4.6 Reasons the Modular V8 Is an Underrated Engine
Ford retired the old 4.6 modular V8 from service not too long ago, with a little bit of fanfare. It was sad, in a way, to see the motor go away, as it was a stalwart of the their lineup for years, and not just in the Mustang. On the other hand, the modular motor will probably not be remembered as fondly as the legendary 5.0. “Unfair!” I say. Though, it was certainly not as powerful as the 5.0 or as novel as the EcoBoost, there’s no reason for it to be unceremoniously dumped into the scrapyard of history. Here’re a few reasons why.
Easy Bolt On Power
Admittedly, the stock power of the GT is lacking for a motor of that size. Part of the reason is that it’s a 2V, single overhead cam motor. You can’t fix that, but you can get it more air with a larger throttle body. Other fairly simple mods, like swapping in the higher-flow pink fuel injectors from the late model New Edge GTs are also a good idea. It’s also worth noting that the 4.6 is one of the few naturally aspirated motors that actually benefits hugely from an aftermarket tune. The engine runs really rich on the factory tune; leaning it out a bit will yield immediate results. Of course, there are other mods as well. Superchargers, larger exhausts, headers, ported heads — the 4.6 is responsive to all these changes. It’s not a bad engine per se, just… underutilized.
High Mileage For Stock Engines
Should you decide to leave the engine stock, however, they will last practically forever. Remember, this is the same V8 used in the Lincoln Town Car. Hard driving and poor care will shorten its life, like any other car, but decent oil change intervals and semi-regular maintenance should result in a motor that far outlasts the rest of the car. The 4.6 was Ford’s workhorse for a decade. It was built to accommodate a wide range of uses. It’s up to you to decide what it should be.
Highest Mileage 4.6L V8s on Mustang Forums >>
Literally Unlimited Parts
In the case that the 4.6 does have a failing component, there’s a good chance you can find a replacement within arm’s reach. Any junk yard will have something in a fix and every auto store will have that part in stock (if they don’t, it won’t take long). Because of its role in Ford’s lineup as their main V8, they’re absolutely ubiquitous.
Dead Simple Mechanically
It’s a two valve, single-overhead cam V8. The valve train is simple. There’re no superchargers or turbos. No fancy exhaust piping. No complicated vacuum systems. Nothing at all that is complicated or difficult to understand for even the novice car geek. This fact makes it a great platform for newbies without boat loads of cash to spend on a newer, more expensive car. Besides, there’s a wealth of information on the very lively 4.6 Mustang forum even if you do get confused.
Because They Sound Like This…
That SOUND! What’s not to love?!
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