Hey everybody, let me give you all a background. I'm 16 1/2, and I own a 2001 Mustang GT Vert (5-spd). It's my baby and I plan on sticking with it for a very long time. I was interested in doing some engine work (e.g. cams) and decided that I was going to keep my car stock just so I don't lose money when I go to sell it (i BABY this car). So, I was thinking of starting a summer long project of buying a stock 4.6L 2V, rebuilding that, and then dropping it in a rolling chasis I would later buy when the money is there. Any suggestions? Is this a bad idea? Thanks.

 

That is not a bad idea but, you do want to think this out. What do you want from this new car???? Do you want a car to mod to hell and back??? Track car??? street car???? etc....

I think you can build the engine but, you are going to want someone to help you that has some experience w/ it. I have done one engine w/ the help of my friend who is a mechanic. What are you plans for this new car and what kind of budget are you looking at???
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I'm hoping to make a streetable car, but a mean one at that and by staying N/A. I have a regular part-time job, so this will be a long-term thing. Once the engine is done, I'll beefup a rear-end and then later buy the chassis and put it all in. Nobody I know has experience with this kind of stuff, but my dad is an engineer, and I'm not the dumbest kid either. I have a chiltons manual already, and the internet is an abundant resource for information so I'm not really worried. And on the plus side, since it's not going to be my DD, there is no pressure to get it done or anything like that.

 

The no pressure attitude is a HUGE advantage IMHO. No pressure makes things more fun, easier, less stress, and most times, a better finished product. If you are 16, +1 to you IMHO. I am 22 and havent learned that yet hahahahhahaa.....

As far as your plan, it is a good one. I would still try to find a mechanic to help you. There is some stuff that you will need a mechanics help for. I am not saying you CANT do it, but, it is A LOT easier and less chance of failure or damage. You will want to read up on as much engine stuff as you can. That in itself is a godsend.

In my situation, I was "self taught" for a good portion of my build. My best friend(mechanic) told me that he was amazed at what I knew from reading on MF(+1 to MF), and stuff. I still needed a lot of help but, it was a big help. Good luck.

I would also mention that you will need a good amount of tools too. Torque wrench will be critical. Depending on how much building you will do, you will need more than that too. Basic metric and SAE tools and sockets too. Air would be nice as well as a lift but, not neccessary. I did an engine and tranny swap/rebuild in a barn w/ jack stands. I did have air which was nice too. Again, good luck.
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Yeah, definately! Once/if it gets underway I'm definately going to get all of the required tools. I wish I had a lift, but don't. That's fine though, since I'll be buying the engine itself first, it will be easier.

 

keep the 4.6 as ur "baby" and build a 5.0, easier to do, more options, cheaper, easy to find roller(or already built) foxbodys, and can be made damn quick for a decent price

 

+1

 

with any motor build you decide on, buy a book or look up the measurements your going to have to do to blueprint the build. specing out all the aspects of the motor will tell you the amount of professional machining your going to need for your motor build. i would almost say more that 60 percent of the time when you tear a motor down it is going to need at least one aspect of the build machined. expecially if you purchase an aftermarket block.

 

That's very true, I don't know why that never crossed my mind!

I already have a chiltons if that is what you are referring to, and what is "blueprinting the build"? Sorry for the noob questions, just trying to gather all the information I can.

 

or buy my foxbody. but yea a chiltons isnot what he means, something more specific, they have them at book stores, like "how to build a 5.0" etc or 4.6...

you are going to want to be able to know all the needed clearances, and know of a machine shop somewhere local, because at one point or another theres a good chance itll end up there... i mean after all your gonna want to balance the rotating ***.