Those of you who have owned 5.0/5.8 and 4.6..

[Hunter-White]

I'm just about to sell the stang as some of you know for a 94-95 and put in a 351. Just curious if there are any of you that have sold your 4.6 and really regret it.

 

[Swarzkopf]

I used to have a 99 GT. I sold it because I was afraid to work on it.

I like my 5.0 better.

 

[loudpedal99]

I had a 94 Tbird with a 4.6 DOHC before my stang; it was a blast and I miss it sometimes, but the torque the 5.0 makes down low is AMAZING. Plus it's way easier to work on, and there's a crap load more room in the stang engine bay. The 5.0 is also CHEAPER; paying $700 for headers and over $1k in cams SUCKS. You'll be happy with the 351

 

[FORCED2DV8]

Had a 99 GT Sold it bought the 95. Never been happier, I figured the amount of money i would have to put in the 4.6 compared to the 5.0 for the same hp was worth it, And it had the returnless fuel system I didnt want to mess with. But the 4.6 cobra engines are real nice, Wouldnt mind having one of those.

 

[5spd GT]

I sold my 4.6L because I didn't like making the payments anymore.

If you look at the 4.6L it is quite simple to work on...just take a look

The headers are the only "real challenge" compared to the 5.0L.

I've seen engine builders actually say the 4.6L is easier to work on once you get past the intake...

Just remember the 99+ 4.6L platform has more than just engine enhancements done to it...everything is better than a stock 5.0L.

 

[Swarzkopf]

I sold my 4.6L because I didn't like making the payments anymore.

If you look at the 4.6L it is quite simple to work on...just take a look

I had one and took plenty of looks. It scared the **** out of me. It's not easy to work on for your average home wrench turner, period.

The headers are the only "real challenge" compared to the 5.0L.

Would you try swapping heads on a 4.6 car? I wouldn't.

I wanted to spray mine and couldn't even get a nitrous kit because of the returnless fuel system.

I've seen engine builders actually say the 4.6L is easier to work on once you get past the intake...

Yeah, I've heard the same thing, not only from engine builders, but from quite a few big horsepower guys...but these are guys with professional grade shops with professional grade tools and equipment, with a skill set far greater than my own.

For guys like me, the 5.0 is easier.

Just remember the 99+ 4.6L platform has more than just engine enhancements done to it...everything is better than a stock 5.0L.

Eh? Care to elaborate? I was under the impression that the chassis and suspesion was the same from 94-04...?

had a 94 Tbird with a 4.6 DOHC

What?

 

[5spd GT]

I had one and took plenty of looks. It scared the **** out of me. It's not easy to work on for your average home wrench turner, period.

Look past the "wires" on top...you will see it is quite simple. Take a picture and go with a buddy. You'll be just fine.

Would you try swapping heads on a 4.6 car? I wouldn't.

Going to this summer...

I wanted to spray mine and couldn't even get a nitrous kit because of the returnless fuel system.

Thats cool, my buddy in his 00 GT just was talking about getting a 100 shot. I guess will be doing that soon as well...

Yeah, I've heard the same thing, not only from engine builders, but from quite a few big horsepower guys...but these are guys with professional grade shops with professional grade tools and equipment, with a skill set far greater than my own.

Well if we can "rebuild" a 5.0L at our current skill level...what about a 4.6L. You seem to contradict yourself there Shawn

For guys like me, the 5.0 is easier.

Thats great.

Eh? Care to elaborate? I was under the impression that the chassis and suspesion was the same from 94-04...?

Sure,

t45 transmission - a bit tougher than the t5.

Starting in 96 - Revised rack and pinion steering system for sharper turn-in and response. 17in. wheel and tire package. new front crossmember that provided more rigidity and strength and also helped revise the suspension geometry for less understeer. The 96 Gt's also got a larger 24mm rear stabilizer bar and revised shock absorber tuning.

Now I have had a 00 GT and a buddy of mine has a 98 gt and a 95 gt. The 00 GT out handled them. The 98 even has steeda arpings.

The 99+'s also have bigger brakes and I'm sure so more was revised in the suspension department from 98-99 if they were from 95-96. I don't know the specifics but I'll look into it if you want

 

[Swarzkopf]

As far as 5.0 vs 4.6, I'm just going to agree to disagree with you as "easy" is a matter of opinion, not fact. Besides, do we really need to beat this dead horse anymore?

Now, as far as "other improvements"...

t45 transmission - a bit tougher than the t5.

Got me there.

Starting in 96 - Revised rack and pinion steering system for sharper turn-in and response.

Really? I couldn't feel a difference between my 99 and my 95. Quite honestly, the steering felt the same.

17in. wheel and tire package.

Eh, I guess. Okay.

new front crossmember that provided more rigidity and strength and also helped revise the suspension geometry for less understeer. The 96 Gt's also got a larger 24mm rear stabilizer bar and revised shock absorber tuning.

Eh. Like I said, I could never tell a difference. Maybe the stock strut tower brace on the 94-95s makes up for the difference?

Now I have had a 00 GT and a buddy of mine has a 98 gt and a 95 gt. The 00 GT out handled them. The 98 even has steeda arpings.

That's great.

The 99+'s also have bigger brakes and I'm sure so more was revised in the suspension department from 98-99 if they were from 95-96. I don't know the specifics but I'll look into it if you want

From what I recall, suspension stuff is sold as "94-04"...I'll dig on my own if I'm bored tommorow.

 

[DougNuts]

The only differences I know about are:

The spindles are a bit wider, adding 8mm to the track on each side.

The rear end is wider by a small amount and the lower control arm bolts are thicker.

The brakes are the same size as ours with dual piston calipers.

The K-member may be a little different, but I think it's to accomidate the 4.6.

 

[5spd GT]

DougNuts - That appears to coincide with my memory. I was just simply saying the 99+'s have a strong base to start with.... Not only in the age of the cars but in others...

Swarzkopf - Now if anybody can beat a dead horse, it's me

Your right suspension is usually sold under those terms...but that doesn't mean everything is the same geometrically. Most of the 94-04 parts are "bolt-ons"...not much into the actual structure. Springs, weld-on subframes, struts. There is little differences...and they add up.

 

[loudpedal99]

had a 94 Tbird with a 4.6 DOHC

What?

It was swapped from a 93 Mark VIII, along with the wire harness, computer, tranny, and driveshaft.

 

[mo_dingo]

EL headers on a mod motor is a royal pita.......forget that noise..