Come on in and follow along as we build a TFS headed 5.4 SOHC engine!>>>>
We wanted to do a online build-up of a recent race engine for one of our customers. The customers goal for the 5.4 was 470-500 RWHP. We figured we would share the build up with the modular community and show what it takes to build an engine of this Caliber . Follow with us as we complete the final assembly on this TFS headed engine. Some areas we go into deeper than other so if you have any questions please let us know. This build is not intended to be instructional but more as just a rough outline of what goes into assembling a Modular Longblock, if you have any in depth questions feel free to call or ask us here!
The Build up is based on a 5.4 forged MMR shortblock and TFS heads.
The Block begins with machining and decking to insure that the cylinders are square to the block, after the machining process the assembly begins:
The block is moved to the stand where all of the oil gallies and passages are cleaned with compressed air.
Once this is done we begin the assembly by placing the Clevite Main bearings into the block and adding Royal Purple synthetic assembly lube to the bearing surfaces.
Once the bearings are lubricated we carefully lower the balanced crankshaft into place and install the ARP main studs and caps.
We can now check for adequate thrust clearance by adding a dial indicator to the block and measure for/aft movement.
Below you can see the ARP main stud kit installed with the main caps in place.
Next the tech sets the gap on the Speed Pro file fit rings , The rings are filed for each cylinder and then installed onto the Manley Forged Pistons
The Pistons and rods are assembled next using a light coating of assembly lube.
The pistons are now ready to be installed, a good quality ring compressor such as the ARP tool is recommended to prevent chipping rings or other piston damage, a light coat of
Wd-40 is perfect to help the piston slide out of the tool and is also helpful for a fast ring seating upon initial start-up.
We repeat the last step for all 8 cylinders turning the crankshaft through after each piston is installed to verify smooth operation and correct tolerances (rod side clearance)
With all eight pistons installed and the rods torqued to spec we can now concentrate on the top end of the build
The ARP head studs, dowels and gaskets are installed next in preparation for the heads
Prior to installing the heads we give them 1 final wipe down with brake cleaner on the deck surface to remove any grease or oil that may prevent them from sealing
The Heads are installed on the new 5.4 Forged MMR shortblock and torqued to the manufacturers spec using ARP moly lube on the threads.
The picture below is a great shot of the new beefy TFS cam cap hardware, this helps eliminate unwanted flex in the valve train that can be power robbing!
Next we lubricate the cam journals and install the MMR custom N/A Camshafts and Billet cam spacers. New factory lifters and followers were used for this build-up.
Next we install the MMR Street/Race Oil pump and prepare to install the front timing components.
The gears, guides, tensioners and chains are installed and degreed per the cam card to verify opening and closing valve events. This is done using a degree wheel, a MMR solid lifter and a dial indicator.
Below we test fit the Moroso Sheetmetal valve covers. For those interested in this head/valve cover combo some clearancing is required.
Last but not least we top of the engine with a MMR port Matched Edelbrock intake and Port Matched 4.6 to 5.4 adapters.
This application will also use the MMR Adapter that allows the stock style plenums to be bolted on to the edelbrock intake.
Hope everyone enjoyed the build up, the final assembly on this build from the start to finish as shown involved over 14 hrs total labor and involved two different MMR employees. Some of the steps were not shown and we may go back in and add them if questions are asked regarding anything specific. Next is the installation and dyno test! Stay tuned!
____________________________________ www.modularmustangracing.com 1-877-MOD-POWR
Precision Engineered Modular Engines and Components, First & Fastest S197 Mustang in the 7's-7.88@182, TKO 5 speed Record holder-8.99@154 w/MMR Pro Trans 900......2010 GT500 Pro/Outlaw Racecar-coming soon....Watch the MMR Video "MMR Changes the meaning of Pony Car"- MM&FF Magazine Oct. 08'
What kind of luck have you guys had with that intake? I tried a short runner manifold on my 2v with a procharger and it actually lost power... I suppose it would work great on a high revving motor...
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Neil Goodin
03' DSG cobra coupe - Currently under the knife
03' procharged GT (sold to girl)
06' ninja 636 speedydyno.com
for damn sure when i go built you guys will get my money.
I know different builders have had a piston slap type sound/issue on the built units and considering it normal. Do you guys keep close enough tolerances to guarantee no slap when cold?
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6# Motoblue lower, TR-6's, Accufab Single blade TB, C&L elbow, APS sheetmetal Plenum, Magnum Powers Blower, Chickenears Cool-Aid, Custom Dynomax catback, DMP VB, Custom SCT X3 tune by Rick at ATS Interested in Oakleys on the cheap PM me
for damn sure when i go built you guys will get my money.
I know different builders have had a piston slap type sound/issue on the built units and considering it normal. Do you guys keep close enough tolerances to guarantee no slap when cold?
Yes, piston slap is NOT acceptable and NO MMR engine would ever leave our facility with the wrong PTW clearances to allow for this to happen- GUARANTEED!
Cool buildup. Do you port TF heads? Do you recommend a custom ground cam with the new heads or will the existing off the shelf sticks work? If you want to start another head specific thread that's good with me.
