPP shorties
O/R X with magnaflow catback
lightning maf
bbk CAI
42lb injectors
cobra oil pump

Getting tuned by joe at www.tricktuners.com with a plx wideband 02 and Xcal3 and datalogging.

also put in a Ram HDX clutch and fidanza lightweight steel flywheel.

Pretty much gone from scratch with this one, and its been a huge headache. We got sent the wrong timing cover (3v), and had to lengthen the EGR tube (CA smog), oil dipstick didnt match, and not to mention the MMR shortblocks come with NOTHING ON them a lol

anyways, what do you think? number predictions? Winner gets a cookie

pics;
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just a shameless plug to www.lastcallracing.com for all their help installing and ordering the parts for me. And pierre at woodside automotive for the shop and help installing
 

Last edited by domin8; 04-06-2009 at 10:11 AM.
  #6462  
Old 04-06-2009, 10:28 AM
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guessin 290/320 but hoping for alot more.
 
  #6463  
Old 04-06-2009, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by myillwillinc
guessin 290/320 but hoping for alot more.
that sounds REALLY low to me?
 
  #6464  
Old 04-06-2009, 11:39 AM
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You'd probably be much better off if you picked up the HPS intake.
 
  #6465  
Old 04-06-2009, 11:43 AM
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Im gonna say 315/345
 
  #6466  
Old 04-06-2009, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by domin8
that sounds REALLY low to me?
Topping off that sweet high dollar build with a PI intake on squatty little adapter plates is like picturing Megan Fox's body with Gilbert Godfried's head on top....








Seriously, that will be a huge restriction. I made my plates 1-1/2" thick to ease the nasty sideways jog and they still were no good for flow (were just meant to make the swap easy), those look like 3/4" at the most and will really restrict it.

edit: btw I'll say 300/340.
 

Last edited by TurboX2; 04-06-2009 at 11:51 AM.
  #6467  
Old 04-06-2009, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by TurboX2
Topping off that sweet high dollar build with a PI intake on squatty little adapter plates is like picturing Megan Fox's body with Gilbert Godfried's head on top....








Seriously, that will be a huge restriction. I made my plates 1-1/2" thick to ease the nasty sideways jog and they still were no good for flow (were just meant to make the swap easy), those look like 3/4" at the most and will really restrict it.
yah im gonna def get the hardballr this summer, but i'm already way over budget and just want it running at this point. When i bought those adapters the harballr wasnt even avail yet. so we'll see The engines built at 9:1
 
  #6468  
Old 04-06-2009, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboX2
Hmmm....how much to pop out a set of these?



I was just gonna buy a set, but will need to make them myself now since I just decided for sure to pull the 3v heads and send them to Kris Starnes (does Al Papitto's porting).... I just put a couple golf clubs and my radial arm saw on Craigslist....needs to pay for powa!!
I need some dimensions and the ones I make will not be yellow zink plated. I'm sure there is a transition from the exhaust port to the header tube. Are the 3V heads a "D" port exhaust?
 
  #6469  
Old 04-06-2009, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by 35thann.mustang
Hey all, i have been lookin for a good deal on a 5.4 ever since i found this site, which was back in october. I have finally found what i think i am lookin for. A 2002 2v with 143000 miles for 500 bucks. I was plannin on droppin this in my car stock, and then saving up and buyin a block from karkraft and forging everything. Does this sound like a solid plan?
Sounds like a plan to me!

DO IT !
 
  #6470  
Old 04-06-2009, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by domin8
yah im gonna def get the hardballr this summer, but i'm already way over budget and just want it running at this point. When i bought those adapters the harballr wasnt even avail yet. so we'll see The engines built at 9:1
I think r3dneck has a killer deal on a 4.6l hardballer
 
  #6471  
Old 04-06-2009, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 96blackgt54
I think r3dneck has a killer deal on a 4.6l hardballer
but i need the 5.4 hardballer, right?
 
  #6472  
Old 04-06-2009, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 35thann.mustang
Hey all, i have been lookin for a good deal on a 5.4 ever since i found this site, which was back in october. I have finally found what i think i am lookin for. A 2002 2v with 143000 miles for 500 bucks. I was plannin on droppin this in my car stock, and then saving up and buyin a block from karkraft and forging everything. Does this sound like a solid plan?
it's a great base. I'd recommend a mild rebuild with fresh rings (deglaze of the cylinders if they don't need re-bored) and H-series rod and main bearings. After that keep the power adders to a reasonable level and the tune dead on and you'll have a long running happy life. You could probably just drop it in as it sits and be happy with a tune. I prefer to see new bearings at a minimum even though it bumps the initial cost. They're one of the first things to go in a 5.4.

Originally Posted by Steven_s86
Im gonna say 315/345
I like that number... probably within spitting distance up or down of that number. The low compression doesn't help. Longtubes should put you up to 330-335 though.

Originally Posted by domin8
yah im gonna def get the hardballr this summer, but i'm already way over budget and just want it running at this point. When i bought those adapters the harballr wasnt even avail yet. so we'll see The engines built at 9:1
you're going to have a great time. Don't get stuck on dyno numbers. When you finally get out and drive that thing you'll be plenty impressed.

