I would, if the budget wasn't a constraint. But if I can pick up a low milage salvage yard 5.8, it will save a ton of money in comparison to buying a 13/14 outright. Besides, I bought my 2007 new and there is an emotional component to refurbishing and updating it (i.e., suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, etc.) -- changes I'd also want to make to any 13/14, if I had the bucks.
Anything wrong with your 5.4?
My horsepower goal is ~700-725 rwhp, preferably achieved at no higher than 6500 rpm. My 2007 has over 100,000 miles on it, so I'm hesitant to stress it to that level. I already have a VMP 2R with a 2.4 inch pulley, a Super Cobra Jet wide oval throttle body, a Cobra Jet 123 mm CAI, a set of Dynatech headers, and a number of other parts that I've purchased over the years, but have been sitting on the shelf, waiting to be installed. Now that I have both the time and (a little) money, my plan is to do a complete update -- suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, engine, drivetrain, interior and paint. The car will spend 90% of its time on the street and the rest autocrossing and HPD events. The 5.8 is attractive, not only for its upgraded performance over the 5.4, but also because it takes 100 lbs off the front of the car.
If the 5.8 you got is out of a track pack car than it doesn't have the coolant passage needed, since it uses an air to air oil cooler and the 07 GT500 oil cooler uses coolant. Not sure if you bought it already, but that's something to look for.
Other than knock sensors the ‘13-14 has cams that help extend power band but your goal is reasonable power from a Gen 2R then you’ll hit that target pretty easily by 6500 and be fine with 5.4 ECU.
Good point. I deleted mine so I have a stock 5.8 cooler assembly if you need it.
Thank you, 2011 gtcs -- I would have missed this if you hadn't pointed it out. No, I haven't purchased the 5.8 yet -- still totaling up the potential cost of buying a salvage 5.8 vs rebuilding my current engine -- perhaps with a 5.8 shortblock.
Thanks, J -- I'll definitely keep that in mind.
Since the car will spend 90% of its time on the street, my plan is to stick with 93 octane -- so I want a tune that's conservative enough that it will minimize the chance of detonation. But I agree, the 5.8 and 2R should give me all the power I'm looking for.
Staying with my 5.4 is certainly something I've thought about. It's not burning oil and has decent compression. But there is currently a 5.8 on Ebay with just over 8K miles that the salvage yard (with an excellent reputation) has confirmed is in good running condition with good compression and is offering it at a reasonable price -- and that was a very tempting option. My interest in the 5.8 is not just the power increase, but the fact that the aluminum block takes 100 lbs of the front end of the car -- something that's very appealing for a car that will be regularly autocrossed and entered in HPD events. However, I've decided that a better option is to get a 5.8 shortblock from JDM and have the heads done at MHS -- more expensive than the Ebay offering, but with upgraded components and greater reliability. I'll keep the 5.4 until I've finished all the other upgrades and then probably sell it to offset some of the cost of the 5.8. Sorry to hear about the fate of your own car. From the description in your signature, you had a nice ride.
Thank you. It was a nice car and I was very upset when I wrecked it. I have an 18GT that I am in the middle of taking to about 900whp on E, which should be fun but I do miss being a Shelby snob, lol.
