2v 5.4

[TGJ]

For the average joe, installing a 5.4 is a LOT of work. Sure it can be done. I have read several post regarding it. I also think it is telling that the cars are SOLD after doing sooo much work.

If it was up to me, I spend the $$'s on a name brand super charger kit. It will bolt up and will work as advertised.

If you had $$'s to burn, I suspect the breathing problem could be solved by a supercharger. But then way not build a stroker 4.6? If that is not enough, add a supercharger. Again, not tons of custom work with the possibility of a less than desireable outcome.

A 5.4 is *technically* a stroked 4.6. They share the exact same pistons. Stroking a 4.6 and staying N/A brings the exact same breathing problems that the 5.4 has with the exception of the extra weight on the nose.

Just some food for thought. A comparison done a few years ago using completely stock parts and staying with the stock compression ratio, the 5.0L stroker LOST 17 RWHP and saw a 12 RWTQ gain. The power/torque band was moved lower in the RPM band. The 4.6L made more RWHP and RWTQ after 3500 RPM.

Personally if you want an increase in displacement with desirable gains especially if staying N/A with a modular V8, then the ONLY way to do it is with a larger bore.

Even though I have a N/A Big-Bore 4.6L( 5.0L ), it would be far easier to see a gain in HP with a SC and it is far more cost effective.

 

[Pearl02]

As far as I know, all of the factory PI heads use the same cam profiles. What hurts you is when you try to make 330ci breath through the same intake as that was originally designed for 281ci. The 4.6L car engine has a long runner, small diameter intake that is made to promote torque in the lower and mid regions to make of for the loss recognized with its small displacement. Going with addapter plates adds another inch to the already long runner length, which increases the problem. Plenty of torque down low, with no gain in horsepower.

Also, the 5.4L still sufferes from the small bore and makes up for its displacement with a longer stroke. Great for torque, but really isn't going to do anything to promote deep breathing at high RPM. Unless you're running some form of forced induction on the 5.4L engine, you're not going to see any substantial gain in usable horsepower.

But...when you do add forced inductions, you're rewarded with plenty of both. The Roushcharger kit for my 5.4L 3V engine promotes 445hp and 500lbs/ft with only 5-6psi....and that's one of the more conservative Positive Displacement kits on the market. That's unheard of power levels for a 4.6L....it doesn't matter how many valves its sporting.

Sorry if I was wrong about the cam profiles. I was just going off of what someone else told me. The owner of the V10 Stang did tell me he needed a better performing cam. Pearl02.

 

[mransr]

I guess it all depends on your definition of fun. If burning tires and sliding the rear end around is your thing, then yes....I'd say a 5.4L under the hood would be a lot of fun.

If getting walked by bolt on 4.6L cars after the first 500ft and adding unnecessary weight to the nose of your vehicle (negatively affecting braking and handling) isn't your bag, then I would probably advise against it.

ahh...never mind,...I was just trying to get across that not everybody has the same goals and in some cases a 5.4 might not be a horrible choice...but I suppose the interwebz isn't the best place for suggesting something different than what "everybody knows"

 

[Gearbanger 101]

ahh...never mind,...I was just trying to get across that not everybody has the same goals and in some cases a 5.4 might not be a horrible choice...but I suppose the interwebz isn't the best place for suggesting something different than what "everybody knows"

Don't stress it man. I'm not dogging on you for thinking outside the box. I'm just making sure anyone thinking of doing it is aware of and has all the variables covered.

 

[billfisher]

Where is our favorite friend to chime in on this topic? I heard he gave up and went FI.

never gave up on anything. i needed better gas mileage. of course the turbo 4v makes more power.

 

[billfisher]

im adding gear this winter. probably 3.40's. see if i can beat that Z06 et numbers.i believe i can.

 

[Winters98GT]

im adding gear this winter. probably 3.40's. see if i can beat that Z06 et numbers.i believe i can.

It's only taken you 4 years. After you realized how slow your 5.4 2v was, you have now changed the game. Good luck.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Keep it civil and banter free, Gents!

 

[billfisher]

i never had a 5.4 2v.

 

[billfisher]

im not sure i can gear or boost mine enough to run faster than the mighty Z. you win. no way a turbo 4.6 4v can run faster than 7.66.

 

[Winters98GT]

im not sure i can gear or boost mine enough to run faster than the mighty Z. you win. no way a turbo 4.6 4v can run faster than 7.66.

You crack me up. You'r comparing a tubular front end/coilover, power steering delete turbo car to my car with 2 mods in full street trim. Haha, you're a funny guy. I get 30-31mpg on the highway, and I will be going much, much faster than 7.66. If you want to compare your race car to my street car on 18 inch tires, then so be it.

Sorry, was that a 5.4 3v NA you had that you could not get out of the mid 8's?

Unlike yourself, I appreciate all cars. My two track buddies actually both have gt500's. Here is Mark's car, same name as myself.
http://www.youtube.com/user/snakeracerx#p/a/u/0/-dt4F4zLI3Y

He has taken me out in the 2 events we have ran in.

One with 900hp(Mark), the other with 1000hp. Full street cars, nothing removed, on the stock 18 inch wheels. Unlike yourself, they seem to not care what car somebody drives, and have a lot more respect for other vehicle owners. To each, their own. Enjoy your car!

 

[billfisher]

you too.