Ford Modular Engines

After realizing my major deficit in knowledge about Ford engines, I thought I would start by writing about some Ford engines that I do know about, the Ford Modular Engines.

The Ford modular engine family (at least for performance engines) consists of the 4.6L, the 5.4L, the new 5.0L and the 5.8L in the new GT-500.  The 6.2L in the new Ford trucks is not part of the modular engine family.

The 4.6 and 5.4 members of the Ford modular engine family started out as a 2 valve per cylinder SOHC V8.  The 4.6L was assembled in two different assembly plants, Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Romeo, Michigan.  Parts between the two do not interchange.  I think truck engines were assembled at one, and car engines at the other, but I am not sure.

Its first performance role was in the 1996 Mustang, where it the 4.6L had 215 horse power.  The power of the 4.6L was increased in 1999 with new cylinder heads, camshafts and intake manifold which brought the power up to 260 HP in the Mustang.

In 2005, the 4.6L got 3 valves per cylinder (two intake and one exhaust) and variable camshaft timing for 300 horsepower.  The variable camshaft timing uses oil controlled by solenoids and the engine computer to retard or advance the cam timing to give a broader power band.

In 1999, the Mustang SVT Cobra got a DOHC 32 valve version of the 4.6L.  It was an aluminum block and aluminum heads.  It was rated at 320 horse power, so it was a nice boost from the 260 the regular GT had.  A similar version was used in the 2003 – 2003 Mach 1.  The 2003 -2004 SVT Cobra had a supercharged version with 390 HP.  This one had a cast iron block for durability with the supercharger.

The only performance versions of the 5.4L V8 were in the Ford Lightning pickup and the GT500 Mustang.  Both have a supercharged  5.4L, the GT500 with 32 valves.  The Lightning had 360 horsepower, the GT500 started life with 500, and had increases from there as the years went on.

The newest member is the 5.0L in the Mustang and the F-150.  In the Mustang GT, it makes 412 HP, and in the Boss 302, 444 HP.  It is a DOHC 32 valve V-8 with variable cam timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

In reading about the Ford Modular Engines, the 4.6L and 5.4L are often said to be underpowered compared to their competition.  While this may be true, it seems when they were designed, they weren’t considered to be performance engines.  Having said that, Ford did come out with higher performance versions, and they are also quite durable.

There is also a strong aftermarket support for these engines.  Especially the 2005+ Mustangs with the 3V 4.6L.  From the looking I have done, it seems that a supercharger is the most popular option, and seems to be a bolt on way to get 450+ horsepower in your Mustang.

I don’t know if I would try to swap one of these engines into a classic Ford.  I may consider it with the 32V 4.6L if there is room.  They are a wide engine due to the overhead cams, and the DOHC even more so since there are two cams, but with a turbo or a supercharger and some internal upgrades, the 4.6L DOHC can make some awesome power.

For me, not being a huge fan of Ford muscle cars, I would probably just go with a Mustang that had the 4.6L DOHC and build it up from there, but it would loose the head turning appeal and classic car fun of a classic muscle car.

Unfortunately with three little ones, I don’t think a Mustang is in my near future.  the 1997 Expedition I have currently is a better fit for my needs.  And my finances don’t allow for a just for fun car for me now.  Some day though.


Comments

Ford Modular Engines — 4 Comments

  1. I have a 2001 ford mustan gt with a 4.6 sohc engine .I needed more horse power without getting in the motor internals so i needed to added a K&n filter changed the rear end differintal from 223 to 373 and added a power programer. wow what a difference.by the way this is a automatic trans. the mustang reallaly came to life. what a sleeper.

    • It is amazing what can be done with a few changes. The manufacturers usually leave quite a bit of performance on the table due to the restrictions they have to work under.

      Luckily, we don’t have those same restrictions.

  2. Just an FYI – The 5.4L engine in the 1999-2000 Lightnings had 360 HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.4L engine in the 2001-2004 Lightnings had 380 HP and 450 lb.-ft. of torque.

    Your article states the Lightning had 260 HP.

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