What are the limits of a stock 4.6 block?

[BaconBits]

What are the limits of a stock 4.6 internals?

Being in the "tuner" market for some time now I know there is a limit to your stock internals. I just got a 2002 GT recently and have been doing all kinds of research before and after my purchase. I had a Celica GT previously and did everything I could to make it go faster including nitrous. I soon gave up and bought a Mustang, the car I've always wanted. So once I have it I want to sup it up! From what I have found 400whp with the PROPER tuning be FI or normally aspirated is about the limit for the stock internals. Please tell me your experiences with this kind of power with the stock block, good OR bad. This is all a learning experience – and as my mother told me once: Life gives you the test first and the lesson later. I am still learning…..give me your knowlege.

 

[helty]

from what i understand the stock block is actually quite stout. as you said, its the internals that will quit on you. most aftermarket engine builders use the stock block for their high-power motors. if im not mistaken there are two 4.6 blocks, the winsdor and the romeo. i believe the romeo is the better of the two, which is what you should have. i have an 02 also, and i have the romeo. heres a link to another thread about this subject.
http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=542839&highlight=4.6+block

 

[BaconBits]

Internals is what I meant, not block. Hell I have a strong block, just ask the kid that hit me in the head the a rock in the second grade. I can't really remember his name. Come to think of it, I can't really remember the second grade....

 

[helty]

Please tell me your experiences with this kind of power with the stock block, good OR bad.

sorry, i thought you were asking about the block. ive heard 400 is about the limit with the stock internals.

 

[Tony01GT]

400-450hp, but remember about the drivetrain. your combination is only as strong as your weakest link!

 

[Dingleweed]

Here's a similar thread over at the depot
http://forums.modulardepot.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22776&highlight=internals+limit

 

[02mingreyconv]

You will get alot of different answers to this question my friend. It has been an eternal topic for arguments.

I have seen guys throw a rod with a stock engine and I have seen guys running 450+ rwhp for thousands of miles and still be running strong.

As soon as you start modding a stock engine you will run the risk of breaking something. 400 rwhp seems to be the magical limit that everyone is talking about. I am pushing 417 and still going strong.

A safe tune is always required. I am installing an AF gauge (wideband) to monitor my setup.

If I would have to do it all over again I would definitely have forged my internals. 400 rwhp might seem like alot but when you get used to it you will want more... but with more power comes more risk.

With forged internals on a stock block you should be able to get as much safe power as your power adder is capable of. I guess my winter project will be pulling my engine and start forging.

Joe