[sixers007h]

Well, following some pro con debates, I have decided that trading in for a gt just isn't going to happen. I have alreadly sunk way to much money into my car and I won't get that money back. I do have plans to spend a pretty penny on the car this coming summer, and I want to get the most possible out of the 4.0. Im almost done with exterior mods, once I pick up a hood scoop and chin spoiler I will be done, and I have plans to get an 8.8 with 3.73 gears, aluminum drive shaft, and a few more suspension mods to be able to handle the power. Now, I need some opinions on major engine modifications. I know my car fairly well, but when it comes down to pulling apart the engine, I am lost. Im fairly certain I will be picking up a set of heads from http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/p...1HeadsCams.pdf, but I am unsure whether I should just get the stage 2+ or wait until I save up a bit more and pick up the stage 3 plus cams. Also, I know install prices will be insane, but does anyone know how insane? Also, I need to go with forged internals before I add a sc. I was looking at the only stroker kit I can find Tom Morana Racing Engines and was needing to know a little more of the advantages and disadvantages. Also what is the difference between the setup offered http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/p...dInternals.pdf

I know this is a loaded question and its a question for the most enlightened minds. Stl, I figured you could help. I also need somewhere to install this. I figured if I just go with heads, I know a few places I would trust locally, but for the stroker/cams, Im not too sure. Any recommendations for anywhere within a few hours of Knoxville. I also considered coming down to Texas, I have an uncle down there, and letting Richard take a look at it. I figured I could also see the beast PLstang drives while Im at it.

Notice* please do not tell me to trade for a gt, its *probably* not going to happen. Also, please don't just tell me to supercharge it. At 45,000 miles, I would blow my engine and I am looking for a lot more power than that. At a later date, I will, but Im *probably* going to do the above first.

[sixers007h]

Also, would it be more cost efficant and safer just to purchase a close to new 4.0 engine and do all the upgrades to it, and then just do an engine swap? Wow, if someone can answer this, I will proclaim you a genious

[Smokey88]

hmmm what a question, now i dont have the stage three heads from supersix but i do have their cam and a bore out of my cylinder heads. its expensinve but i think cost effective. if you are planning all of this what type of HP numbers you looking for? install is going to be expensive depending on who you have to do the install think about 1200 or more cause they have to pull the engine. might be easier to buy a junk 4.0 and build that engine while you keep your engine in your car able to drive around with. make sense? just got off shift. sorry

[GhostStang17]

Hey, Well, although I don't offer any answers to your questions, I thought I'd share some insight from my own experience that might be interesting to you. Aside from my Stang, I own a 79 Camero and I dropped in some Edlebrock Cylinder Heads and it was one of the best choices I could have made. Here's a link to see which if any might be fitting to you. I guess in the end it's all just up to "preference" over performance... Good luck!!

Edelbrock.com - Cylinder Heads - Pro-Port™ Raw & Semi-Finished Heads - Small-Block Ford

[sixers007h]

At first I just wanted to do heads as it is cheaper and will be a nice upgrade, especially in low end hp numbers. My only consern is I will eventually want the cams as well, and that would make me have to buy new heads again. Smokey, I was thinking the same thing as you. I can get an engine with only 10k on it for about a thousand bucks. I could do all the work on it step by step and still have my car to drive. With less miles, it would also last longer. Xchris, if you read this, how much did it cost you to do your engine swap?

[05silverstangv6]

those mods sound sweet. i love to see the results of that setup and if you end it with a super charger that would be alot of HP

[05horse]

i took a s197 GT, kid couldent drive daddies car. and i can hang untill low 3rd gear!

its gonna be tough, good luck

[xchris]

Originally Posted by sixers007h

At first I just wanted to do heads as it is cheaper and will be a nice upgrade, especially in low end hp numbers. My only consern is I will eventually want the cams as well, and that would make me have to buy new heads again. Smokey, I was thinking the same thing as you. I can get an engine with only 10k on it for about a thousand bucks. I could do all the work on it step by step and still have my car to drive. With less miles, it would also last longer. Xchris, if you read this, how much did it cost you to do your engine swap?

ford replaced my engine under warranty for $100

[.boB]

I would contact Super Six. I'd almost bet they could ship you a ready built engine to your specs. It won't be cheap, but it will be easy. It might even be easier than trying to cobble it all together with various shops doing this and that. If you can't do the work yourself, finding a real pro is worth some coin. Especially when you're talking about high performance stuff.

