2001 Mustang Gt 600whp?

Hello,
I am new to the forum, so if this is the wrong location please let me know and I will move the question!
I have a 01 Mustang 4.6 that I have had as my weekend car ever since I lost the GTO. I am now looking to start getting into building it to at least 600whp. I am pretty mechanically inclined and work as a mechanic for Ford but still learning all the engines as far as what they can handle. I currently unfortunately have a auto (car was free) so I will probably be swapping the tranny, ecu out eventually and switching to a manual.

Anyways, back on topic. Should I stick with the 4.6 SOHC motor or swap it out for something with a little more pep? Im not quite sure on what the engine block can handle power wise as I know the 302 loves the dreaded split at 500 crank. So would my best bet be to swap entirely the motor or build off what I have with internals, heads etc? My current starting money right now is sitting at $4500-$5000 untill I save up some more from side jobs.

Update: Have been doing lots of research, mainly into swaps and not the building of the motor. I see a few 5.4 swaps from the junk yards. Looks like lot of work for only tq gains. What are thoughts on a 3v VVT swap and then building that up?

Nightfire said:

Well, here is what you're going to need to hit 600

1. Forced induction
2. Forged rotating assembly (the only factory Ford motors capable of this are the 03-04 Cobra 4V's, GT500 and Coyote motors)
3. Fuel - you're going to need a completely overhauled fuel system from front to back

Unless you're swapping a complete 03-04 4V, GT500, or Coyote....stay with the 2V.

I built my old 2V with Manley forged rods/pistons, ARP hardware, stock crank, with stg 2 PI heads (stock cams) for about as much as it would cost you to do the above-mentioned motor swaps. With my Procharger D1 @ 18psi I made 532rwhp through an auto. My fuel at the time consisted of an Aviator 310lph pump, Lethal wiring upgrade, KB BAP, and 60lb injectors.

Just build the 2V

Click to expand...

Could defiantly go this route. Motor has 190k on it, so a rebuild with forged parts is a no brainer haha. You went camless? After I owned my cammed GTO I could never go back. The sound is amazing and unmatched. One of the guys I work with is pushing over 800whp in his same year and motor mustang with a fatty turbo. I will have to follow up with him on what he swapped. But as far as it goes, would the 4R70 tranny that comes stock handle this kind of power or do I need to upgrade it?