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  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

How Strong Are These Motors?

  • Thread starter Thread starter arena314
  • Start date Start date Aug 11, 2016
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 11, 2016
#1
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #1
how strong of a motor is the 2v 4.6? not under boost or anything just stock internals with lots of bolt ons how strong are the motors and how many miles have people put on them with ease? I hear there very strong but some say they like to spin bearings is this true? I also heard it's not uncommon for these engines to go 250-300k or more. let's just say if they are well maintained new oil and Motorcraft filter every 3k miles and normal maintenance

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squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
2,271
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Joplin, Missouri
Aug 11, 2016
#2
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #2
They are strong. There is a reason cabs and police depts used them for so long.

We spray a 150+k npi motor with n2o. It's seen well over 200 bottles and the passes associated 5-6 per bottle lol. It still fires right up and runs high 11s.
 
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 11, 2016
#3
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #3
on the stock bottom with over 150k?

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squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
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Joplin, Missouri
Aug 11, 2016
#4
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #4
Yep. Stock 98 short block. Freshened pi heads, hi tech cams, and pi intake were installed 5 or so years ago and we've been gagging it ever since.

We've shattered the trans and rear but the engine is still clicking!
 
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 11, 2016
#5
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #5
that's impressive. mine runs great it's a 96 block with pi heads cams and intake with bolt ons. it runs great but the only issue I've been having is when the engine is running for 20 minutes or so and I'm idling at a light for awhile when start off she let's out some blue smoke. Im running 5w20 synthetic blend. what do you think I should start running that's a little thicker?

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A

arena314

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Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 11, 2016
#6
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #6
I'm thinking 5w30 high mileage will clear stop the smoke a little?

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Dark04GT

10 Year Member
Apr 27, 2008
758
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NC
Aug 11, 2016
#7
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #7
2v's love boost as well. Strong motor for sure.
 

Mr. Rustypwnz

Advanced Member
Jun 1, 2005
1,761
63
69
indianapolis/ valdosta ga
Aug 11, 2016
#8
  • Aug 11, 2016
  • #8
Strong? Eh, 450rwhp and a good tune will go for years. Anything over that and you will most likely have a rod punch a hole in the block.
 
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 12, 2016
#9
  • Aug 12, 2016
  • #9
450rwhp is a good number on the stock internals

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35thGTLimited

Active Member
Mar 10, 2007
48
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The Pocono's
Aug 14, 2016
#10
  • Aug 14, 2016
  • #10
I've had 3, one I sold at 125k miles, another I sold at 160k miles, and my current car is 94k miles. None ever had any issues from the heads on down. Sometimes ya gotta do a IAC, or a EGR valve, little stuff like that. These things can take real abuse and just run strong. You use good oil, change it when you should, do regular maintenance, you're golden.
 
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 17, 2016
#11
  • Aug 17, 2016
  • #11
do you think the thicker oil will stop the burning a little bit?

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squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
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Aug 18, 2016
#12
  • Aug 18, 2016
  • #12
I would not due to the bearing tolerances. These cars are notorious for valve seal issues, esp if they don't get driven a ton. Usually running good oil and doing a few frequent changes will solve a lot of the issues.
 
A

arena314

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Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 18, 2016
#13
  • Aug 18, 2016
  • #13
I was thinking 5w30 high mileage

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A

arena314

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Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 18, 2016
#14
  • Aug 18, 2016
  • #14
I know I can't go to think bc the 4.6 has very tight tolerances

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trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
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Canada
Aug 20, 2016
#15
  • Aug 20, 2016
  • #15
I don't think the 4.6 SOHC motor runs particularly tight tolerances. The 5W20 spec from the factory comes from directives to reduce pumping losses to improve fuel economy for CAFE fleet numbers.

The 5.4L mod in the GT500 uses 5W50.

I run Rotella T6 5W40 in my GT. I also run it in my Subaru STi because that engine's rod bearings are suspect (anecdotally at least) and susceptible to spinning; T6's superior shear resistance supposedly helps. This is primarily a diesel oil (though has SM API rating) and doesn't have energy-saving/friction-reducing additives (it can even be used in wet-clutch applications like motorcycles; I've used it in my 800cc sport bike too...) and I believe it has higher-than-average ZDDP.

Anyway, the 4.6 is a tough motor but you have to respect the hypereutectic pistons and skinny powdered rods. Anything more than 450rwHP on the stock block is asking for it...
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Aug 20, 2016
#16
  • Aug 20, 2016
  • #16
The 4.6L 2V will last forever with bolt ons and will handle moderate levels of squeeze from a power adder pretty well.

Rods and pistons are the weak link. The block and crank (even the cast ones) will take pretty much anything you'll throw at them at street power levels.

The early Mod motors get a bad wrap, but they're good, reliable engine, that has the ability to make good power if done right. You won't be rewarded with N/A bolt ons like you will with an OHV Windsor, so ifyou want it to perform, skip the small stuff and go straight to a power adder.
 
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
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Aug 20, 2016
#17
  • Aug 20, 2016
  • #17
so I'll be safe running 5w30?

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trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
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Aug 21, 2016
#18
  • Aug 21, 2016
  • #18
Yep.
 
A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
125
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Aug 21, 2016
#19
  • Aug 21, 2016
  • #19
ok cool that's what I'll be running then

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A

arena314

Active Member
Sep 15, 2015
125
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Aug 25, 2016
#20
  • Aug 25, 2016
  • #20
I picked up some conventional pennzoil 5w30 high mileage for the stang and a Motorcraft filter I'll do the change Sunday and see how it works

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