Right now, its a 16 second lead sled, and I'm not saying I'm going to go deliver a beat down or anything like that, I just want to see it do what you say it will do.
Most of us 5.4L guys decided to keep our distance from Assassinator. He did not listen to anyone with actual experience when he did the swap/ intake and did his own thing. I guess he listened to you since you claim to be an expert?
Assassinator and I do not get along. I seriously doubt he listened to anything I have ever said to him. I do know, he was rather upset that my lowly N/A 5.0 2V extremely outperformed his N/A 5.4 3V.
That said, he is not the only one to either go back to a 4.6, he is the only one on THIS BOARD to do so.
I have to say I have ridden in an f 250 with the 5.4 2v tons of times and this guy floors it a lot cause he likes how its torquey but even I noticed how its out of breath by the time you hit 50. Sure its got a lot of low end but thats where the appeal ends. Without a supercharger they aren't the preferred choice in swap but better than ending up wrecked or rusted out. Its like the one guy who put in a supra motor in an SC since no one else wanted the car he saved it from the trash heap.
I have to say I have ridden in an f 250 with the 5.4 2v tons of times and this guy floors it a lot cause he likes how its torquey but even I noticed how its out of breath by the time you hit 50. Sure its got a lot of low end but thats where the appeal ends. Without a supercharger they aren't the preferred choice in swap but better than ending up wrecked or rusted out. Its like the one guy who put in a supra motor in an SC since no one else wanted the car he saved it from the trash heap.
my truck is an F150 4x4, 97 model with the 4.6.
It is as slow as can be.
My brother in law has a 97 expedition/awd/4x4, but with the 5.4.
No matter where we are on the race track, any speed, any gear, he pulls me no problem.
His truck has over 250,000 hard miles on it, where mine has just over 107,000 easy miles on it.
so, for truck applications, the 5.4 is the way to go.
good info on this thread... but im still kinda confused on why the 4.6 2v is better than the 5.4 2v... no ones really said why the 4.6 is better... other than is somewhat cheaper
Because the 5.4 is simply a 1/2" stroker 4.6 and the 4.6 already has 1/2" more stroke than a 5.0 did.
Everyone gets so caught up on displacement they don't stop to think how the displacement is reached. The last thing these motors need is more stroke/ heavier crank if you are concerned with mid to top end horsepower.
Because the 5.4 is simply a 1/2" stroker 4.6 and the 4.6 already has 1/2" more stroke than a 5.0 did.
Everyone gets so caught up on displacement they don't stop to think how the displacement is reached. The last thing these motors need is more stroke/ heavier crank if you are concerned with mid to top end horsepower.
I totally agree. Anybody who has any experience with older V8 engines should figure there has to be a reason you can rev these 4.6L's 6-7K. And HP comes from torque and RPM's, right? Short stroke and light rotating mass assemblies has it's advantages. Think about it.....
I totally agree. Anybody who has any experience with older V8 engines should figure there has to be a reason you can rev these 4.6L's 6-7K. And HP comes from torque and RPM's, right? Short stroke and light rotating mass assemblies has it's advantages. Think about it.....
I used to rev stock crank 289/302 motors to 7000 20 years ago, these modulars IMHO 7000 is the minimum for a real street/strip motor. I am working with one guy for a 10,500 4V build.................
The 2V 4.6 get really happy in the 4000-7500 range. Above that 4V are better and below that 5.4 are better. To get a 5.4 2V happy to 7000RPM in a Mustang chassis requires a $1200 set of headers, a $1600 Logan intake, a 4" cowl hood, and a real set of cams. And yes I do have customers that build those as well, but I don't BS them about any of the issues like some in this thread want to do. If you want a 5.4 to run good outside of a truck chassis, you need to open your wallet significantly, otherwise the 4.6 will walk past it at the 1000ft mark. I don't see it happening in a MN12 chassis without a monster hood and a monster budget and so far the proof is in the results. For the price and weight of a 5.4 swap a SVO blower 4.6 is the same cost/weight for more output in this chassis. I applaud those that have tried, and they have taught us a lot, but the facts are the facts and the limitations are there and real.
If you want to go Fast Ford offers a 2011 Shelby GT500 with a 5.4L supercharged 4-V V8 engine. If all this BS was true then is Ford NOT putting a 4.6L DOHC in their Shelby? I think you guys need to file a complaint with Ford!
How dare Ford put a 5.4L DOHC in their fastest top of the line car!!!! Don't they understand that the 4.6L DOHC is better because it has 1/2" shorter rods, less rotating mass, less weight... bla bla...
This is a total outrage! Write Ford, call Ford, call your Congressman, call your Senator, let Obama know so he can fix the problem!!!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that engine, J.Miller, has absolutely nothing in common with a 5.4L like this thread started talking about (except displacement). Different block, rods, pistons, intake, crank, heads, cams, etc., etc.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that engine, J.Miller, has absolutely nothing in common with a 5.4L like this thread started talking about (except displacement). Different block, rods, pistons, intake, crank, heads, cams, etc., etc.
i think if i read correctly the complaint with 5.4's was in naturally aspirated 2v form. several times over it was repeated by both argueing sides that a 4v blown 5.4 will definately run. that being said the cost of the cobra motor is outrageous from ford as its designed for people that are willing to spend too much for 500hp.
Because most "uneducated" people equate engine displacement with penis size. When you want to charge Corvette prices for a Mustang a 5.4 sells better than a 4.6 even if its not any faster just like the bigblock Shelbys of the 1960's. Shelby even complained back in the 1960's when he was forced to install bigblocks in his cars that the small block cars performed better.
You and every other 5.4 2V swapper have yet to create a car that has been proven faster at the track be it drag race or auto X. I am working with a few 5.4 2V swappers who have the cash to do it right, but we are talking $2000+ or so over a similar 4.6 Can it be done in a MN12 chassis? Probably add another $1000 to that $2000 extra.
Okay, so this spring the bird's getting a built 2004 trans and 3,500 stall 10" TC from Alan, with the expectation that next winter will bring ported heads and cams. I've done some looking around and I'm thinking about going with Nick's stage 2 PI head and stage 2P cams combo, with the modified...
I'm trying to drain the coolant to change temperature sensor, sender and thermostat. I have unscrewed the petcock almost an inch and only getting drops of coolant. It won't unscrew anymore. Any suggestions?
Okay, so two years ago I got the P1443 and replaced all the evap hoses with fuel line and both electrical parts. I should say, all but one hose, the one closest to the fuel tank. I was pretty sure I could get that one off, but not sure at all I could get a new hose on there because it looked...
Hey guys, it has been quite a while but it's good to be back!
I am in need of some guidance regarding a recent engine swap in my 97 bird.
The back story:
It has been quite a while since I have posted, mostly due to the fact that my motor exploded roughly 6 years ago. Since then the car has...
I've got an issue I've been working on on the Tbird for the entire time I've had the car; and I know it's a wiring issue somewhere.
I've swapped a bunch of stuff, but can't find it.
I have all the drawings, datalogging, electronic skills, everything I should need.
The problem is it runs rough...
A forum community dedicated to Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar and Lincoln Mark owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
theterminator93 · updated 
mikepeace · updated 
T6Rocket · updated 
mrwiggles2004 · updated 
Grog6 · updated 
