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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

4.6 block

  • Thread starter Thread starter pnyxprs96
  • Start date Start date Nov 9, 2008
P

pnyxprs96

New Member
May 25, 2006
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Nov 9, 2008
#1
  • Nov 9, 2008
  • #1
i was wondering how much can the 4.6 2v from 96 to 04 handle hp wise . just the block by its self and how much can a stock full motor handle like the rods and mains ect im sure its been asked sorry
 

mogs01gt

Founding Member
Jul 22, 2002
3,113
30
119
Ohio
Nov 10, 2008
#2
  • Nov 10, 2008
  • #2
The block can handle 1000hp+
 

S351Saleen77

Member
Jun 27, 2002
423
0
16
Washington
Nov 10, 2008
#3
  • Nov 10, 2008
  • #3
I was wondering this same thing also. I have heard stock rods are the weak point.

Looking at a friends 99 S281 that has a Saleen supercharger. I have read where the stock rods are good for about 400rwhp and to stay in the 370rwhp range to be safe. Is this true??

Thanks, Tom
 

mogs01gt

Founding Member
Jul 22, 2002
3,113
30
119
Ohio
Nov 10, 2008
#4
  • Nov 10, 2008
  • #4
with a good tune, the rods are good up to around 425. The tune is the most important part.
 

02nightmaregt

To hell with your Mustang, I want to see your HOG!
Jul 1, 2007
513
4
19
Southern Indiana
Nov 10, 2008
#5
  • Nov 10, 2008
  • #5
+1 the tune needs to be spot on. The blocks can handle a chit load of power, but the internals are another story. They say the rule of thumb is 420-430 with a really good tune.
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Nov 10, 2008
#6
  • Nov 10, 2008
  • #6
The iron block is a pretty stout piece. Even the cast crank is pretty tough if you keep the revs reasonable. The rods and pistons though... The rods have a very thin cross section and the hypereutectic cast pistons are as brittle as kindling. Detonate once under boost and you're more likely than not to break a ring land.
 

the98stang

Active Member
Aug 12, 2005
2,408
0
47
Clovis, CA
Nov 11, 2008
#7
  • Nov 11, 2008
  • #7
trinity_gt said:
The iron block is a pretty stout piece. Even the cast crank is pretty tough if you keep the revs reasonable. The rods and pistons though... The rods have a very thin cross section and the hypereutectic cast pistons are as brittle as kindling. Detonate once under boost and you're more likely than not to break a ring land.
Click to expand...

Block itself can handle around 1000whp. The rods/pistons/bearings can handle around 400-450whp depending on the tune and blower type. Roots blowers are harder on the engine versus centrifugal. Less timing and more boost is safer. Advanced timing/low boost/high AFR is asking for trouble. Usually you want to tune these 4.6 for 11.0 AFR or less (with boost) to prevent detonation and engine failure.
 

S351Saleen77

Member
Jun 27, 2002
423
0
16
Washington
Nov 11, 2008
#8
  • Nov 11, 2008
  • #8
the98stang said:
Block itself can handle around 1000whp. The rods/pistons/bearings can handle around 400-450whp depending on the tune and blower type. Roots blowers are harder on the engine versus centrifugal. Less timing and more boost is safer. Advanced timing/low boost/high AFR is asking for trouble. Usually you want to tune these 4.6 for 11.0 AFR or less (with boost) to prevent detonation and engine failure.
Click to expand...

Thank's for the tip on the AFR!
 
B

blubullett

Member
Jun 22, 2006
535
6
18
Modesto, CA
Nov 11, 2008
#9
  • Nov 11, 2008
  • #9
Lots of people have made 450-475 fine also, im at 419hp with 11.6 afr for the last 25k and havent had any problems. And Im not easy on it. There is a thread from a couple weeks ago about how much a stock bottom end can handle. You should search it. It is pretty educational.
 

the98stang

Active Member
Aug 12, 2005
2,408
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47
Clovis, CA
Nov 12, 2008
#10
  • Nov 12, 2008
  • #10
blubullett said:
Lots of people have made 450-475 fine also, im at 419hp with 11.6 afr for the last 25k and havent had any problems. And Im not easy on it. There is a thread from a couple weeks ago about how much a stock bottom end can handle. You should search it. It is pretty educational.
Click to expand...

There are some "freak" blocks out there. Cody (hotmustang) had a TT stang with over 500whp on the stock block for a while (until it was wrecked). I really think with the right timing/AFR/tune these engines can handle 500 +whp.
 
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