Engine Build threads??? Baddest engine combos? What would you build?

[FordFanStan]

I have searched and I only found a little info from GermanBoy, HarleyDealer and Ken@Revan.

As far as companies/builders, who are the top places more specific with GT500 builds? Evolution? Any others I can deal with?

I have a new project I'll be putting together sometime soon. I am very familiar with the 5.4 2v's and all of it's different engine combinations available, but I want to hear some more detailed info about the 5.4 4v's (GT500 specifically) and their top ends.

Mainly I want to hear about the head and cam combos and anything to do with the top end. Head port work, better intercooler solutions, better lower intakes/port work, etc.

Let's not talk pricing, lets talk performance. Of course there is a budget, but I am not going to skimp on this build, so let's pretend there is no limit on it; how would you build it???

Who would you have port the heads? What cams would you run and why?


For reference: Aluminum bottom-end, approx 9.5:1 c/r, and it will utilize one of the available GT500 Twin Screws.

Many thanks in advance, FFS

 

[GreggsSVT]

Why not just follow the specs on the super snake it makes proven power and Ford stand behind it imop.

 

[FordFanStan]

Do you know where I can find the detailed specs on it?

I have GT500 and GT heads available, but the GT500 setup will be cheaper for me and would probably still do everything I want out of it. I could probably do the GT head setup, but I have to use the GT500 intake do to using a stock ECU from another application and only being able to control 1 injector per cylinder, unlike the GT intake. FFS

 

[HARLEYDEALER]

Why not just follow the specs on the super snake it makes proven power and Ford stand behind it imop.

I thought he wanted to build a engine, with stronger internals, a SS is a stock motor with upgraded blower, no big deal. Bill

 

[FordFanStan]

Yes I AM building an engine. I thought the SS was stock 5.4 spec, but wasn't sure when he said that.

I already have the bottom end: SHM Alumi block, Crower billet crank, CP pistons, Crower billet I-beams, AP rings (probably) and custom bearings. I actually have a couple different bottom end combinations available since I could never decide when ordering parts and kept ordering different combos lol.

So now I want to go with either a GT500 or a GT/GT500 combo top-end for it.

I understand a lot of the built guys utilize the GT heads, but I am unsure why over the GT500 heads? And if the GT500 intake will work with the GT heads?

 

[black03]

I have searched and I only found a little info from GermanBoy, HarleyDealer and Ken@Revan.

As far as companies/builders, who are the top places more specific with GT500 builds? Evolution? Any others I can deal with?

I have a new project I'll be putting together sometime soon. I am very familiar with the 5.4 2v's and all of it's different engine combinations available, but I want to hear some more detailed info about the 5.4 4v's (GT500 specifically) and their top ends.

Mainly I want to hear about the head and cam combos and anything to do with the top end. Head port work, better intercooler solutions, better lower intakes/port work, etc.

Let's not talk pricing, lets talk performance. Of course there is a budget, but I am not going to skimp on this build, so let's pretend there is no limit on it; how would you build it???

Who would you have port the heads? What cams would you run and why?


For reference: Aluminum bottom-end, approx 9.5:1 c/r, and it will utilize one of the available GT500 Twin Screws.

Many thanks in advance, FFS

Stan,
Here's what our engine consists of.
Built by Al Papitto- Ford GT Aluminum Block, Manley I-Beams, Custom CP Pistons/Rings, ARP Hardware, Custom Heads by Chris@Champion Racing Heads, Custom cams ground by Comp spec'd by Al Papitto, Bronze valve guides, stainless valves, high lift springs and retainers.

We have stock compression and stock bore.

For the heads I highly recommend Chris Starnes at Champion Racing to do the work. He does an amazing job and is a pleasure to do business with.

Speak to you soon bro and be sure to keep us updated on your build.

Jared

 

[FordFanStan]

Thanks Jared, that's the kind of info I'm looking for. I've spoke with Kris Starnes a handful of times and I know Al uses him for almost all his headwork, and I know Al and Kris both do great work. IMO I think they are sort of the Accufab of the East Coast if you will, which I dealt Accufab already many a time so I will probably use some of their products and services, however this gives me options and that is what I'm looking for.

And since you're in here right now Jared lol... this leads me to the subject of my Polished 3.4 I got from you a few months back... still has the stickers and it will be going for sale so I can hopefully still have enough after the 4v swap I can purchase something different from you. Hopefully next time I will actually use it haha.

Thanks for the info Jared and talk to you soon, Stan

 

[blkGT500nCA]

I understand a lot of the built guys utilize the GT heads, but I am unsure why over the GT500 heads? And if the GT500 intake will work with the GT heads?

