4.6 Mustang GT Questions

[Autobodypro_1]

I have been looking at pictures of the 2000-2004 Mustang GT's and the look has grown on me to the point I may sell my '91 and get a newer car. I need to know a few things from owners:
1. do the 4.6's hold up for the long haul? I have seen a lot of Crown Vic's with older mod motors smoking badly.
2. I know I will be dealing with a smaller motor (281 ci), can these motors be made to develop good low end torque like my gt40 5.0 without going to a blower or going broke?
3. Can such a car run in the low 13's?
4. My plans will eventually call for a vortech, how well do these motors handle boost longevity wise?
5.With long timing chains are these engines susceptible to chain stretch problems?
6. What's the best year to buy, performance potential-wise? I don't really want a Cobra
7. Do the newer Mustangs handle any better? I plan on autocrossing in E-SP or C-P class and don't want to get hammered by older stangs or F-bodies too much
Thanks for any info provided. :SNSign:

 

['03GTinFLA]

1) I've got over 50k on mine with no problems. I know others with over 100K and nothing. I don't know of any specific high mileage problems with the 4.6 mod.
2) I have exhaust and intake. Spin through 1st, most of 2nd and a little in 3rd with 275 meat's at the rear and 3:73's.
3) I'm not at track regular but I would have to say yes, but you need the bolt-on goodies, and cams never hurt.
4) I dream of getting blown and the same three things come up 1) it's all in the tune 2) stay under or around 400 rwhp on stock internals 3) whenever your blown your on borrowed time so don't do it unless you have money for a built shortblock. I know 1&2 sound conflicting with #3, but it's just what I've heard.
5) Never heard of that problem. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
6) If you can get a bullit or Mach 1, do that. Otherwise stock GT's I know there are some minor engine differences, just not sure. I would go with the newer the better philosophy.
7) My brother in law has a fox body and I think my '03 handles alot better. But sub-frames make a big difference on my car. Lot's of handling mods can be done. I don't think I would auto-cross with the stock set-up.
I'm no expert it's just my .02. Others will chime in wiht more specific info.

 

[TweekedGT]

[QUOTE='03GTinFLA]1) I've got over 50k on mine with no problems. I know others with over 100K and nothing. I don't know of any specific high mileage problems with the 4.6 mod.
2) I have exhaust and intake. Spin through 1st, most of 2nd and a little in 3rd with 275 meat's at the rear and 3:73's.
3) I'm not at track regular but I would have to say yes, but you need the bolt-on goodies, and cams never hurt.
4) I dream of getting blown and the same three things come up 1) it's all in the tune 2) stay under or around 400 rwhp on stock internals 3) whenever your blown your on borrowed time so don't do it unless you have money for a built shortblock. I know 1&2 sound conflicting with #3, but it's just what I've heard.
5) Never heard of that problem. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
6) If you can get a bullit or Mach 1, do that. Otherwise stock GT's I know there are some minor engine differences, just not sure. I would go with the newer the better philosophy.
7) My brother in law has a fox body and I think my '03 handles alot better. But sub-frames make a big difference on my car. Lot's of handling mods can be done. I don't think I would auto-cross with the stock set-up.
I'm no expert it's just my .02. Others will chime in wiht more specific info. [/QUOTE]

That's a pretty good list.

 

[98blackmagic]

The mod motor is completely diffrent from your old 5.0, some good and some bad, the biggest problem is the price in parts, if you get one you will see what I mean cams, heads, intake, long tubes, are going to be a bunch more than your use to seeing for the old fox. Technology has it advantages too even though it cost more than the old days.