It started normally enough. Just a need to go fast all the time,
so a simple 03 Mustang GT was purchased and slightly modded. Little stuff
like big brakes, subframe connectors, seats, etc... All the little mods really
made a drivability difference and exposed the real power deficit that the little
281cid OHC engine suffered from. | | |
Trying to get maximum use of the power that was on tap an independant rear
suspension and bilstein coil overs were added all the way around. The IRS was
a great feeling and decent handling setup but there were shortcomings.
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I wasn't happy with the fragility of the IRS, and after breaking it
severely 3 times I said the heck with it and went back to the 8.8"
solid axle but now with a Maximum Motorsports torque arm and panhard bar.
I decided that it was time for a power upgrade and I initially looked
to N2O. I thought maybe a 4.6 and 125hp of nitrous would be enough. Wrong.
Note to self, there's no such thing as "enough".
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Then it hit me. Why not just drop in a 5.4L? It'll make more power
than the 4.6 and be easier on the motor than nitrous or a blower. So parts began
to accumulate. First intake adapter plates and intakes were collected. | | |
And another intake and all kinds of little intake tract parts, fuel
system parts and some custom roll bar work to seal up loose ends. The car was
finally approaching a state that I could install the tall deck motor. | | |
Then more motor parts, more fuel system parts and a Oil Air Separator of my
own design and construction found their way in to the project. OHC cars aerate a lot
of oil and drink it into the intake. This is bad, so the OAS is a very important
component to keeping the new high compression engine breathing clean pure air.
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3 sets of ported heads and a pair of 5.4L blocks gave me parts to build from
and parts to use for all the mockup work for new parts designs. I would have been
happy with any one of the block/head combos but the extra bits made the ideal pairings
much easier to come by. I added a nice set of Comp cams to make the heads worth it
and we are off to the races. | | |
Porting my HPS Hardball'R intake was intended to shorten the runners
and open up the inlets. After the big stuff a simple port match to the runner
exits for the heads and adapter plates. | | |
Engine completed on the stand and just about to go in. A very exciting time
for a lot of people. The motor went in without any real hassle despite the size
and mounted up just like the 4.6L. The hardest part was really the waiting.
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Engine going in with all the little bits being installed. | | |
Finally got all the parts hooked up and the hood clearanced and it's ALIVE! | | |
Some Pics of the whole car. You'll want to know it for when it runs you down. | | |