Hey everyone I am new to the forums here and just picked up a 2003 GT mustang. I previously owned a Srt-4 that but I didnt really like the car. I have always wanted a muscle car and a Mustang was my first choice. The only thing is that i dont really like the 4.6 engine. So my first question is there anyone here who has done an ls1 or lq4 swap into their 1999-2004 Mustang? Or does anyone have any knowledge of what I would need to make that swap successful? Another question is what are other motors I could drop in this car that will make good power N/A? I am thinking between 450-550 hpish. Any help would be very appreciated because I really don't have a clue on what route i should go.

PS please dont bash this thread

Thanks

 

I've seen the LS1 swap done before, and they will make around 450-500 rwhp n/a.

BTW, where in MI are you?

 

I am in Novi

Do you know where i could find more info on that swap? I didnt have much success with the search button

 

Hmm, the easiest and cheapest way to make that power would be a blower. I am sure that dropping an LS1 in would be a bitch and a half. The biggest thing would be the electronics. You would probably have to piggyback a computer to run the engine while keeping your stock computer to work the rest of the stuff.

Personally I would get a 5.4L 4V out of a navigator and slap a blower on it, call it a day.

 

Can you give me some more depth to the 5.4? Will that work with my trans? What type of bolt ons can i put on that motor? Sorry I dont know much about these motors? Will i make good power without A blower? I would eventually like a blower, but not in the near future

 

The 4.6L is a small 281 motor that actually makes some pretty good power for its size. The GT's 2v motor is rated at 260 hp (225 rwhp) and 305 tq. The single biggest problem with the 4.6L SOHC (2v) is the size of the 3.55" pistons. This limits the size of the valves; thus, limiting air flow through the motor. Ford overcame this problem in the Cobra with 4v heads (rated at 320 hp). They also started using 3v heads in the '05 and up Mustangs. These motors are rated at 300 hp.

The LS1 is 5.7L (350 ci) motor with a 3.9" piston. If I recall the F-body motor was rated at 315 hp (approx. 270 rwhp). The comparison between the two is somewhat unfair considering the 25% displacement advantage of the LS1.

The 5.4L motor has the same size pistons as the 4.6L with a longer stroke. The 5.4 2v is rated about the same as your 4.6 (260 hp) but it has about 50 lbs more torque. Neither motor will make 450-550 hp (400-480 rwhp) with bolt ons. A completely built 4v Cobra motor can get reach 400 rwhp but completely built 2v motors can't. They get to about 340-360 rwhp.

Superchargers are the most economical way to make power. An intercooled supercharged 4.6 running 10 psi on a completely stock motor will be near 400 rwhp. This requires minor fuel system upgrades (pump and injectors). Pushing further requires rebuilding the short block and replacing the stock rods and pistons with forged ones. It also requires more fuel system upgrades such as a Cobra tank with dual fuel pumps.

The Ford 5.4L and 4.6 4v swaps are pretty common. 4.6L 3v swaps are less common but are gaining popularity. Stock, all of these motor share basically the same rods and pistons that limit how far you can push the motor. By changing the K-member people are also swapping in older pushrod motors like the Ford 302 and 351. The LS1 swap is not so common. A couple of people have even swapped in the 6.8L V10.

 

I have full access to a shop and everything so I wont be paying labor costs for this. So when it comes down to it what would be the best engine for an all motor monster? I dont want anything with a blower right now.

 

all motor go with 460 swap. there is a thread on this forum, just search for it.

 

OP, why do you have to have 500 hp n/a only? What not from boost? I'm just curious, because this is a much more difficult route to go.

 

Does the 460 have a carb? I ask about all motor because superchargers are expensive and I wont have the money to build a 4.6 and then put a blower on it. I have a shop that helps me with everything for free and they can fabricate stuff. I figured I could do any engine swap cheaper because of the resources I have at this shop. Maybe i am wrong if someone could help me out a little?