They say it can't be done!

[TA_STANG]

I wanna replace my 2v heads with Mach 1 heads and a Cobra intake to match (or just cobra on both), and I (somehow, and I don't understand it either) have JUST enough for the parts and install, but my mechanic says he's never seen/heard/thought of it. He also says that the timing components would be different and he wouldn't know what to tell me about it

I called ledfords and some jackhole was all "Ford stopped making 4v 4.6 281s in 1997...
He proceeded to say that I'd need to go out and by the 97 Cobra motor, which they happened to have in stock for an unbeatable price

has this been done, and is there any place that I can find the timing components.
I KNOW it can be done, but what gains should I expect?

 

[2000GTdriver]

It can be done but it's not worth the money. There are many extra parts you need besides the heads and intake. Cobra's and Mach's use different pistons with less dish volume so your compression ratio would be too low. You will need new timing chains and front cover. You will need a new engine computer and new valve covers. New throttle body...
With that much money into the swap you would make much more power to put on a blower instead and it would be an easier install. And you would need more parts than I listed to do the head change those are just the obvious ones. If you don't want to do FI think about a stroker kit and ported 2v heads, much easier to do.

 

[TA_STANG]

Thanks man. Is there an aftermarket set of heads that would give me good gains for the money? I could probably have those ported, polished (if needed...why is that needed anyway) and put on for cheaper too

 

[SaleenGT2001]

get a used supercharger. you'll make more power and it will be cheaper in the end

 

[2000GTdriver]

Aftermarket heads have just now become available. I think there is a waiting list to buy them still, don't know anybody who has them. It will be interesting to see how they stack up against CNC ported PI heads for sure. Good luck with your project!

 

[SilverBullet01]

I wonder how much it would cost to have my pi heads ported/polished....Not sure if theres a shop around here that can do it for me or not

 

[SaleenGT2001]

i paid $1200 to get my heads ported

 

[mustangman9812]

Not if you ebay and get 4v heads and valve covers for $110 lol. Next is new timing set intake and misc hoses and stuff. Also when you are building a bottom-end anyway you go ahead and build it for the 4v heads so you get the compression ratio you want then. So if you play your cards right you can do it cheap.

 

[SaleenGT2001]

find me a complete 4V swap for under $1K and i'll buy it tonight!

 

[mustangman9812]

i did ebay. i got heads for $70 "B" heads (I know but better then nothing), valve covers for $40, ect. hoses $300. now all i need is a intake so as of now i am at $410. So it just how you find deals.

The heads are in great shape i have sent them to the machine shop to be cleaned and new valves ect..

 

[SaleenGT2001]

i've been looking at the 04 cobra heads lately

 

[mustangman9812]

Yeh deff cant do that for under $1000. I am just happy with 400-500hp so 4v with "B" Heads, with Blower or spray will suit me.

 

[mogs01gt]

I wanna replace my 2v heads with Mach 1 heads and a Cobra intake to match (or just cobra on both), and I (somehow, and I don't understand it either) have JUST enough for the parts and install, but my mechanic says he's never seen/heard/thought of it. He also says that the timing components would be different and he wouldn't know what to tell me about it
I called ledfords and some jackhole was all "Ford stopped making 4v 4.6 281s in 1997...
He proceeded to say that I'd need to go out and by the 97 Cobra motor, which they happened to have in stock for an unbeatable price
has this been done, and is there any place that I can find the timing components.
I KNOW it can be done, but what gains should I expect?

It can be done but will all the working going into swapping heads, if they arent ported with cams, its not worth it. If you are going to do a head swap, either 2v or 4v, spend the extra money on ported heads and cams.

 

[blubullett]

There are deals out there to be found. There was a complete disasembled teksid shortblock with all machine work done to it, new rings, bearings, manley rods and ross pistons still in the box, 96 four valve heads, used bbk throttle body, and a front cover for sale for 1200. I watched it not sell on ebay about six months ago. I was ready to sell my girlfriend to get it. :damnit: