Heads,Pistons,Rods...oh my!

[fromadig91]

I am lacking quite a bit of knowledge when it comes to heads,pistons and rods. I was brainstorming today and came up with an idea and it seems feasible, but you guys can be the judge of that

04 Mach 1, has 95,000 Miles

Step 1 - purchase the vehicle

Step 2 - replace heads, pistons, and rods (crank should be covered due to it being a stick and having the same crank as the cobras, right?)

Step 3 - Vortech or a KB

I really gotta crunch some numbers to see if this idea is at all feasible, I figure if I rebuild the engine the mileage really doesn't matter and the body on the Mach is in amazing condition

Basically what I am asking is what am I looking at when i'm searching for Heads, Pistons, and Rods? Building the engine around boost, and lots of it, I know I will want a low compression ratio but thats about as far as my knowledge extends in this area. Any feed back is greatly appreciated

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Keep the heads stock, they are awesome heads. My guess is you'll need 11cc manleys for 9.1:1 or 18cc's for 8.5:1 which is pretty low compression - you'll lose a little power over the 9.1:1 - but will be ale to run more boost with pump gas. Then some forged h-beams. Will need stuff like ARP headstuds and mainstuds and main+rod bearings as well - they add up.

 

[Smokeurhonda]

+1

 

[crazystang25]

18cc would be better. 8.5:1 compression will work better for the boost. look on kb's website they explain it really well.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

18cc would be better. 8.5:1 compression will work better for the boost. look on kb's website they explain it really well.

Better for high boost, it depends on what your goals are.

 

[darkside03gt]

If you plan on running a vortech or other type of centri blower you will want at least 9.1:1 compression. If you go with a KB I wouldnt go below 8.5 unless you are shooting for the moon so to speak on your hp goal.

Check out modmaxracing.com for parts. they have good deals on manley pistons and rods.

 

[fromadig91]

Just trying to build a solid engine, reliability is huge for me, and I figure if I build it for more then i'm actually going to be running it will stay solid for a long time.

Thanks for the link

 

[fromadig91]

That link is AMAZING, exactly what I was looking for, I was trying to crunch figures and am still a bit shady on some things but they lay it all down for you right there, they even have kits for the rotating assembly !

 

[darkside03gt]

Yeah they have really good deals and are substantially cheaper then anyone else I have found on the net especially on manley products. some places like mmr charge 699 for the same pistons

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Just trying to build a solid engine, reliability is huge for me, and I figure if I build it for more then i'm actually going to be running it will stay solid for a long time.

Thanks for the link

How long we talking about? As long as you have a safe tune, you may want to look into some mahle pistons. Harder material and runs close piston wall clearances so great for an engine looking for another 150k miles. But the hardness means they are more brittle, detonation can cause the 2nd ring landing to collapse. Not that they are fragile though, they are stock in the 03 cobra.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

What horsepower levels are you looing for here? You do realize you'll be capable of running into the 425-450hp range without swapping over the intenals, right?

Even at something as low as 5psi with the Kenne Bell will net you great results considering the added compression and high flow heads.

 

[Smokeurhonda]

By the way, you should have the heads checked out while the motor is apart apart. The valve guides like to wear out.

 

[fromadig91]

What horsepower levels are you looing for here? You do realize you'll be capable of running into the 425-450hp range without swapping over the intenals, right?

Even at something as low as 5psi with the Kenne Bell will net you great results considering the added compression and high flow heads.

I realize this, but, I plan on doing 500+ without question. The whole idea of buying the mach with high miles was to save a good chunk of change and then apply that $$$ towards the rebuild.

If I went the Mach route, over a GT. I would more then likely lean towards the Vortech. That shaker is just to badass I also figure its easier to stay out of boost with a Vortech and it will be less stress on the engine overall. Regardless of which route of FI I take I want the motor to be as solid and reliable as possible

Ill keep that in mind Smokeurhonda

 

[billfisher]

those heads rule. 04 is the *****.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I'm quite sure you can keep the shaker functional with the Kenne Bell as well?

 

[the98stang]

Modular Mustang Racing

Building the engine isn't much cheaper than just buying the SB ....

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Modular Mustang Racing

Building the engine isn't much cheaper than just buying the SB ....

Actually, it's more expensive when you factor in bearings and assembly labor.
Unless you source the parts yourself.