Choose between the 4.6 and the 5.0 for AutoX

bighairyralph · 02-21-2005

I'm thinking about buying a Mustand which will get used for auto cross as well as daily driving. I've pretty much settled on a '94 to '98 as my choice (economics plays a key role). Is there any difference between the performance of the 5.0 and 4.6 or of the car that carries it? I know that the two engines are rated the same as far as power is concerned, on paper - is it actually a fact? Is one much easier to get more power from than the other? Thanks in advance!

GTRaptor · 02-22-2005

For those years i would go with the 5.0s, a bit better low end torque (more displacement).

Mod prices are now almost the same for both, you can up the power on any of them by swapping heads, intake and exhaust.

The modulars do great with PI heads, the 5.0s with AFRs.
The 5.0s can be stroked reliably to 347, the 4.6s are limited to 5 liters (302).

If the car is gonna stay natuarally aspirated the 5.0 has an advantage.

jfranci3 · 04-01-2005

Power is going to be irrelevent given the course length. So your main considerations are going to be weight and maintence costs. The 4.6's are bit heavier and more expensive to play with. If you can go 99+ you'll get more power, better brakes, and 1.5" wider track. (why buy a 96-98 if you are just going to spend another $1000 on a set of heads???)

mandopickr · 10-22-2005

I also think they are in different classes. The 4.6 is FS, and I think the 5.0 would be ES. Of course most modifications move you into Prepared class, and out of stock. The SCCA web site lists which cars are in which class.

tomustang · 12-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by bighairyralph

I'm thinking about buying a Mustand which will get used for auto cross as well as daily driving. I've pretty much settled on a '94 to '98 as my choice (economics plays a key role). Is there any difference between the performance of the 5.0 and 4.6 or of the car that carries it? I know that the two engines are rated the same as far as power is concerned, on paper - is it actually a fact? Is one much easier to get more power from than the other? Thanks in advance!

Simple choice, 94-95 because of the engine and cam location, the 4.6's are too top heavy since they have either SOHC or DOHC. That and If you can, try to look for a 94095 Cobra

GTS 5.7 · 11-13-2006

I know it's an old thread,but I've got an opinion-The 4.6 and 5.0 in a mustang are both a lot of fun to drive.Having both,I can say that the 4.6 power is in the higher RPM range,the 5.0 has more "grunt"-choice depends on your driving habits.My choice is the 5.0--cuz it's got a better low end power and u can make it sound like the old timey muscle cars and rumble along around town-I love that

**countymounty** · 09-04-2007

Parts are cheaper for the 5.0 and you can built a lot more power with available funds and have plenty left for breaks and suspension. They 4.6 lost boost and have better breaks, but boosting is a waste for this type of car.

5.0 all the way