97 GT Needs New Engine...Build Up Advice

97GTSTANG · Aug 16, 2008

Hey Everyone, been a while since i have checked in. My 97GT has a bit over 110K miles and i am looking to rebuild the engine and replace some of the old parts on the car. It currently has PI heads, FRPP headers and SLP Full catback.

My goal is to have at least 400RWHP with no power adders. I will also want a less bumpy ride. I am looking for spend about $4000 for everything. Any suggestions? BTW, my brother works at a ford dealership, he can get parts cost. Not sure if they have anything i might use.

Thanks

blubullett · Aug 16, 2008

Sounds impossible to me. I bet it would cost 4k for a rebuild and that wont give you much more power than you have now. Its going to take some crazy cams, hogged out heads, and lots of compression to get 400 rwhp from a n/a 2v. Why dont you like power adders? I love my blower. Your bbk progressive rate springs are probably one of the softer springs out there so I dont know what to tell you about a less bumpy ride except swap the stock springs back on. Mustangs dont ride like BMWs.

97GTSTANG · Aug 16, 2008

So what will be possible, how about 320-350? Just want something quick and not have to worry about power adders

SRT Handz · Aug 16, 2008

4V swap

2000GTdriver · Aug 16, 2008

Stroke it to 5.0L and port the heads for maximum N/A power. But you would still get more bang for your bucks with a blower.

AntiRice98 · Aug 16, 2008

It's not going to happen without a power adder. Sorry dude. I spent 5k on my PI swap and I only got 330rwhp. Get some cams. upgrade to longtubes, and get those heads P&P.

02nightmaregt · Aug 16, 2008

4K isnt gonna be enough to build a n/a to 400 hp. Now a blower would be about if not less than that and get you around there. Like already stated if you want to stay n/a, than stroke it to 5.0 and cam it. Or you could spray it. The ride quality is always gonna be rough. I mean it's a straight axle car. Look into upgrading the shocks.

BannonJr · Aug 17, 2008

If you can get the parts at cost, thats good, find a builder, tell em what you want, put nice strong parts in, get a nice set of stage II cams or whatever and be on your way...just dont get your hopes up about 400hp in that 2v....you might change your mind about blowers though...

FineLineMtrsprts · Aug 17, 2008

Getting the parts at cost...not many ford parts you could use to make extra power besides a cobra crank for a forged bottom end or unless you plan on buying a Aluminator longblock..but thats more than 4k. He can get you all the gaskets you need if that helps. Find NICE used 5.4 2v throw in some cams and ported heads and a tune,long tubes and the supporting swap needs and call it a day. That can be done for under 4k then sell your 4.6 to make a lil cash back.

justinschmidt1 · Aug 17, 2008

If your stuck on N/a I would say 5.4 swap, heads,cams, l/t like fineline said

IMO, you should get a blower...its gonna make more power than you ever will n/a.

97GTSTANG · Aug 19, 2008

Thanks for the advice guys, well the engine has 120K miles. What can i do to make sure the block it self is strong? Can i get the values on the heads changed, port and polish and change pistons? What power adder would you all recommond? I would say 350HP should be good i guess. just want something quick.

Zoie_daGT · Aug 20, 2008

400hp is possible but, you will have to do serious work and drop serious cash on it. I think nitrous will be the cheapest followed by FI to get 400hp. If you are dropping to 320-350ish( I kinda got that idea from later posts), I think you can do it NA. You will still have to work the entire engine. I would check on buying an entire shortblock to swap in there. You might be able to sell your engine if it is running okay for a few hundred. That should help to offset the cost a bit.

TGJ · Aug 20, 2008

With a 5.0L Stroker or a 5.4L, you WILL NOT achieve 400 RWHP N/A even with the best 2V parts out there. They will achieve more low end power but will make less high RPM power than a similar N/A 4.6L 2V. This is a PROVEN FACT in which I am not going to debate it further.

KenB achieved 383 RWHP with a race built 4.6L 2V.

Now I am not saying you can't achieve 400 RWHP N/A with a 2V because it was done with a 5.0L Big-Bore 2V, it achieved around 440 RWHP and is a race engine.

If you really want 400 RWHP N/A and be streetable this is what you need as a starting point.

5.0L Big-Bore block;
Big-Bore Flat-Top pistons with FRPP SVO 2V heads, this will net around 11.0:1 Compression ratio;
You want these heads P&P;
Long Tube Headers;
At least a P&P Bullitt or P&P FRPP SVO Intake;
A good N/A cam.

A streetable setup like I mentioned above is going to cost around $10,000.00.

rfedd · Aug 21, 2008

Several companies, like Fox Lake, make Stage II cams and heads that with the parts you already have, a good tune should make close to 330-340. Good Eagle rods and Mahle pistons should go in. That way if you ever decide to got N2O or S/C you're set. That would get you up around 490-500, but then expect to install a new clutch and some other traction devices to get it to the ground.

98COBRA281 · Aug 21, 2008

listen to TGJ, he has one bad ass npi

Ryan441 · Aug 21, 2008

i would get mark8 pistons w/ the pi head will put it around 11 or 11.2:1 compression. do the heads and intake manifold. there is a article about a 4.6 carb w/ the eddlebrock manifold on it. made 396 at the crank im sure with the extra attmosphere should add 20 or 30hp its in hot rod

98COBRA281 · Aug 22, 2008

Ryan441 said:
i would get mark8 pistons w/ the pi head will put it around 11 or 11.2:1 compression. do the heads and intake manifold. there is a article about a 4.6 carb w/ the eddlebrock manifold on it. made 396 at the crank im sure with the extra attmosphere should add 20 or 30hp its in hot rod

mark 8 pistons will raise compression? how much would it raise the comp on a npi head car?

rfedd · Aug 22, 2008

If memory serves, NPI were 9.2 and PI were 9.5. Not a major difference.

Ryan441 · Aug 22, 2008

on a npi it should put it at about 10:1 maybe a little more like 10.2:1

98COBRA281 · Aug 22, 2008

Ryan441 said:
on a npi it should put it at about 10:1 maybe a little more like 10.2:1

will any 4v piston bring it up the same, like pistons from a 96-98 cobra? and is everthing else the same like the wrist pin & rings?

97 GT Needs New Engine...Build Up Advice

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