Stangatic

Hello All,
I posted this to the general Tech forum, but didn't receive any response. So I will give it a try here.

I am starting to form ideas for a classic mustang build (67 convertible pro touring/bad a$$ car... and will start a build thread in the classic section). To make a long story short, I am done with the older style engines and want to drop a modular in it.

The budget is not infinite, but my goal would be to hit 650+ rwhp. I was thinking about dropping a 03 - 04 cobra engine in the car, but I would like to be a little different. Haven't seen a turbo charged classic mustang except for the few that are drag race cars, and think that turbocharging is the way to go. I have read in the past that pushing a 03-04 cobra over the 600 rwhp is a little bit of a ticking time bomb. So what's the best route to go?

Do I buy a 03 -04 Mach 1 engine and trans setup and spend the extra cash to build the bottom end or do I buy the cobra engine and trans setup and spend the extra to build the bottom end on that? Or do I buy a new 5.0 boss motor and turbo charge that puppy?

I would love to drop a GT500 (5.4) engine in it, but that would kill the budget elsewhere. I Would like to keep things in the $10,000 - $15,000 range. Cheaper would be better, but would like to reach respectable rwhp.

Thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

uberstang1

10k for a fresh motor build plus the power adder and fuel system to support t is going to be pushing it big time, the 04 cobra swap is gonna be the cheapest way to go and u usually can get the whole setup with a trans for around 9k

Stangatic

I understand that view point 100%. But what has me thinking differently is, for instance, I can buy a 1999 Cobra 4v engine and trans setup on ebay. Engine has 69k miles and the whole thing is selling for $3,999.00. That leaves me $6k for improvements. With $6k can I do all the "improvements" to the engine and trans to get the car over/around 650 rwhp?

Would a stock 03-04 cobra engine be ok with 650 rwhp?

I should have stated in my original posting that my budget does not include the power adder.

trailor

i was always under the impression that 03-04 cobra engines were beefed up enough to easily support well over 600rwhp. forged rods, pistons, and crank, plus a strong iron block.

uberstang1

6k just wontcut ot unless u get all used, the 99 cobra motors only good for 420-450 so that would need to be built so theres an easy 2500 for a shortblock build and all new timing components, then the power adder alone can be 4-6k new then u still need a beef fuel system to support that power

kast1376

As others have said, if you are gonna go used, do it right. Get a 03/04 motor and trans combo. Its gonna be around 8k, but should get you closer to your desired numbers than building a 99 cobra or 03/04 block.

Stangatic

Thanks everyone. I did a lot of research today and realize that going the 03/04 terminator route is the best way to go. I can meet my goal with the turbo, if i got a fuel system to support it and a good tune.

I am going to post another thread on the SVT forum to see what people recommend to do to the engine while it's out of the car.

Thanks!

djoneill

If you're going turbo, you'll probably want an auto behind it. Turbos and autos are like chocolate and peanut butter... of course not everyone likes peanur butter...

Stangatic

I have thought about it, but think I am going to stick with the T56. This car may only see the drag strip once and that's about it. Since it's a convertible and since I will not be running any roll cage, I am pretty sure after one run the track officials will not allow me to run. 650 hp on a 3,000 lb car...... should be pretty quick.

millfire517

My plans are Longtubes, offroad x-pipe, Kenne Bell, and a tune.