What's the difference in HP between these 2 and how do you tell the differnce

 

Depends on the years of each. The current 4.6L is a SOHC 3V, and makes about the same power as the DOHC from the mid-early 90's.

The DOHC will have larger cam covers.

 

Don't single cams(SOHC) usually make more power than the dual overheads(DOHC)?

 

so I would assume the 96 GT had the DOHC. Also have seen some comments about 2V or 4V whats the difference. 2 valves vs 4 valves per cylinder?

 

4V is in the Cobra's. Makes more power, responds better to mods, and is just an all-around better engine.

 

Also the 4V has extremely better head options right now. Possible to install the GT500 heads ported on to em and such.

Also 4V require more love, one bad setup example is a Bullit friend of mine setup a KenneBell and the tuner had left the stock heads unchecked for some basic stuff, like making sure they sealed properly. And short story revved up, hit Nitrous and the valves where just not opening enough and closing correctly so BOOM by by whole block was screwed...

 

no, DOHC usually make more power. the new 3v is a stout 4.6 though and is similar if not better at making power than the DOHC.

96-98 GTs had a 215hp SOHC 4.6
96-98 Cobra had a 305hp DOHC 4.6
99-04 GT had a 260hp SOHC 4.6
99-01 Cobra had a 320hp DOHC 4.6
03/04 Cobra had a 390hp Supercharged DOHC 4.6
05-07 GT have a 300hp 3v SOHC 4.6

Usually the more valves u have the more power you make, but it's not always the case.

 

OK let me ask this question. I know the 96 came with the 215 HP with the motor code W in the VIN #. Were there any options for the 260 HP emgine in that year? The motor code on mine is an X which indicates the 260 hp bt it only shows up for the 99 and up.

 

I'm not sure why it's saying that. The 260hp 4.6 only came on the 99-04 GTs.

 

No the 260 hp engine is with the PI heads from the 99-04 Gt's
and as far as the messed up VIN # it could be that you are reading it wrong, or somebody built your car out of a bunch of other cars, or W meant something different in 96