I made the decision to go modular. There are so many different year/block/head combinations, I don't know where to start. I was thinking of the Mach 1 DOHC. But I would like to bump up the HP and Torque to around 400. Has any one researched these options or installed one that can give me advise on what works the best for the Pantera?

resto,

I have no hands on experience "hot rodding" or "swapping" the modular V8s, but I can share a bit of info to get you going.

FRPP is offering a 5.0 liter 400 bhp 4 cam mod motor as a crate motor at $14,995. A 4.6 liter 305 bhp mod motor is offered as a crate motor at only $5,200.

http://www.fordracingparts.com/home/home.asp

A Kenne Bell supercharger is one of the more successful ways to increase the output of these motors, the kits are well engineered, install easily, are compact and look oem.

http://www.kennebell.net

There are ways to boost output through tuning as well, as the 4 cammers are known to be capable of 100 bhp per liter naturally aspirated

Steve Wilkinson (562) 634-3434; and Collectors Choice Ltd (608) 849-9878; are 2 vendors who have experience with mod motor installations.

With the popularity of Mustangs soaring, I'm sure there are engine builders in your area who could share their thoughts on how best to hot rod the cammers as well. I'll offer this one bit of advice: Avoid the engine builders who don't return phone calls or who are reluctant to give you any time discussing your options, because they would treat you the same way as a customer. You don't need that in your life.

I for one would appreciate it if you shared what you learn as your project progresses, perhaps some pics at various stages, etc.

Good luck.

Your friend on the PIBB, George

Mark I'm curious, why do you specify the '03 heads? What factors made you abandon the mod motor?

Your engine bay is "automotive sex" by the way, beautiful.

George

quote:

Originally posted by Mark:

03 head large port heads and great with superchargers.

I can get the same if not more with a 392W engine for power with less money.

Mark - What kind of price are you talking about for a 392? Care to share engine specs and HP predictions?

I'm currently building a 4.6 DOHC engine.
Sean Hyland Motorsports is an excellent source for parts and info.
SHM website

buy his book
4.6L Ford Engines

This book lists all of the differences in parts for all 4.6L variants and states which parts are best.
You don't need the 03 cobra heads, they're not that much better than the 99-02 heads, not anything that a minor port job couldn't exceed. Anyhow, the book states flow numbers and is very informative

The 4.6 is an awesome engine and is a perfect fit for the Pantera!

It is a perfect starting point for a performance build. It doesn't have the short comings of the Cleveland. The Cleveland has a weak block and is just plain old technology. the 4.6 aluminum block from 93 to 99 can be prepped to take as much as 1500 horsepower according to SHM. The newer 00 to 02 blocks are good for apx 900 HP, and the 03 to 04 blocks are Iron and are strong as well. It's easy to get these blocks, heads, and the forged steel crank. I have 2 forged steel cranks and paid apx $250 a piece after shipping.

The biggest weak link for these engines is the connecting rods. The 03 and 04 cobra engine comes stock with Manley H beam rods. You can buy these rods for $500 and they're good for over 700 HP.

Anyhow, don't give up on this engine. It's nothing to be scared of and will be much more rewarding and impressive than an old shrimp boat engine (that should raise some hate and discontent)

Nate

Hey! them's fightin' words.

shrimp boat engine indeed! Huh!

Truthfully Nate, my desire to build up the Cleveland in my Pantera stems from my desire to keep the engine looking oem (modify the innards only) and because I have a garage & den full of Cleveland parts. Plus I know I can achieve the engine I want with it, i.e. reliable, powerful, yet docile & smooth running. I don't expect anyone else to share my decision, and I support whatever path each owner chooses to take. I'm sure a mod motor can be built to provide the same neck snapping powerband a 7 liter Windsor crate motor has.

I would be most interested to read what problems you run into & how you resolve them, more details about your engine as time goes on, photos, what ever you'd be willing to share. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to the mod motors & would love to learn more.

nice name by the way, my oldest son is a Nate.

your youthfully challenged friend on the PIBB, George

Whoa... nice bay, Mark! I can almost hear it...

I agree with George in the 'to each his own' attitude. Variety is what makes our Panteras desirable works of personal art! We're all just taking different avenues to the same destination. It gives each of us something new to learn.

Michael

But Cyboman, would you be as supportive and understanding if someone was asking how best to fit in a Honda motor and to fitt 22" wheels and tires?? How about if they ask how to install one of those hydraulic suspensions that make the car jump up and down???

You got me there, DeTom! I doubt I would be, but it certainly would be interesting to see the finished project! I'm sure it may even open the Pantera door to a whole new generation of tuners. I, however, am not part of that generation.

Michael