How reliable would a 4.6 T-Bird be?

[300bhp/ton]

Thinking of getting 95-97 4.6 T-Bird as a DD, I currently do 110 miles a day so reliability and durability are important.

What are the 4.6 T-Birds like? How many miles can you expect to put on the motor before a rebuild?

Also how does the MPG and reliabilty of the 4.6 compare to the earlier 5.0 T-Birds.

Also I'm I right in thinking the 4.6 was auto only, where as the 5.0 could be had with a manual or auto?

 

[JR Tigerstar]

I've had my '96 as a daily driver since '99 and like it.

Rebuild depends on how well it has been maintained but I've heard of several with over 200K miles.

I get around 21 to 24 mpg on the highway & that is with 3.73 rear gears.

Yes, the 4.6 MN-12s ('89-'97 Cougars & T-birds) were only available with automatic transmissions.
No, the 5.0 MN-12s were not available with manual transmissions.
Only the supercharged '89/'90 Cougars & supercharged '89-'95 T-birds were available with manual transmissions.
You could do a conversion if you wanted.

I would suggest a '96/'97 since they have better cylinder heads, EGR system & transmission.

Check the suspension for worn out parts & ask for documentation of regular transmission service.​

 

[AkronCobra]

I have just under 194k on my daily driver 95. Mileage is low 20s, mostly highway. Runs very well. The 96/97 cars had some good updates but also came with the crappy plastic intake. The auto trans. is kind of a pita in my opinion.

 

[Big Bird 5.4]

I have just under 194k on my daily driver 95. Mileage is low 20s, mostly highway. Runs very well. The 96/97 cars had some good updates but also came with the crappy plastic intake. The auto trans. is kind of a pita in my opinion.

I have 245K on mine, except, I have rebuilt /replaced everything at least once, but the doors, trunklid, and some glass is original... but its getting old, and tho' the steel doesnt age too bad (yep, I know spindles, etc. crystallize) everything is do-able, but takes time , and the darned things have been figgured out pretty well.. BUT! plastic
and rubber parts go south with time and heat, so theres a point in time /miles where considering one as a daily driver is sort of risky... I would say about 200k and 11 years are a combined limit, to expect any kind of reliable daily service... at that point wireing and little palstic parts, and ageing electronics start eating you alive.........

 

[AkronCobra]

Fuel pump went out on me last week and its starting to leak ps fluid. The thing runs strong for what it is, but I may find a replacement if starts being a money pit.

 

[flatblack5.0]

with my 3.27's, a PI motor, and a 2000 GT mustang trans (same as stock, but a better valve body) i see around 25-28 highway mpg. my car was poorly maintained and the headgaskets went at about 130K.