Reply to "4.6 3 valve install. 2008 gt. Anyone done one?"

I am currently in the process of installing a DeTomaso/Wilkinson homologated 4.6 DOHC in my 1974 DeTomaso Pantera.

In the late 90's and early 2000's Santiago DeTomaso and Steve Wilkinson worked on the project with Ford for the Guara, Bigua (vis Qvale Mangusta) and as a replacement motor for the Pantera.

Earlier this year, Wilkinson's had a few of these complete engine "kits" still available.

My engine has a custom harness and MOTEC engine management system. DeTomaso CARB certification required engine dyno results. The chart indicated 360ish crank hp and torque in the same range. I spoke to Richard Barkley. With his tuned Ford engine management system, during "dyno days" in SoCal, he said he gets over 290 rwhp with about the same torque.

FWIW, All Rear-Wheel Drive 4.6 short blocks are basically the same in mounting geometry. There are differences in the Italian Teksid block, Windsor aluminum blocks and the cast iron blocks, but, as I say, the mounting geometry is the same. Heads, intakes, pistons, cranks, con-rods, accessories etc, varied depending on the engine. The 3-valve SOHC motor will have the same basic 4.6 block albeit in cast iron.

Here are some facts:

1) The inner fenders DO NOT have to be modified if you are installing the engine in 7000 or earlier series cars with appropriate engine mounts. The outer part of the heads need a small amount of material ground off for the DOHC motor but I am not sure if the SOHC 3V will require this - my educated guess is yes.

2) The following modifications to the engine bay are required:
i) Removal of the lower frame rail cross member that runs between the forward lower A-Arm mounts. It is replaced with a removable piece to clear the oil pan
ii) Removal of the coolant recirculating tank bracket mounted on the forward right inner fender apron for engine head clearance.
iii) Optional: Removal of the bracket holding the Emergency Brake cable lever arm and replacement with Dennis Q's (PPC) removable E-brake X-member. Makes installing the engine easier.

Optional: The engine came with a power steering pump. The recommended mod is to delete it by using a smaller belt with altered routing. Personally, I chose to replace the power steering pump with a Power Steering delete kit from KarKraft so I can always use the standard belt.

I plan to do an article on the installation after I complete it.

B.G.