For the longest time my engine goals have been N/A, increase cubes, and higher compression. Ford has more or less answered those goals in the form of this new 5.0. So the dilemma is, do I trade my 06' GT in for the new '11, and take a hit of $15k+ Or do I just wait for the new 5.0 crate engine that has to come out sometime?

The 4.6 3V, as priced on FRRP is like $6500 fully dressed. I don't see the 5.0 4V to be much different in price, as it'll be nearing the 5.4 Supercharged Crate Engine of $15000. So I'm guessing around $8000 for the 5.0.

Unfortunately, that means I'll have to also either upgrade to the electronic assist steering, or fit a power steering pump on the 5.0 (and I imagine there will be kits available upon release of the crate engine, but we'll see.)

So there it is. Should I upgrade to the 5.0, or should I wait for the crate engine?

 

Personally I would upgrade if you are sure you can afford it, the other option would be to wait to swap the 5.0; that would be interesting.

 

Personally I would do the swap, if you're knowledgeable and know how to do it right. There are complications when it comes to switching out a motor, but I think it would be SWEET to have the looks of an 05-09 and the power of an '11.

Another option you have is getting that 4.6L Eagle Stroker kit, and running the Ford Racing Top End Packages. The package comes with their brand new, highly developed intake manifold, ported heads, Hot Rod cams, Billet 62mm TB, and new valve covers. (Not a performance part but still nice). The kit runs around 3k. Get yourself a good cold air kit, longtube headers, aluminum driveshaft, and upgrade those gears and axles and you'll be good to go!


http://www.steeda.com/products/eagle...ing_masses.php

http://www.fordracingpartsdirect.com...m-fr4-s197.htm
But hey, if you're willing to swap out an entire engine, I say go for it.

 

Nah, I thought of a stroker package but I really don't want the 3V platform. The new 5.0 pretty much has everything I want.

Displacement
High Compression
High Revving
4V

I will probably want some aggressive lopey cams and full bolt ons but it's way too early to know what the 5.0 aftermarket is going to look like.

So with that, I still have my three options. Upgrade to the 2011 GT, and mod it from there. Upgrade my current GT with the new 5.0, or leave my car as it is and don't mod anything any further.

 

One thing you have to consider are the depreciation and resale issues. If you put a new engine in your '06, you'll never see any of that come back to you in resale. While you are spending more up front for the 2011, you'll also have more in resale later. Of course, your very best option would be to be patient for a year and pick up an '11 as a one year old used vehicle. Let someone else take the huge depreciation hit.

 

You also have to ask yourself, what if you bought a 2011 and then two years later Ford decides to up the anti for more hp....will you sell your 2011 and take another hit? Another thing to consider, which body do you prefer?
If you don't plan on selling the car then you won't have to worry about depreciation.

 

I say keep it and throw that crate motor in it.

I've sort of been going through the same thing, wanting to "upgrade" to a GT (most likely a New Edge). But have been realizing that the time and money I feel I've put into my car that it's not worth it. Yes the '11 GT is a completely different animal but I personally don't feel its worth the time and effort to trade when you'll end up losing on mods.

That's why I'm now leaning on keeping my car and continuing to mod it and get it to where I want it and vote for the crate motor

 

If you're young, keep the car. Wait until you can afford daily driver. Purchase daily driver. Garage queen the Mustang. Keep it waxed and dusted. Wait until 100k miles, rebuild engine. Re-garage Mustang. Wait 20 years. Put stock equipment back on. Store vehicle. Wait another 20 years, boom. Cherry Classic Mustang.

 

Wow you think way too long term .

 

lol sure does. But if thats the goal, I'd think the 1st year 5.0 or '14 50th ann. would hold more value than a crate. I guess it all depends on what you've put into your '06 so far...

Here's the way I see it, if the crate 5.0 is gonna run $8-8.5k (obviously more with parts needed/labor if not doing yourself) you may as well just upgrade to the '11 or save like a **** and wait for the '14 50th anniversary edition, that will be a real keeper plus you get all the modern goodies that will be in it as well as a brand spankin new warranty that you're not gonna get with the crate (I know they warranty them for a period, but not as long as you'll get with a new car). By the time the '14 rolls around there will be tons of engine mods out for the 5.0 as well which will be nice.

I'm stickin with my '10 6er and saving for the '14 myself but it's all personal preference.