Differences between SOHC 4.6s

I'm in the middle of converting my fox body to a 4.6, and at the point where I need to find an engine for it. A PI 4.6 out of a mustang is impossible to find around here, but there are plenty of F-150, Crown Vic, town car, and explorer 4.6's. The DOHC 4.6s are all also either way overpriced or in terrible condition. I need to know what all absolutely must be swapped off of one of these non-mustang 2v engines to the mustang version. I already know oil pan, exhaust, flywheel, and possibly intake manifold and oil filter adapter. I've seen some people say the timing cover needs to be swapped. Why would the timing cover need to be swapped?
Also, is it worth it to spend a few hundred more dollars for an aluminum block explorer/mountaineer engine?

The intake manifold is fine unless it had the pre-01 plastic coolant crossover or Non-PI and you wanted to upgrade. Throttle body/plenum will have to be from a mustang.

The 96-99 had a 3 bolt, as opposed to a one bolt tensioner. 3 bolt made it better, but not required for a blower.

There’s a lot of subtle changes Ford made on just Mustangs.

I’d go for the newest Explorer one you can find.


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As long as the donor engine is a PI engine there really isn't any difference between them. The changes made are specific to those vehicles basically due to packaging requirements.

With all that said I would not bother with an NPI engine and a PI engine is probably the minimum I would consider. I would try and hold out for a 4V setup if you can but I understand your frustration as 4V engines in my area are stupid expensive right now as well. Based on some of the adds I've seen I think a lot of people think they are the same as the new 5.0s.

I have to ask, why? A 4.6 is huge. A windsor is not. The best heads in the world on a 4.6 flow like ass. Most windsor heads will out flow them.

Stick with a sbf. If you must swap it at least go coyote.

A 4.6 simply just to be different. I know the 2v is not the best engine choice, but it’ll make more power than the worn out 302 that was in it. The 302 had valvetrain issues and the T-5 had bad synchronizers. I’ve owned a few new edge GT’s before, so I’m quite familiar with the 2v. At least the groundwork will be laid for a coyote swap in the future.
I did end up picking up an 02’ all aluminum Mountaineer 4.6 engine with only 30k miles on it. For those wondering about the differences, the timing cover had to be changed. No way to mount the power steering pump as the mustang oil filter housing is in the way. The intake manifold could work, but the heater hose connector is on the front of the manifold instead of the back like a mustang, so I have a new mustang one coming.
I should have this ready to drop in my car within the next week, then I can start the wiring nightmare.

Well someone just ran 7s in a turbo 2v on here.

Like any engine, at some point they all need work or aftermarket parts.


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Post some pics of the build.

MG0h3 said:

Well someone just ran 7s in a turbo 2v on here.

Like any engine, at some point they all need work or aftermarket parts.


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I think people shy away from the 2v because it doesn't look as cool and wide sitting in the engine bay.

Blkkbgt said:

I think people shy away from the 2v because it doesn't look as cool and wide sitting in the engine bay.

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Or because the heads flow like ass.

Dusten said:

Or because the heads flow like ass.

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And yet you can still make great power with forced induction.

Is that your only argument or are you going to continue to repeat yourself?

I’ll agree that 2v heads don’t flow good at all, but it’s still a very capable engine. A few mustangs ago, I had a stock engine 04 GT’ with a big single turbo that made 500rwhp all day long. I hurt a lot coyote owner feelings with that car...
I’ve been taking a lot of pictures and will definitely start a thread soon with the build!

Blkkbgt said:

And yet you can still make great power with forced induction.

Is that your only argument or are you going to continue to repeat yourself?

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You can. I own one.
You can also make more, easier on a motor with heads that flow.
2v 5.4 good heads all in made 800 with a big kenne bell.

Same truck now has 4v heads. And is making 940 on it's street tune.

Power can be made with a 4.6 and their ass 2v heads

Better, easier power can be made with a 4v, coyote or windsor.