chrisdawg

Hey,

My name is Chris. I have a 2003 Mustang GT 4.6. It has 56k miles on it and everything is stock except for the cold air intake. I have a problem with my mustang and was wanting some advice on how to approach things.

Basically, went to work one day and when I parked the problem started occurring. I noticed that there was quite a bit of steam coming from my hood. I don't know why there was so I opened the hood and checked underneath. I found the leak next to the driver's side aluminum coolant by the intake runners. I noticed that it was leaking slightly so I was able to drive it around to get some pricing.

I went to Ford dealership. They took my convertible somewhere and came back in 15 minutes. They said it was the intake. The intake was cracked and needed to be replaced. I asked them how much and they explained it would be 1000.00. I told them I would think about it and decided to go to my mechanic who I only take to get my oil changed.

This Korean dude, quoted me for 650.00 to get the intake gasket replaced and change some spark plugs.

I wasn't satisfied with either result so I started researching on-line. I researched and found this to be a common problem with the 4.6 L engines. I also read that this is a easy job to do on your own.

I read on here that there are quite a few intake manifolds to use and wasn't sure what to buy. Can someone tell me which one?

- PI intake
- Ford racing: http://www.americanmuscle.com/intake...old.html?lct=s

I also wanted to know if I should change out the throttle body and upper intake to this 96-04 Mustang 4.6L GT BBK 78mm Throttle Intake Body or just use the stock one.

If I buy the Ford racing lower intake and BBK upper intake and throttle body, I might be able to produce more power and have good reliability. Also I wouldn't break the budget of 500 i need for this.

What do you guys think?

Also how easy is this lower intake to be installed? Is there a technical writeup on this at all? I also own a 3000 GT VR-4 that i replaced the engine engine and transmission using on-line technical writeups. Can anyone tell me where this one is?

Thanks!

SeeingRed

I'd either go with the OE replacement (PI) or go with the TFS for the 2v motor.

teej281

I'd suggest the Edelbrock intake manifold over the TFS simply because its cheaper. But OE would work just fine.

smitty2919

if you have no interest to mod the car any crazy amount, just got the OEM PI from american muscle...

as far as the 78mm TB, many see that as overkill for a stock motor. i think it has been said over and over that a 70mm is the best bet for stock motor. MAX i would say a 75mm.

but if you just want to fix your car, just do PI intake and reuse stock TB. then later on upgrade the TB and plenum.

EDIT the one from americna muscle is prett ymuch a OEM replacement for your car. read the descrption:

Perfect for PI Head Swap. This is the same exact production intake manifold used by Ford on the 2001 to 2004 4.6L SOHC 2V V8 GT Mustangs.


its not really a performance intake i dont think, just a replacement

02stang2113

I agree...

chrisdawg

TFS? What does that stand for?

teej281

Trick Flow Specialties

lizzyfan

Stick with the OE, TFS is overkill for a stock setup

chrisdawg

I like to modify the Mustang having a great running stock motor. No offense, but the 3000 GT is my car for modding. I want to put more miles in on the Mustang before I even think about superchargers and stuff for it.

However, I wouldn't mind a little more horsepower, since I'm gonna be taking everything apart, maybe a few more ponies on my wife's car wouldn't be too bad.

How about this setup:

Trick flow: (TFS-K51824070) 269.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFS-K51824070

PI Intake: (M-9424-P46) 194.99
http://www.americanmuscle.com/intake...old.html?lct=s

Total:
464.94


I guess here is my How to:

http://www.americanmuscle.com/pi-intake-install.html

What do you guys think of this setup?

chrisdawg

So there is no real gains?