speakerman86

I was debating whether to buy a 5.0 or a 4.6 for my 89 rebuild project. I had an import with an all alluminum block and had problems with gaskets because the alluminum warps when the temp changes. Do ford engines have this issue. Was I just too hard on the engine?

Jglisson

the 2V 4.6 is a cast iron block with aluminum heads. You have to go to the 4V motor to get the full aluminum deal.

redstanger

find a wrecked explorer with the 4.6L. new ones have a aluminum 4.6L block. you can loose up to 50lbs on the front end with it.

96cobra10101

The 96-98 cobra blocks were the best, and they were made in Italy. The next versions were made in the USA and they weren't as good, and noew they are all cast iron.

yoteehunter

The ford v8 blocks are made better than an impot casting, also keep in mind that a cobra block is designed to be run hard and built up. I wouldnt worry about the Aluminium block, even the one from the explorer is a good base.

Fallstar01

The teksid block 96-98 and a few 99s is the one which was imported from italy. That block has been used in many high power applications with great results because it's a better alloy and has stronger ridges in the valley to hold it together. I never hear much about warping with 4.6L aluminum blocks (any of them) so I'd have to say that it's likely a non-issue.
The question is, what kind of power are you looking for? Have you considered a 5.4L?

96cobra10101

Umm, are you saying the blocks cast in the US are better than the Italian blocks? If so you are way wrong. The Teksid block handles over 1100HP. The US blocks don't. In fact the US aluminum blocks crack at about 700HP. The other advantage of aluminum over iron is weight. You shave about 50lbs w/ the aluminum. A newer cobra engine w/ tranny can be bought for about 12K from a reseller. Thats w/ the SC and 6 speed. The older one can be bought for around 4-6K. Thats a NA 4v W/ a 5 speed. Also if you go the route of the 4.6 the ignition is not rotor/cap anymore and you have to go w/ the computer and wiring of the newer stang. I have seen people go modular to pushrod, but not pushrod to modular. Its a lot more work. You could always build a 5.0 stroker, they're nothing to scoff at, and what about a 351 w/ a SC? You wold def have a lethal machine. Tell us what you decide and good luck.

speakerman86

Actually, the reason I was resorting to the 4.6 was because the 5.0 ho hi hard to find and everyone wants too much for it. I'm rebuilding a 1989 mustang and need engine and transmission. Horsepower must be over 200. I have found a 5.4L Triton in a newer f150. What is the best engine to use? THat 4.6 is out of a 1995 cougar, by the way. I don't know if it's iron or alum.

96cobra10101

Its probably aluminum.

speakerman86

When I was looking at the 5.4 I was a little concerned with clearance. The ford trucks always had bigger intakes. The trtin is supposed to push around 235hp, which would deffininitely be do-able. performance parts are a concern aswell. I have only done in-depth research on the 5.0. A lighter car would be faster. What do you guys think would be best?