I have found a 2003 4.6L 2v explorer engine with an aluminum block for a really good price. The plan is to build a budget race engine with around 300 hp (maybe more maybe less). So far I’m looking at getting VT stage 2 cams w/springs, HPS intake, 75MM throttle body/plenum combo, Long tube headers, 7qt oil pan.

Let me know what you all think. Is this a good engine to start with? Should I do these mods? Let me know what you guys think.

 

you might as well build the bottom end while that motor is out. It has a aluminum block which is a bit better than the iron block in our 4.6L. Also you can either get new heads or port and polish the ones on there.

 

I'm still kicking around the idea and building the bottom end but It can be the budget breaker. I'm hoping to keep the budget around 5000 or 6000. That includes the price of the motor.

 

Well how much was the motor......in my opinion if you want to make around 300 hp then you should have gotten the cam and the longtubes and a tune and be right where you want to be for power in the motor thats in your car now. But since you have this motor and its out of the car you might as well go the extra and build the bottom end and what not. You can make much more than 300 if you do a bit extra

 

The motor will cost $1900 and I have not bought it yet. I'm only guessing with the HP will be. I'm sure it's going to more than 300hp. I have thought about keeping the crank that is in there and upgrading the pistons and rods.

 

The crank should be plenty strong it's rated for up to 600 I think ....replace the pistons and rods and you'll be a happy camper. You should have enough in you're budget to do this

 

I could be wrong on this, but don't the explorer's have 31 spline axles? Anyway, you might want to see if you can get those from the explorer while your at it.

 

No your correct but if he's on a budget i'd try and use the money that he has to build a good motor first.

 

The company only sells engines. The engine it self just happen to come out of an explorer.

I just want to make this aluminum block is going to take the abuse and what should be upgraded and what I can leave the way it is. I would hate to buy this thing and find out it will not work for what I want it to do.

 

You're buying the entire long block?

 

Yeah, it's pretty much a brand new engine. It only has 600 miles on it. Comes with everything but the wiring harness and the front accessories