• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

300WHP for $3000

  • Thread starter Thread starter Levi.Productions
  • Start date Start date Feb 9, 2020
  • Tags Tags
    $3000 4.6 build n/a supercharger

Levi.Productions

Member
Dec 16, 2019
19
1
13
Alberta
Feb 9, 2020
#1
  • Feb 9, 2020
  • #1
Alright so I have a 1996 Mustang GT that I am looking to mod. So far for power upgrades it only has a cold air intake. The engine has 260,000kms. I've got a budget of $3000 Canadian (2250 for you Americans) and I'm trying to plan out my build for this spring. My main thing at the moment is whether I should go N/A full bolt on OR turbo/supercharger. After reading the famous "supercharger kit for $1500" thread I figure I can track down everything I need within budget. Alternatively I could go turbo, On3 kit is a little on the expensive side but I know there is a twin turbo kit on Ebay for around $1500 (not sure how trusty that setup would be lol)

N/A plan/budget
- SR underdrive pulleys $84
- 4.10 gears and install kit $259
- Stage 2 Comp Cams $595
- Comp Cams Valve Springs $205
- Comp Cams Retainers $51
- Ford Performance Head changing kit (for PI swap) $131
- Bama X4 tuner $399
- BBK 78mm throttle intake $299
- PI heads and intake approx $200 from junkyard
- LT headers and X pipe $300
$2523
This would fully freshen up the engine and give me hopefully around 300whp. Maybe a little under but that's probably not that unrealistic of a goal for all that stuff.

S/C plan/budget
- Oil Drain assembly $55
- Oil Feed assembly $56
- Air inlet $283
- Discharge assembly $251
- Mounting bracket $288
- Vortech head unit approx $1000 ($800 best scenario)
- 255lph fuel pump $99
- 36lb injectors $50
-dynotuning + tuner $700ish
$2682

This setup would probably get me around 350whp? Main concern is how safe will a 260000km engine with a S/c running like 8psi

Turbo is an option but there is so much unknown with the ebay kit and the On3 system with all the extras you need with it winds up being close to $4000.

Thoughts anyone? I personally feel like it would be worth doing some sort of prep and maintenance to the engine before going forced induction. Even just the Pi swap to let her breathe better and maybe a throttle body and gears. Any prices or numbers sound unrealistic here? All input is welcome
 

Adieu

Easy there, this ain't a dating site.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 7, 2002
9,531
5,187
224
Feb 9, 2020
#2
  • Feb 9, 2020
  • #2
Levi.Productions said:
N/A plan/budget
- SR underdrive pulleys $84
- 4.10 gears and install kit $259
- Stage 2 Comp Cams $595
- Comp Cams Valve Springs $205
- Comp Cams Retainers $51
- Ford Performance Head changing kit (for PI swap) $131
- Bama X4 tuner $399
- BBK 78mm throttle intake $299
- PI heads and intake approx $200 from junkyard
- LT headers and X pipe $300
$2523
This would fully freshen up the engine and give me hopefully around 300whp. Maybe a little under but that's probably not that unrealistic of a goal for all that stuff.
Click to expand...
This wouldn't do anything to freshen up the bottom-end of the engine, it'd still have 160,000+ miles on it (converted to freedom units). You can ditch the underdrive pulleys too, they don't do much, and can cause drivability problems. A little Googling show most people ending up in the 250-280rwhp range from a PI swap and bolt-ons, but your mileage may vary.

That said, she's a 2v 4.6. They're a dime-a-dozen in the salvage yard. Feed her boost until you're scared or she pukes a head gasket, shell out $300 and a weekend to stab a junkyard-fresh one from Lincoln, Grand Marquis, or Crown Vic in there and repeat. I wouldn't even worry about the PI swap initially unless you blow up the engine you've got, then grab a PI engine from the aforementioned Crown Vic, Grand Marquis or Lincoln, and carry on. (So yes, my vote, such as it is, would be for the 2nd possibility.)
 
Reactions: Scoothegreat and MattMan02GT
S

Sluggie24

Active Member
Apr 8, 2017
135
22
28
Feb 10, 2020
#3
  • Feb 10, 2020
  • #3
With the milage on the engine you are better off leaving it alone and saving up more until you can re-build/replace the bottom end at the same time as doing performance mods.
 
Reactions: Levi.Productions
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Suggestions on an engine rebuild. Stock cam/GT40Ps or aftermarket on both for a fun weekend driver?
  • MadSquirrelTech
  • Apr 28, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
23
Views
615
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
MadSquirrelTech
351w turbo build.... Turbo guys teach me things...
  • Kid wita 5oh
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
13
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 23, 2025
General karthief
9
Forced Induction Prepping for supercharger on non-stock build
  • 91fox427
  • Nov 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
375
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 5, 2026
Qtrhrse23
Q
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
714
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Saturday at 9:06 AM
gray owl
G
Engine HELP - 351W Based Build Under Stock Hood
  • thinkfaster
  • Oct 17, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
13
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 31, 2025
Qtrhrse23
Q
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?