4.6 2V Rebuild - Need some input

[MEANMCHN]

Hey Guys,

So, I'm in the process of collecting things for an upcoming rebuild. I'm currently using the car mainly at the track (road course, not drag) and have been running the stock 4.6 2V with a Vortech V2 SQ for quite a few years with no problems.

I like the SC setup, it's great, but was thinking of going with a 5.0 stroker. Does anyone know roughly what I'm looking at roughly HP wise for a 5.0 stroker 2V with cams/heads/etc/etc?

However, there are lots of options, switch to the 03-04 cobra engine and trans for ~$9,000, rebuild the old one which I'm thinking is going to probably cost close to the same, or go a completely different route.

I currently make a safe amount of power but would like more obviously, every car that shows up at the track lately has 600HP, luckily the drivers aren't typically up to it, but when they are it's tough to keep up. I'd like to go for the 600HP mark.

Thoughts?

[ZR]

What car is it going in?

[MEANMCHN]

My 99 GT

[Intmdtr]

Although not impossible to make 600hp in a 2v, that's a lot of power and really have to push the revs up to get there. With the 5.0 stroker and the trick flow heads and matching cams you will be pretty close to those #'s probably even exceed them with a good tune.

[MEANMCHN]

So with a stroker kit being in the $3,000 range, heads and cams also being that range and assembly/machining (no I can't or wouldn't ever try to tackle something like that myself) would it be better to build up the block I currently have or switch to an 03-04 Cobra motor/tranny, or something else?

[ZR]

You'd need 03/04 drivetrain + Whipple or similar to get into that power level (assuming you mean at the tire h/p). Downside to a big h/p blower car on the road course, controlling engine / blower temps.

[99chromegt]

Subscribing..... I've got the same questions & ideas floating around in my head too. I have a 99GT and recently upgraded the suspension & brakes. Stage 2 cams, CNC heads, TFS track heat manifold, upgraded MAF, injects with full bolt ons, LTs & xpipe. I've got a dead cylinder and I'm trying to weigh my options. If I need to redo the bottom end I will consider a Stroker kit. My goal is cruising, road course and occasionally a run or two down the drag strip but only want 320-400 RWHP. ( for now lol ) good luck with your process. I will be lurking in the background and following with interest.

[ZR]

If it was mine and road course action is high on the priority level, I'd make it a big inch N/A build hands down. At that point, would be looking to power with a stroked push rod Ford or move over to LS power.

[ZR]

Look here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-04-Corvette-LS1-engine-T-56-6-manual-transmission-Procharger-Complete-600-hp-/371064183835?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5665261c1b&vxp=mtr

[MEANMCHN]

Ya, I was looking at the LSX option, it's a great one for sure, thanks! Any idea on the weight difference between the engines?

[ZR]

Looks like they are pretty much the same give or take a tic.

[MEANMCHN]

So did some more research:

4.6 to 5.0 stroker with stage 2 heads and cams long block, roughly 350 HP N/A is $9300 USD
4.6 4V Cobra engine with T-56, roughly 390HP S/C is $9000USD
6.0 LS2 with T-56, roughly 400HP N/A is $7250 + K-Member setup to make it fit is roughly $2500 USD

I'm thinking the Cobra is the best idea, what do you think?

[Intmdtr]

I don't know, I guess if you are working with a budget sure.....but if I could build an LS2 with more N/A power then an S/C cobra motor I am going LS2.... Just my .02

[WHRDUGO]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181123269603

[WHRDUGO]

Solid engine on that platform

[TurboFox]

You can get ls2 for waaaaay less than that. Ive got one sitting in the corner

[MEANMCHN]

That was with a T-56 too, and they seem to be in the $2,000 range.

[TurboFox]

A T56 is moot. 4.6 or LSx means your gonna be running one....which may need to be built depending on your goals. My friend paid $1500 for his that we put into his '67

Obviously im biased but the pros outweigh the cons for the LS. At least with my fox platform

[MEANMCHN]

Where did you get the LSX and T-56 for that price? I'm definitely interested in that combo, I just don't know much about it.

[TurboFox]

Where did you get the LSX and T-56 for that price? I'm definitely interested in that combo, I just don't know much about it.

Ive got 3. The LS2 came from the states and the two alum 5.3s i have were off kijiji. My friend got his t56 from the states, and im just running a th400.

We just finished putting my friends car together. We are waiting to finish mine and then might go dyno them together.

His combo is an LQ9 6.0 with 243 heads. Fast 92 intake, Tick cam. He has 2k into it. Expecting to put down around 420 rwhp.

Ive got about half of that invested in my alum 5.3 but im running a turbo setup.

The other thing to consider is the ecu. We are both running holley hp efi which is great. My car is an 85 and his is a 67 so no etests. You could run a stock ecu and tune with hp tuners or bring it to champion and have kevin tune it.

Ill be honest and say i dont know if i would do the swap into a newer vehicle because of the potential etest nonsense.

