400HP 2V N/A....Going back to my roots....

Foxtrot245 said:

Well put. I’m younger without as much disposable income so exploring natural aspiration would be easier on the wallet for me. Not to say I’m against supercharging. I have done research that some forced induction would be much appreciated 10,000ft+ above sea level due to less air density. Though most American roads and interstates aren’t that high as far as I know. Some articles like this one https://www.garrettmotion.com/news/...at-elevation-counteracting-lower-air-density/ note around 3% engine power loss per 1,000ft. I’m planning to cruise most states and I’m sure I’ll encounter some steep mountain grades so my hand might be forced consider light boost on my Windsor. I’m not a fan of the whine so I’ll have to find the right supercharger. Centrifugal, roots, and twin screws have their quirks in where the power is delivered boosting where a N/A engine is more responsive like you’ve noted when pressing that pedal. I’ve also noted there aren’t a plethora of options when it comes to supercharging Windsor engines compared to Modular since that was more of a Modular engine thing.

My previous project car was a 1983 Firebird that I swapped a carbureted 305 SBC and TH350C. It was fun but the 3 speed wasn’t great for gas, and the 305 wouldn’t be economical to mod because of the small bores. The Fuel Injected 302 Windsor and overdrive on the T-5 are much better on the wallet haha. That 5.3 Ford Performance Modular Stroker looks like an awesome platform to build a N/A beast. Just wish it didn’t cost so much. I was also interested in 4.6l 2V engines because the exhaust note is the closest I’ve seen on videos to a old school SBF which was a noteable consideration for me.

I think it’s cool the Windsor and Modular 4.6 2V engines have the same firing order which probably contributes heavily to the great exhaust note since they are both 16 valve engines. I prefer the modular 2v exhaust note over the 4v and I’m sure it’s due to being the same number of valves as a Windsor. It’s interesting you noted the aftermarket probably directed their head technology to 281 Modular engine displacement. I did not consider that since it would make it harder for bored out and stroked Modulars to find good aftermarket heads for that wouldn’t need work on your end to get working optimally.

As for building a Modular engine I’ll get my hands on a 4.6 2v and rebuild one eventually. My only experience are with old school OHV pushrods. The ford EECV system allows you to see the missfires on the Modular which would be nice. I’ve been learning about the EECIV on my 95GT currently. I find it hard to find knowledgeable people out in the wild in 2023 that understand these engines. Rare to see a Windsor ,more specifically a complete 5.0 H.O., these days end up in the junkyard. Still can find 4.6 2v in the yards but those days will come to an end too. My only way to interact with people who know these things are through forums. I think you would find people interested in a youtube channel for building 4.6s.

I read in the SA 4.6 rebuild book 96-98 4.6 2vs are the wasted spark ignition system and the 99-04 are coil on. So I’ll try to get a 99+ 4.6 from the yard since it doesn’t wear out the spark plugs as much. The 4.6 I would want to build would preferably have the power band to make as much power in the lower rpms.

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