Aren't they the same heads.

 

[FordFanStan]

I thought they were too, as I could have sworn I seen the infamous "GT" cast into the side of the GT500 head, meaning the same casting, but when I was helping a friend/engine builder build 5.4 4v with the GT heads, the GT500 valve covers would not fit. And vice versa. After that I asked on FordGTforum to see if they knew and they claimed they were not. I also think FRPP has different part numbers IIRC. FFS

 

[meaty mac]

I've been toying with the idea of selling my collection and building a killer setup also. I was thinking a destroked AL 5.4 with one hell of a single hairdryer. We'll see.

 

[meaty mac]

I already have the bottom end: SHM Alumi block

If that's the block made by World Products, that's a wicked peice. 6L of displacement :bowdown:

 

[blkGT500nCA]

I thought they were too, as I could have sworn I seen the infamous "GT" cast into the side of the GT500 head, meaning the same casting, but when I was helping a friend/engine builder build 5.4 4v with the GT heads, the GT500 valve covers would not fit. And vice versa. After that I asked on FordGTforum to see if they knew and they claimed they were not. I also think FRPP has different part numbers IIRC. FFS

Learn something new everyday. :beer: I've seen the "GT" casting too, that why I asked.

 

[Ry_Trapp0]

GT500 heads = GT heads = 2000 cobra R heads, all nearly identical. now, if someone was able to get ahold of a cobra R intake, add a set of twins, that would be one trick engine! good luck finding that cobra R intake though, lol.

 

[rdsnk46]

I bought a short block from Ford Racing w/upgraded rods and pistons, I will be testing it soon. All other parts are stock. Ford Racing says they havent seen one break yet so that's really good news to me.

I'm looking for bottom 9's but I plan on running 93 oct. and 18 psi. to start, hope to be in the 9's will that combo. Then after the summer when the weather turns I'll turn it up! Unless I go big fuel and corn which I have been tossing around for a while.

 

[German Boy]

They are also from the same aluminum?
My GT heads were cast in a sand mold, that is, small series.

Ralf

GT500 heads = GT heads = 2000 cobra R heads, all nearly identical. now, if someone was able to get ahold of a cobra R intake, add a set of twins, that would be one trick engine! good luck finding that cobra R intake though, lol.

 

[FordFanStan]

GT500 heads = GT heads = 2000 cobra R heads, all nearly identical. now, if someone was able to get ahold of a cobra R intake, add a set of twins, that would be one trick engine! good luck finding that cobra R intake though, lol.

I think nearly is the keyword. They are similar, but they are not the same. I know the valve covers won't even swap around. The way the cam gears are positioned is different (they sit higher in the GT heads) and will not let the GT500 cam covers work the GT heads. I'm wondering what else I didn't notice that is different? There must be a reason some of the top builders are using GT heads instead of GT500, right?

 

[rdsnk46]

I think nearly is the keyword. They are similar, but they are not the same. I know the valve covers won't even swap around. The way the cam gears are positioned is different (they sit higher in the GT heads) and will not let the GT500 cam covers work the GT heads. I'm wondering what else I didn't notice that is different? There must be a reason some of the top builders are using GT heads instead of GT500, right?

Most likely it's the valves that are in the GT heads that most desire over GT500 heads.

 

[Illtaketwlight]

Hey Stan, Here's some info on the difference. I believe its just a small difference on the end of the head. To make them fit in the Mustang.
Mustang Heaven - 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Powertrain

 

[FordFanStan]

Awesome thank you for that. That exactly what I'm looking for. Now I wonder if the valves themselves are different materials or different sizes? It sounds like there isn't that much difference, and I think I can probably stick with the GT500 heads that will allow me to save some cash, however I will probably get them worked over by Kris Starnes or another modular head guru. Thanks again, FFS

 

[Ry_Trapp0]

They are also from the same aluminum?
My GT heads were cast in a sand mold, that is, small series.

Ralf

i'm not sure if they were cast in the same molds or use the same aluminum alloy, but they are identical in design.

I think nearly is the keyword. They are similar, but they are not the same. I know the valve covers won't even swap around. The way the cam gears are positioned is different (they sit higher in the GT heads) and will not let the GT500 cam covers work the GT heads. I'm wondering what else I didn't notice that is different? There must be a reason some of the top builders are using GT heads instead of GT500, right?

everything i've heard says that the heads are absolutely identicle besides minor runner/combustion chamber changes made to the GT/GT500 heads compared to the cobra R heads. the GT and GT500 heads are supposed to be exactly the same.