Keep in mind that 4.6 2V's can be made to look very nice if you know what you're doing. The stock PI intake manifold looks terrible, but there are a couple choices such as the Bullitt, Trick Flow, or P-51 manifold that when painted look great. Here's a couple pics of painted 4.6 2V's:
Using the P-51 manifold:
Using the Bullitt manifold (could also use the Trick Flow and it would look similar):
I think your project sounds like an awesome idea. It sure would be unique and cool to be able to open the hood and see one of the engine pics I posted above or a 4.6 4V.
Using the P-51 manifold:
Using the Bullitt manifold (could also use the Trick Flow and it would look similar):
I think your project sounds like an awesome idea. It sure would be unique and cool to be able to open the hood and see one of the engine pics I posted above or a 4.6 4V.
The intake ports look different. The PI heads have a more square appearance, the NPI heads have a teardrop shape to them.
PI heads:
NPI heads:
You can also tell by the shape of the intake manifold. On the PI intake manifold the drivers side front runner is in front of the passenger side front runner, while on the NPI intake the passenger side front runner is in front of the drivers side front runner.
PI intake:
NPI intake:
Yeah, and if you're looking for the show car type finish like the engine shots above, I'd look at getting the Trick Flow intake manifold. Summit sells it for around $800 and IIRC it comes in black, silver, or natural finish.
I'm not looking for a show type finish be cause that would cost a lot of money. I now have a baby to look after and I want to keep contributing to her college fund and our retirement savings so I can't go all out. I would just find a less tall intake manifold from another car if it is possible.
Ok, So I will keep my eye out for a 02-05 Explorer engine and dump the F-150. I trust your guys judgment on this. If anybody sees a good deal let me know!!
jimvsmij@yahoo.com
Does the explorer have a tall intake manifold?? Or, like the F-150, will I have to find something that is shorter and still fits?
jimvsmij@yahoo.com
Does the explorer have a tall intake manifold?? Or, like the F-150, will I have to find something that is shorter and still fits?
IIRC the explorer has the same manifold as the Mustang, just a different TP and plenum.
Keep this in mind as well. You can pull the cam covers, front engine cover, and the intake manifold clean them up and paint them with spray paint... would probably look really nice and wouldn't cost very much money
Keep this in mind as well. You can pull the cam covers, front engine cover, and the intake manifold clean them up and paint them with spray paint... would probably look really nice and wouldn't cost very much money
The cam covers are actually plastic, so regular spray paint would probably work better than powder coat.