Yes, piston slap is NOT acceptable and NO MMR engine would ever leave our facility with the wrong PTW clearances to allow for this to happen- GUARANTEED!
Well for sure once i got the scratch ill be picking up a long block from ya guys
Wow, this was an awesome write-up... I left e-mail for Phil requesting a quote on two different set-ups... hope to hear from you guys soon as I'm looking to do a motor swap this winter... Nice job!
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Whipple 2.3, 3.375 upper, 4 lb lower, LFP 90mm Idlers and bracket, BA2400, TR6s, 60 lbers, 255 pumps, OBX longtubes to Bassani cat-back, FTVB, 4x4 pan, LFP DS safety loop, LFP T-bars, Belltech hangers, Groundforce 2" shackles, Belltech c-notch, Adjustable QA1's (rear only), DJM upper and lower control arms with one coil cut off stock spring, Rotorpros dimpled and slotted rotors, 99-00 wheels painted black by Silviebolt, Nitto DRs, Lunar boost, fuel pressure, and trans temp, AEM wideband, Cervinis rear spoiler, HIDs, BgStew overlay badges
Very nice build up....I have your MMR 900 long block and Im very pleased with it. I pushed out 524hp with my new setup. Im sure my stock short block wouldnt last that long with that kind of power.
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2003 Sonic Blue Ford Lightning SVT#2942 Built on April 1st 2003
2003 InfraRed Ford Focus SVT
"MODS"
Lightning - MMR 900 Long Block, COMP CAMS Stage II Cams, K&N CAI, SCT BA2400 MaF, Accufab Polished TB, C&L plenum, Magnum Powers Blower, Home Ported Midplate, Siemen DEKA 60 lb Injectors, Walbro 255 Fuel Pumps, 2.7 Upper 8lb lower pulleys, NGK TR6s, DMR Oil Seperator, DMR EGR Delete, LFP Deuce 100mm Idlers, Boost Bypass, True Forged Intercooler Resy, OBX LongTubes, Catless Mids, OBX Catback, DMP Valvebody, Circle D 2600 Converter, LFP Long T-Bars, T/A Performance Rear Girdle Wheels Painted By ME, Baer Rotors, EBC Pads, ISO removed with DJM Controls Arms, Belltech Hangers and Shackles w/ '02 Rear Leaf Springs, Competition Engineering DS Safety Loop, SS BLK Chrome Speedgrilles, 6000K HIDs, Fog Light Mod, VIS Cobra R CF Hood, LEDs Everywhere, Lightning Floor Mats from Chickenears, Gaylord Tonneau w/ Cervinis TG Spoiler, BedRug, LUND Rollpan, Clear Red LED Taillights
Focus - K&N FIPK, Custom exhaust,CFM Short Throw Shifter, Cut rear coils
I've seen Mike's truck in person and that engine sound insane!! After reading and seen this i will have to take a 401k loan to do my truck. What the hell. you only live ones.
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99 black L, # 98 of 4000. Not stock MMR powered...
03 silver vert Terminator Modded slightly
03 black svt focus DD
I'm hearing a lot of talk that the valve springs in the TFS heads are not much better than stock springs. This was tested by another vendor on another site, and I'm hearing that for a SC motor such as ours, TF themselves have even said the springs should be upgraded to 120lb springs. Any info on this?
When I called Trickflow...they guy recommended to me to upgrade them for a blown motor...He did say they were working on a different set of springs for our type of setup but as far as I know they haven't been released.
I'm hearing a lot of talk that the valve springs in the TFS heads are not much better than stock springs. This was tested by another vendor on another site, and I'm hearing that for a SC motor such as ours, TF themselves have even said the springs should be upgraded to 120lb springs. Any info on this?
The springs that come std. in the TFS heads are 90 lbs psi at valve closed, this is more than sufficient for most blower motors up to 25 psi , in fact we used the comp 90psi Springs on what has now known to be the worlds fastest 2V mustang , heres a pic below of the car:
The springs that come std. in the TFS heads are 90 lbs psi at valve closed, this is more than sufficient for most blower motors up to 25 psi , in fact we used the comp 90psi Springs on what has now known to be the worlds fastest 2V mustang , heres a pic below of the car:
They have a track version they are about to push out after the Sema show with 125lb springs.
They have a track version they are about to push out after the Sema show with 125lb springs.
I just ordered mine Friday, they only had 2 pair in stock at the time. They were shipped Friday, and I have tracking numbers for them already, with the 125# springs
Wheels Painted By ME, Baer Rotors, EBC Pads, ISO removed with DJM Controls Arms, Belltech Hangers and Shackles w/ '02 Rear Leaf Springs, Competition Engineering DS Safety Loop, SS BLK Chrome Speedgrilles, 6000K HIDs, Fog Light Mod, VIS Cobra R CF Hood, LEDs Everywhere, Lightning Floor Mats from Chickenears, Gaylord Tonneau w/ Cervinis TG Spoiler, BedRug, LUND Rollpan, Clear Red LED Taillights
MMR powered...
Linear Mode
