Hello everyone,

First off, no I didn't use the search function, and for that I apologize.

I picked up an 02' Towncar recently, and my goals are to build a very comfortable sleeper. I'm not looking to win any drag races or dyno competitions, so keep that in mind.

Up to this point, I've installed a brand new transmission, 4.11 rear, stripped the air ride and replaced with shocks (TONS of body roll with the air ride, as Im sure you all know), new performance tires, and Magnaflow true-dual exhaust (quiet but has a slight growl and rated to about ~300hp).
The car looks 100% stock and isnt loud which is exactly what I am going for.

From here, Im satisfied with the drivetrain and am ready to begin on the motor. It's of course the 281 4.6L (hence why Im here) and am apprehensive to begin ordering parts before knowing what will suit what Im going for. I'm currently thinking heads, cams, and intake, as well as other small bolt ons such as pulleys, etc. I would like to keep the stock bore as I do not want forced induction to be ruled out in the future (though Im sure Ill keep it all motor indefinitely).

What Im looking for here is suggestions as to what exact models of individual parts at a reasonable price that will allow me to net the highest gains. A smooth idle is one of my biggest concerns, though I can live with it being a bit more aggressive if its pertinent to higher gains.

In closing, Im not shooting for any particular numbers and I appreciate your reading and replying to this thread. If pictures are of any interest, I'd be happy to post some. Thanks!

 

Trying to make a 4200lbs car with 3.5" of stroke is going to be a major battle.

Start with a 5.4 swap.

Deep rear gears is the worst thing you can do to a luxury highway cruiser.

 

I actually LOVE the gearing at 4.10. It takes a lot to get her moving. She's not so much a long distance cruiser, as I have a other vehicles for that purpose. This will just be the comfortable grocery getter/lurker.

I have entertained the thought of the 5.4 swap, but decided against it as, again, Im not looking to go wild with this. I dont mind dipping into the current motor, but a swap is pretty much ruled out.

Thanks for your reply.

 

dont swap. thats too much work. a cam will give away that its modified. Im not sure but i think they have the same cam as the cobras. If not get that cam. ppl wont notice that difference. Heads are really expensive and would help but i think the most bang for your buck would be a small wipple or kenne bell blower. As long as your not getting on it, noone will know you have a 400hp monster. If thats too much power then heads could work but would pay almost 2 grand for a good set of heads. and if you dont allready, geta set of headers. Adds alot of torque, will get that 2 ton onster going a little easier. thats a really cool project. Shoot me a personal mesage whem you get it rollling. i wanna see the progress.

 

JD,

I would honestly prefer to do motor work first rather than FI. Main reasons being I may very well be happy with the power after the work, and would then have an all motor car, which I prefer. BUT, if Im not satisfied, I'll have a decent platform to build upon.

Thanks for your reply and interest; I will definitely keep you up to date.

 

I think H/C/I would be the best idea, though I wouldn't get too wild on the cam since as a previous poster said, camming is a dead give away, almost as much as S/C whine. That is almost all you can do with what you are shooting for, that and your typical bolt ons.

The other option would be to buy a Longblock from a site like MMR. That way, if you decide to go F/I later on, you know you have the right platform for it. Nitrous would be a great idea as long as you aren't planning on street racing. I don't know your budget, but I would look into this since they are great for all motor N/A applications.

http://www.modularmustangracing.com/

On a side note, they have some sick vids too.

 

Pony,

I would prefer to stay away from a motor swap, as I feel this 281 will accomplish what Im looking for. No need IMO to make this harder than it has to be.

Youre right about the cams giving it away, hence one of the reasons I went with such a quiet exhaust. Would you happen to have a part number for one that would net a high gain without being to aggressive? Cobra cam was mentioned earlier- are we sure this will be a smooth bolt in?

Forgot to mention Nitrous, but I have the complete setup sitting in the garage already (100 shot, wet). That will be the last thing installed before tuning. And no, will not be used on the street. Drag strip is only 15 minutes from my house, and I plan on running it a bit just for fun.

Thanks!

 

just do the bolt-ons then, ur pullies, cold air, u got the exhaust, and if it is the 4.6 dohc engine from the cobra you could ad some cobra parts wich would easily add another 30-50hp

 

go with nitrous. best bet. such an easy install, and bang for the buck if there ever was one. plus the sleeper status remains intact. just set the purge line somewhere discrete.
you got the gears, and the exhaust. did you get an offroad h-pipe? hopefully that wouldnt make it too loud cause those cats choke a b*tch bad.

 

Nitrous will definitely be installed, but it's not very usable considering it will never be activated on the street.

As far as an H-pipe, not to my knowledge. The shop that did it basically mandrel bent some piping and fabbed it since there is no cat-back manufactured for my car.