Vortech with 165,000 miles?

ninetyfourcobra · Mar 6, 2012

Finally got the cash to add some power to my mostly stock 94 cobra. I've been persuaded by another stangnet member to ditch my 306ci swap idea and am instead looking at ford racing's gt40 x heads, a ford racing b303 cam, new head gaskets and head bolts, and a vortech blower kit for 6-8 psi. I've got about 165,000 miles on the engine. Are there any other crucial parts I need to handle the increase in power? The 94 Cobra came with forged pistons, but being almost 20 years old scares me. I don't want to shred this engine! Please share your wisdom!

Hef5.0weisen · Mar 6, 2012

I wouldn't drive a Mustang around Helmand Province......

Do you have another car or is this your daily?.....(you asked for wisdom). Keep in mind, and budget....a way to make all the go fast goodies play nice together (tune/tuner...this can get pricey) You can get away with an FMU for a while, but fuel sytem upgrades should be considered. Again, with a cam....you might need a tune right off, which could negate the FMU entirely.

Another basic point....can you do your own work/have tools/time. I can do my own stuff, have my own tools and access to a complete workshop (military auto hobby shop)...but I don't have time. Heads, cam blah blah sitting collecting dust for past two yrs...something to consider. If you're paying someone to do it....consider that for your budget (then put that against getting your own tools and a Haynes manual, point being you can do most of this yourself)

And,,,again wisdom....what are your plans? Be realistic....everyone wants a 700hp, 80 miles to the gallon, worldclass suspension, stop on a dime, paint showcar worthy car....with a nice stereo. But, most of us don't have that.....close, but not yet. Daily, drag, road race....all thing to consider to wisely spend YOUR cash....

or, save up and get one of those MRAP's if you wanna cruise Helmand....

stay safe, good luck!

ninetyfourcobra · Mar 6, 2012

Great reply, thanks. This car has been my daily driver for 7 years, I don't have unreasonable goals for it. Right now all I want is something that runs smooth and puts at least 350 to the wheels, or enough to rearview those run of the mill turbo Civics. I have the means to do the work myself (I'm a helicopter mechanic) so I know how to bust a knuckle...although I'd be more at home if my 5.0 was a GE turboshaft .

Assuming that after parts are installed my car is at all drivable, I imagine I'll take it down the road for a tune. I know a pretty good shop that's reasonable. The supercharger comes with an FMU and pump, but like you said, I don't know how far it will go when I add a cam and heads.

As far as MRAP's, I think I'll stick to CH-53's. We don't have to deal with roadside bombs.

Thanks for the support, I should be back on American blacktop by September!

99FiveOh · Mar 7, 2012

The 94/95 Cobras still had cast hypereutectic pistons. The last of the forged pistons in 302's came in 92.

If the engine doesn't smoke or knock go ahead and throw the parts at it. As long as you don't get greedy on the HP the motor should live a while.

VibrantRedGT · Mar 7, 2012

If it don't smoke, doesn't leak oil you could easily put a few psi on this car.

My original idea was to get your stock block machined and install the GT40 heads and intake back on that block. Then add the blower.

ProKiller · Mar 7, 2012

do it. just don't put that b-cam in there. its not meant for a blower. if you want to stick with a FRPP cam, either the e or f cam works better.

EDIT: also get head studs not bolts.

revhead347 · Mar 7, 2012

I'd run a compression test for starts. If they are all within 10% and good pressure overall, I would assume the engine is fine. I agree with ProKiller on the cam. There are much better bump sticks out there for less money. I also wouldn't have your heart set of the GT40x heads. They are totally decent, but if you find a better deal on something else, go for it.

Kurt

Vortech with 165,000 miles?

ninetyfourcobra

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Hef5.0weisen

ninetyfourcobra

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99FiveOh

VibrantRedGT

"STANGNET'S PENGUIN SMACKER"

ProKiller

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

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Vortech with 165,000 miles?

ninetyfourcobra

New Member

Hef5.0weisen

ninetyfourcobra

New Member

99FiveOh

VibrantRedGT

"STANGNET'S PENGUIN SMACKER"

ProKiller

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

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