Originally Posted by 96blackgt54
I think r3dneck has a killer deal on a 4.6l hardballer
00blackstang's probably going to end up with it... that way I don't have to ship it.

Originally Posted by domin8
but i need the 5.4 hardballer, right?
yeah... you do. The 4.6 hardballr would be a big improvement over the plastic PI intake though.
 
  #6473  
Old 04-06-2009, 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by r3dn3ck
it's a great base. I'd recommend a mild rebuild with fresh rings (deglaze of the cylinders if they don't need re-bored) and H-series rod and main bearings. After that keep the power adders to a reasonable level and the tune dead on and you'll have a long running happy life. You could probably just drop it in as it sits and be happy with a tune. I prefer to see new bearings at a minimum even though it bumps the initial cost. They're one of the first things to go in a 5.4.


I like that number... probably within spitting distance up or down of that number. The low compression doesn't help. Longtubes should put you up to 330-335 though.



you're going to have a great time. Don't get stuck on dyno numbers. When you finally get out and drive that thing you'll be plenty impressed.


00blackstang's probably going to end up with it... that way I don't have to ship it.


yeah... you do. The 4.6 hardballr would be a big improvement over the plastic PI intake though.

awesome man. i'll be sure to post up the dyno numbers. yah I have to the car smogged this month too lol once its running so i can register it. I'm going to have a smog tune made for it and rock the cats to get it smogged, then switch back to the OR-X
 
  #6474  
Old 04-06-2009, 08:44 PM
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2003 Black GT
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Hey guys. I'm attempting to find a 5.4L block to start my own build. Unfortunately the best price i can find for a full long block is 950. It only has 60k miles. What do you think of the price vs. miles?
 
  #6475  
Old 04-06-2009, 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by AllorNothing
Hey guys. I'm attempting to find a 5.4L block to start my own build. Unfortunately the best price i can find for a full long block is 950. It only has 60k miles. What do you think of the price vs. miles?
I'll soon have a complete motor for sale for well less than that including ported heads with a 3-angle valve job and bronze guides....where you located?
 
  #6476  
Old 04-06-2009, 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboX2
I'll soon have a complete motor for sale for well less than that including ported heads with a 3-angle valve job and bronze guides....where you located?
I'm in Pensacola Florida, i'm not looking to buy for another couple months though. Still scraping together funds.

How far away are you?
 
  #6477  
Old 04-06-2009, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by AllorNothing
I'm in Pensacola Florida, i'm not looking to buy for another couple months though. Still scraping together funds.

How far away are you?
Oronoco, MN. I won't have it out for probably close to a month, but also have no idea how much shipping would be. Probably enough to make it not so great a deal....
 
  #6478  
Old 04-06-2009, 10:22 PM
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Quick question guys. I have the CDC shaker intake. i'm not going to hook up the intake but i want to know if i cut out the bottom of the shaker do you think it will fit under the hollowed out shaker without cutting more of the hood?
 
  #6479  
Old 04-07-2009, 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by AllorNothing
Hey guys. I'm attempting to find a 5.4L block to start my own build. Unfortunately the best price i can find for a full long block is 950. It only has 60k miles. What do you think of the price vs. miles?
That's a really good deal. I'd jump on it, or buy TurboX2's motor. TurboX2 is a 100% solid guy to deal with.

Originally Posted by TurboX2
I'll soon have a complete motor for sale for well less than that including ported heads with a 3-angle valve job and bronze guides....where you located?
there you go.

Originally Posted by TurboX2
Oronoco, MN. I won't have it out for probably close to a month, but also have no idea how much shipping would be. Probably enough to make it not so great a deal....
Shipping for a longblock on a half-pallet is normally 150-250 via freight carrier. Use www.freightquote.com to schedule a pickup. I've done it, shipping was 200 bucks for 1000 miles for a complete motor. Freightquote is an aggregator like 1-800-Dentist and will farm your shipment out to the carrier that can get it nearest your desired time frame.

Note freight shipments can take several days longer than traditional shipping methods or several days less.. kinda depends. You can snag a pallet from in back of your local supermarket.

Originally Posted by domin8
Quick question guys. I have the CDC shaker intake. i'm not going to hook up the intake but i want to know if i cut out the bottom of the shaker do you think it will fit under the hollowed out shaker without cutting more of the hood?
If you use the HPS intake you may just be able to make it fit without substantial modification of other stuff. If you use adapter plates or a truck intake, then no.. you'll have to wait till you can swing a HPS 5.4L Hardball'r.

Now then, looky what the mail man brought me:
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Currently jetted for 100hp but I have jets for 75/100/125/150 handy. Now I gotta get Illwillinc's nitrous goodies and get the 2nd stage built.
 
  #6480  
Old 04-07-2009, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by r3dn3ck
Now then, looky what the mail man brought me:


Currently jetted for 100hp but I have jets for 75/100/125/150 handy. Now I gotta get Illwillinc's nitrous goodies and get the 2nd stage built.
UH OH! That is going to be awesome dude.
 


Quick Reply: Anyone intrested in 5.4L swaps, in here. Need you to opine.



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