The problem is, a high hp NA motor is a lot differant than FI. You can't really build a high powered street motor, and then add a blower. Things like intakes, cams, and pistons are very differant. Do it all at once, and you'll get a better package.

[sixers007h]

Well Ive spoken with supersix and Tom Morana about their products. I really like the stage 2+ heads from supersix, and considering the engine does not have to be pulled to install, these are a real possibility. Tom Morana's stroker kit is also very nice, and he claims it will add 40+rwhp alone. Im still not sure about the cams however, how will a mostly daily driver handle cams on a v6?

[sixers007h]

Could a mod please move this thread to the 2005+ talk section. I would really like to get some more information about this from some people that have done the upgrades. I am afraid most of the gt guys that have done similar upgrades do not read threads in the v6 section. Thanks.

[sixers007h]

Well after talking to several people, I am almost ready to settle on a final list.

1. Aluminum driveshaft- Shaftmasters
2. 8.8 rear end with 3.73 gears
3. Screamin demon coil and wires
4. 4.0l engine- less then 10k miles
5. Tom Morana 4.3l stroker kit with bored block
6. Super Six Heads

What does everyone think? I am actually gonna do this, but I need opinions on if everyone thinks it will work, how much power, is it worth it, any else needed.

And the biggest question I have yet to solve, should I also pick up cams why I am at it? The car will still be mainly a daily driver, and I am not sure if cams are so good for a dd. Those of you that have upgraded cams, what are your opinions.

Thanks so much for everyone's help, and I just want to get everyone's opinion before I lay down this much cash.

[BULLITT_2008]

go stage three why waste the time with the 2 and if your any type of mech you should be able to do it your self the sixer is very easy to work on

[PLstang]

I think you're on the right track. I would definitely look at going with a second motor. I actually have two 5.4L motors for the blue car. I had the race motor built while I ran the stock one and then swapped it out. I now have a back up if I need it. Which is a good idea if you get into building power. Race motors don't last for ever and need to be freshened more often then a standard motor. I'd also check into some of your local shops. Around here we have three really good shops that build mod motors. That way instead of getting a kit someone puts together you can get what ever you want. Diamond Piston's, Billet rods, etc.

Also don't skip on coating! Have the pistons polydyned. It may save the motor some day when you start pushing big boost. It'll run you maybe $100.00 for the 6. People just forget about it or skip it because it'll probably take an extra week to get it done.

Don't go with Cheap rings. Look into some total seal or hell fire. Again a little more money but worth it!

In regards to the heads I had mine ported by a local guy. I know a lot of guys like different big name shops and that's fine. However, mine were done by a former pro-mod guy, not some computer program or who ever. I'd talk to some of your local guys and see who does good work. I know Kunz is up your way and they are doing our SSO car heads at the moment (they also did Urists heads). The other nice thing about getting with a local guy on the heads is they will help you pick the right cams for the application. If you want to go blown later you want to make sure you have the proper duration and such. He can also make sure you have the right valves, rings, and such for the application.

Get as much local talent as you can to help or get with a shop you can work with. There are a lot of people that advertise parts for our cars. As a rule.....never assume that any of this stuff has been tested. Heck Comp Cams swears that the 03 04 cobra valves and springs work on the Shelby heads.......they don't! I guess what I'm saying is don't assume a big name shop can do better then some of your local shops. Take a trip to the local track and see who's running, who's building the fast cars, talk to some of the owners, they'll be glad to tell you who does their work!

Pm me if I can help in any way.

Hope that helps!

[amustangrocks]

Originally Posted by sixers007h

Well after talking to several people, I am almost ready to settle on a final list.

1. Aluminum driveshaft- Shaftmasters
2. 8.8 rear end with 3.73 gears
3. Screamin demon coil and wires
4. 4.0l engine- less then 10k miles
5. Tom Morana 4.3l stroker kit with bored block
6. Super Six Heads

What does everyone think? I am actually gonna do this, but I need opinions on if everyone thinks it will work, how much power, is it worth it, any else needed.

And the biggest question I have yet to solve, should I also pick up cams why I am at it? The car will still be mainly a daily driver, and I am not sure if cams are so good for a dd. Those of you that have upgraded cams, what are your opinions.

Thanks so much for everyone's help, and I just want to get everyone's opinion before I lay down this much cash.

i spent a yr and went all out and built a 289 from hell. i used it for a daily driver too. if i could afford it, i would do it again. in the end, i lost my ass on it. but i dont regret one second of it, or the money, and after 20+ years, i miss it every day. did that help?