[Speedtospare]

Ive got 3. The LS2 came from the states and the two alum 5.3s i have were off kijiji. My friend got his t56 from the states, and im just running a th400.

We just finished putting my friends car together. We are waiting to finish mine and then might go dyno them together.

His combo is an LQ9 6.0 with 243 heads. Fast 92 intake, Tick cam. He has 2k into it. Expecting to put down around 420 rwhp.

Ive got about half of that invested in my alum 5.3 but im running a turbo setup.

The other thing to consider is the ecu. We are both running holley hp efi which is great. My car is an 85 and his is a 67 so no etests. You could run a stock ecu and tune with hp tuners or bring it to champion and have kevin tune it.

Ill be honest and say i dont know if i would do the swap into a newer vehicle because of the potential etest nonsense.


But half the stuff you bought had issues which you had to fix. The poster may not be as mechanically inclined. Expect to pay 2500-3000 for a good used LS engine. Then you need everything to go with it. Not to mention the harness, k-member, transmission, mounts, and all the BS that comes with engine swaps.

Used cobra engine, and pulley it. You can use all your factory wiring and it drops in. Run the 5 speed until it breaks. If you dont beat it or power shift it should last. I have a non forged Mach 1 engine with cobra eaton at 9 psi making 460/440 to the wheels. Its dead reliable. Only issue I see is that the cobra engine will add 82 lbs to the front end of the car.


Personally I would stick with the 2V. Start with a forged bottom end. stick the stock intake and heads back on it for now. Maybe some new valve springs if its tired. But the blower up to 17 PSI. When more funds become available do the heads and intake. Heads intake cam, blower combo is worth an easy 560 whp. Keep is simple.

[MEANMCHN]

But half the stuff you bought had issues which you had to fix. The poster may not be as mechanically inclined. Expect to pay 2500-3000 for a good used LS engine. Then you need everything to go with it. Not to mention the harness, k-member, transmission, mounts, and all the BS that comes with engine swaps.

Used cobra engine, and pulley it. You can use all your factory wiring and it drops in. Run the 5 speed until it breaks. If you dont beat it or power shift it should last. I have a non forged Mach 1 engine with cobra eaton at 9 psi making 460/440 to the wheels. Its dead reliable. Only issue I see is that the cobra engine will add 82 lbs to the front end of the car.


Personally I would stick with the 2V. Start with a forged bottom end. stick the stock intake and heads back on it for now. Maybe some new valve springs if its tired. But the blower up to 17 PSI. When more funds become available do the heads and intake. Heads intake cam, blower combo is worth an easy 560 whp. Keep is simple.

Ya, I'm honestly just the meat in the seat. I'm mechanically inclined I just don't want/have the time/have the expertise to pull off a full engine swap. If I was to pick up the forged bottom end for the $2500 range what's involved in getting something like that installed?

[TurboFox]

But half the stuff you bought had issues which you had to fix. The poster may not be as mechanically inclined. Expect to pay 2500-3000 for a good used LS engine. Then you need everything to go with it. Not to mention the harness, k-member, transmission, mounts, and all the BS that comes with engine swaps.

Used cobra engine, and pulley it. You can use all your factory wiring and it drops in. Run the 5 speed until it breaks. If you dont beat it or power shift it should last. I have a non forged Mach 1 engine with cobra eaton at 9 psi making 460/440 to the wheels. Its dead reliable. Only issue I see is that the cobra engine will add 82 lbs to the front end of the car.


Personally I would stick with the 2V. Start with a forged bottom end. stick the stock intake and heads back on it for now. Maybe some new valve springs if its tired. But the blower up to 17 PSI. When more funds become available do the heads and intake. Heads intake cam, blower combo is worth an easy 560 whp. Keep is simple.

Between 3 of my closest friends we have had a 4 LS2s, 4 5.3s, 2 6.0s, 2 4.8s. The most anyone paid for a running LS2 was $1900.

My friend got a 2012 4.8 with 7000km on it, with trans all wiring and accessories for $2200 and swapped the whole combo in a 70 C10 last month.

I dont know where you are looking...


But like I said before...I wouldnt do it into a newer chassis.

[MEANMCHN]

Thanks for all the help guys, I appreciate the input.

I'm pretty loyal so I'm going to stay with Ford in my Mustang.

Just ordered the balanced 5.0 stroker kit for my 4.6, all forged with 21cc dish pistons to lower the compression. Going with the twisted wedge heads as well. I'll keep you up to date on the build. It's not going to start this summer unless something breaks.


Between 3 of my closest friends we have had a 4 LS2s, 4 5.3s, 2 6.0s, 2 4.8s. The most anyone paid for a running LS2 was $1900.

My friend got a 2012 4.8 with 7000km on it, with trans all wiring and accessories for $2200 and swapped the whole combo in a 70 C10 last month.

I dont know where you are looking...


But like I said before...I wouldnt do it into a newer chassis.