96 engine swap: Mach1, 5.4 or 5.0?

[BlackVert]

I am planning to swap out my POS 1996 4.6 with another motor, but I can't decide what engine to put in. I'm thinking I can get more motor for the money with a 5.0, but I have heard so many good things about the Mach1 and 5.4 engines that I am not so sure anymore.

What is the best motor I can get installed and keep my total costs at $5000 or less?

Here are my constraints:

1. About $5000 total cost (engine, other stuff and install)
2. Naturally aspirated only. No SC, Turbo, or Nitrous please.
3. Prefer Fuel Injected, but a carb is OK too.
4. The more torque/hp, the better.

What do you think?

 

[matsm21]

dude this is exactly the dilemma I am facing right nor w/ my 97. I pretty much ruled out the 5.0 though. it'll be easier to swap a mod moter cause thats what you have in your car.

 

[stangtrooper97]

I'd go 5.4 or Mach, probably 5.4.

 

[claytucc3]

I think 5.4 would be easier

 

[GoBabyVroommm]

Guys go to KarKraft and stangparts to look at motors. A mach 1 on karkraft is going for 2999.00. They pull 13 flat stock, well with a good driver.

 

[new22003]

Seems like you can pick up 99 cobra or mach engines go fairly decent these days and then youd have a good base to start with. Forged crank and stuff. Check out this guys site about swapping cobra engines into a GT.
http://www.cobrapoweredgt.com/index2.html

 

[Wills Black 98]

definately a mach motor, the potential is there!

 

[matsm21]

are you lookin at a 5.4 SOHC or DOHC engine?

 

[BLK_ROUSH]

Agreed. DOHC all the way. Like a like of us 96-98ers looking for a refreshed motor; I'm a huge DOHC fan.

 

[BlackVert]

are you lookin at a 5.4 SOHC or DOHC engine?

I have read that the SOHC's are a more straightforward swap, so I am leaning toward that. Plus, I am guessing I can get a SOHC cheaper than a DOHC. But it depends mostly on what I can find at a local junkyard. If I can get a low mileage DOHC for a good price, then I'll definately go with that.

Either way, I am going to have to replace the intake, and I'll need to get someone to mill some adapters for me because the stock 5.4 intake is way too tall for my hood, and the 4.6 intake is not wide enough for the 5.4. Does anyone know if I will need a different intake for a SOHC than a DOHC? And who can mill the adapters?

 

[GoBabyVroommm]

Got a 99 4v in mine and when i floored it i spin in 1,2 and 3 gear never hooked with the nittos. Good thing i didn't hook my trans would have blown. I thought to myself, holy crap this thing is way faster then my SOHC, on motor.

P.S. i went threw so many gears to see what gear it was going to hook. Never did i had to stop at the stop sign.

 

[GoBabyVroommm]

Damn forgot to write my point. Well it was you'll love the 4v and its worth the money. IMO