Top End Question for an 04' GT

[04torktech]

Alright so heres my dilemma... my Mustang has the basic bolt ons and goodies (long tubes, high flow cats, flowmaster, bigger TB and plenum, CAI, short throw shifter, 3.90 gears, MGW shifter, and a tune). It runs good, sounds good, and is fun but it needs a little more if ya know what I mean.

I have heard some HP is choked up in the heads due to restricted flow and with some larger intake chambers and valves you can get some back. Would it be worth it to get the heads done (a local shop can increase my intake size with larger valves for $500) and put it back together with my stock cams? Also if I were to not change the cams and I mark the position on the cam sprockets and timing chain in multiple locations (both top and bottom) do I need to degree the cams when reinstalling the heads. I will be doing the wrenching (minus the headwork) myself. Thanks

 

[trinity_gt]

Alright so heres my dilemma... my Mustang has the basic bolt ons and goodies (long tubes, high flow cats, flowmaster, bigger TB and plenum, CAI, short throw shifter, 3.90 gears, MGW shifter, and a tune). It runs good, sounds good, and is fun but it needs a little more if ya know what I mean.

So despite your name, you don't have a supercharger on the car?

I have heard some HP is choked up in the heads due to restricted flow and with some larger intake chambers and valves you can get some back. Would it be worth it to get the heads done (a local shop can increase my intake size with larger valves for $500) and put it back together with my stock cams?

IMO, no, not really.

If you want to stay N/A, I would either consider obtaining some heads that have already been worked (e.g. Patriot) or going to Trickflow "twisted-wedge" heads.

The TF parts are extra nice because they make a good effort at unshrouding the valves, something that's an endemic problem for the 4.6 because of its tiny bore size.

Or you could make up for the shortcomings (lack of displacement, head restrictions etc) and get a blower and not even take a valve cover off the engine.

Also if I were to not change the cams and I mark the position on the cam sprockets and timing chain in multiple locations (both top and bottom) do I need to degree the cams when reinstalling the heads. I will be doing the wrenching (minus the headwork) myself. Thanks

Truly degreeing the cams on the 4.6 is more work than most people think. If you're staying with the OE cams, I'd just install them straight-up using the factory timing hallmarks (colored links on the chains, dots on the sprockets etc...)

 

[slayerripkdc]

You want a little more power get some aftermarket cams and call it a day. If you want some nice gains get some trick flows and cams.

 

[04torktech]

Well I was all set up to go the Tork Tech route and put an '03-'04 Eaton M112 on my 2V. I got about 90% of the parts together but being that I am in school for mechanical engineering and currently working I just didn't have the time. There were still a few more parts to track down and modifications to be made and I just didn't have the time. I am planning on selling the parts and buying a new S/C that I can install over a long weekend (keeping my fingers crossed). I was just curious about some N/A work but the general consensus is if you are going to spend the money for the Trick Flow top end kit you should probably just buy a blower.

 

[trinity_gt]

I could be wrong but I think a TF top would come in a couple of grand less than a decent blower setup.

Of course, you're going to be getting a different character of car depending on the route you go. The blower will give you more torque and ultimate horsepower but if you'd prefer (for whatever reason) to stay N/A I don't think you can beat the TF setup.

 

[BurningRubber]

Definitely not worth the time and money to pull the heads apart for that reason and not port them and re-assemble with aftermarket cams.

Nitrous is what ya need, lol. Less expensive than cams and 2-4x the power.

 

[Deleted member 38176]

Leave the heads alone and get cams. With your mods, a pair of cams would easily put you over the 300rwhp mark.....and yes, degreeing is a MUST!

 

[Gearhead91]

I would agree, slap in a set of cams. I did some vt stage 1s a while back. Really woke up the mid range. All that head work wouldn't be worth the benefit. I used to think like you. All motor NA power is the way to go!....I just finished a kenne bell install.