NotStok

So since my motor's burning oil at a pretty good rate and i'm pretty sure it's a ring, it's being pulled. While it's out to be re-ringed and all, i'd really like to do some work.

What game plan do you guys recommend with about $4k to play with? I'd really like a budget forged bottom end and blower setup, considering I can piece together a Vortech used for around $2k. I'm also looking at MMR's 5.0 stroker motor, then perhaps a pretty big shot of juice after the season starts back up in the spring.

Obviously the work will be done by me and a friend in my garage, so labor costs are extremely minimal, other than probably a couple headaches. What are my rod/piston options that I can put in my motor?

98redstang

i would definalty go with forged internals and than go blown. I pretty sure forged kits are around like 1300 or 1200k.

NotStok

I definitely plan on forging, though probably only going with pistons and rods, considering my crank is already forged from the factory. I don't really see the need to replace it.

98redstang

oh true i didnt know that. Yea that'd be pointless than.

czwalga00gt

Forged rods/pistons new rings. Piece together a used S/C kit. That 4k won't go very far, keep in mind you'll need a tune, new MAF, etc. You'll probably want to swap out those 4.30's also.

mustangman02232

you need cams

Sxynerd

CMS Cams are SEX!

86_GT_Mustang

5.4L Do it

jlg32281

I thought the Mach's didn't have a forged crank, but I'm probably wrong. MMR sells a great forged rotating assembly for a great price, give them a call, but I'm pretty sure a rotating assembly w/ out the crank is around $1200 from MMR. You don't need cams, the cams you have are great cams. If I were you, I would forge it and get a head job. That should take you pretty close to your budget, the small things you'll run into add up. Such as a new timing assembly, gaskets, etc. Then start saving and go with your choice of a power adder down the road since you'll have a engine that can take it. Nitrous is always the best bang for the buck, and turbo is the most efficient.

myslow2002gt

Have a good, reputable machine shop take care of the block polish your stock steel crank and balance the rotating assembly. I suggest Diamond Pistons, Modmax/Manley rods and Total seal rings.

Your stock heads do not need to be ported at all. A quality valve job on the 03/04 heads will make them really shine and produce more power than you will ever need.

As for the cams, a simple and cheap upgrade would be a set of 96-98 Cobra cams. The stock 03/04 cams have 10* less duration. You have no need to spend $1000+ on a set of aftermarket cams, as you can make 600+rwhp with the stock topend.