Indy-Vert

My '99 GT vert is at 130k with a hint of knock at cold start-up and acts generally tired all-around. I want to breathe some new life into the motor. Can somebody give me some thoughts? I have a limited budget(don't we all these days?), so getting crazy is out of the question. I want my 260HP/305lb-ft ratings back and then some. I don't want to spend more than $2-3k and have the space/tools to do most rebuild tasks short of machining, et al. What would some of you guys do in this situation? I have access to folks with lots of basic engine building experience, but none with modular V-8's. Should I crate it up and send it somewhere?

stock 4.6L 2V
stock PI heads
AOD Tranny

JC316

If you crate it up and send it out, a basic rebuild will eat most of that budget. At 130K miles, I highly doubt that motor is in need of a rebuild, but a compression test will tell you for sure. A stock automatic GT vert is a dog any way you look at it, odds are that is what you are feeling.

Full exhaust, gears, and a stall converter should wake it up nicely. That or just piece together a supercharger kit.

Indy-Vert

You're right. The car is a relative dog. I do have an upgraded exhaust and a higher stall speed converter in it. Maybe you have a thought there with some taller gears. That may appease me until the noisy rod lets loose. Then I could justify the refresh.

JC316

No need to get sarcastic, that's important info that you left out of the first post. The modular engines are some of the easiest to work on. You can rebuild it yourself, or take it to any good mechanic that you know.

school boy

jc, im surprised that you didn't mention a mark viii swap, that's my suggestion. With proper maintenance, these motors run forever.

JC316

It's a good swap, but honestly, it's better for the NPI, going from a PI gt to the IMRC-less 4V isn't going to feel like much difference.

Indy-Vert

No sarcasm intended. And if you read my post, I did mention a slight hint of "knock". Should have qualified that as possible rod-knock, but your input is valued, nonetheless.

So with that being said, would you simple replace the rod and crank bearings, install new rings and re-assemble? Or would I need to hone cylinders also?

JC316

A hint of a knock at cold start on a modular engine is almost never a rod. It's a timing chain tensioner, a lash adjuster, or piston slap.

Are you certain that it's a rod knock?

4.6L rod knock =


Piston Slap =


Lifters =

Indy-Vert

Never diagnosed it, but sounds more like piston slap than the above example of rod knock.

Thx for the audio-visuals!

blue1966

If you determine you do need to rebuild. You should check into a factory Ford rebuilt from a dealer. Online price for a long block is around 3500, however dealers are a little flexible. I was able to get a long block for a 2000 GT for 2975. By the time you get rings/bearings,pistons and machine work,you could have a full rebuilt motor. Think about it, you'll have a new bottom end but your heads still have 130K on them. PM me if you have any questions..Good Luck