'96 4.6 hp ??

lrrs168 · 11-19-2000, 12:03 AM

I know the '96 was 215hp stock, what was the torque? Can anyone estimate what a Borla Cat-back system, K&N and remove the snorkel would be good for hp's and torque?
Is 15-20 hp's an ignorant overestimate?
Thanks in advance,
Rich

T_Bone · 11-19-2000, 12:48 AM

I believe the torque was 205lb/ft. Not sure though. As far as the 15-20 estimate, yes that is an over-estimate. I would say 5-10hp, maybe...
I had a '96GT and did some mods. Here is the order I would recommend...
1st-Gears(3.73's 5-spd, or 4.10's Auto)
2nd-H or X pipe, off-road if possible
3rd-Pulleys

The K&N and silencer are cheap and common 1st mods, before the ones listed above. I just named the first three that I think are worth the money and made the most noticeable difference in power.

Other good mods include:
aftermarket shifter, Cold air kit, throttle body, cat-back.

These will make a small difference(not the shifter, of course), but they add up.

Then, there is the '99 head and intake swap that's good for about 45hp, but that's about $1000 for parts. Expect at least that much for install, too.

This should get you started...

------------------
T-Bones 1997 Cobra
Wht/blk, Pro 5.0,FRPP 4.10's, aluminum driveshaft, FRPP throttle body, C&L 80mm MAF, K&N, Steeda U/D pulleys, Steeda timing adjuster, Flowmasters, s/f connectors, FRPP pro springs, BBK caster/cambers.

Stefan · 11-19-2000, 08:23 AM

T_Bone's right on this one. My 96 has the above mentioned mods (Borla as well). A catback system really won't open up the exhaust as you are still trying to get past your 6 catalytic converters. With an aftermarket H or X pipe (depending on whether you go off road or not)you'll either go to no cats or 2. Much less restrictive. Gears don't add HP but they do get you into your powerband a lot quicker. There are always preferences on what ratio to choose, but from the general consensus, the first gen. 4.6 wants a 3:73. I am planning both these mods for mine next year.
Stefan

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
Both are slow but easy on the eyes!

King Snake · 11-21-2000, 01:02 PM

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the '96-'98 had four cats and not six.

------------------
'97 Cobra, MAC Cold Air Kit, 3.73s, Rio Red

[This message has been edited by King Snake (edited 11-21-2000).]

Stefan · 11-21-2000, 02:26 PM

Hmmm. I could very well be wrong but it sure looks like six cats under there. What else would be on the exhaust that would look like that? I'm at work so I can't crawl under right now. I'm sure someone here knows for sure.

Stefan

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
Both are slow but easy on the eyes!

T_Bone · 11-21-2000, 02:53 PM

Yes, I know for sure...the 96-98 GT's had six cats...the 96-98 Cobras had four cats.

------------------
T-Bones 1997 Cobra
Wht/blk, Pro 5.0,FRPP 4.10's, aluminum driveshaft, FRPP throttle body, C&L 80mm MAF, K&N, Steeda U/D pulleys, Steeda timing adjuster, Flowmasters, s/f connectors, FRPP pro springs, BBK caster/cambers.

91LX2Bfast · 11-21-2000, 06:46 PM

T-bone: your either off by a lot on the torque figure, or you made a typo.
My '97 Tbird w/ the 4.6 2V is rated at 205 HP and 280 #'s of torque.
This is the exact same engine the Mustangs use, and the Mustangs extra 10 HP comes from a better exhaust.
So w/ the better exhaust, I think the Mustang probably has more along the lines of 285-290#'s of torque.
Ohh yea,here's a little FYI: along the lines of the head swap, you can get the 5.4L truck heads which are the same as the '99 up 4.6 heads for about half the price. They are complete w/ cams and all the stuff.
------------------
1997 Thunderbird 4.6L: Black w/ grey leather Modified mustang MAC Cold air into ram air, Motorsport 9mm wires, Soon: custom exhaust, chip, built Trans,. yadda yadda yadda

Recently totaled (tear): 91 LX 5.0L 5 spd Red w/ black interior
2 chamber flowmasters, Bassani off-road X-pipe, MAC cold air induction, Kirban short throw, Heavy duty 3 core radiator, FMS 3:73's, Timing bump to 14 degrees, SRP billet racing pedals, Kenwood sound system

[This message has been edited by 91LX2Bfast (edited 11-21-2000).]

95GTS · 11-21-2000, 07:00 PM

Is that really true about the 5.4L heads for the 4.6? That would be sweet. Where's the best place to get them. Also the 96-up GT's do have 6 cats.

------------------
1996 Mustang GTS

Stefan · 11-21-2000, 07:50 PM

Okay, mental note everyone. When making Xmas lists remember 5.4L truck heads for my wishlist. Seriously though... a supercharger would be cool to.
I've been good - I swear.

Stefan

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
Both are slow but easy on the eyes!

97snakedriver · 11-22-2000, 12:09 AM

Any head Ford makes for the 4.6 or 5.4 (modulars) will bolt on to any 4.6 or 5.4 block. That's what they mean by Modular motors.

I'm not sure why you would want to put a truck head on a 4.6 block (a 4.6 head on a 5.4 block makes more sense), unless you are talking about the Cobra R heads which are based on a race truck head.

T_Bone · 11-22-2000, 01:12 AM

91LX2Bfast, I just found out from a helpful sould in a chat room that the 96GT's had 285lb/ft of torque. Check here

Link was fixed. Now try it...

[This message has been edited by T_Bone (edited 11-22-2000).]

[This message has been edited by T_Bone (edited 11-22-2000).]

91LX2Bfast · 11-23-2000, 11:59 AM

About the 5.4 head swap. Since they are the same as the 99up 4.6 GT heads, you will get the same HP gains for half the price. There is a Thunderbird and Couger site www.tccoa.com that if you become a member of, you get major dicounts form quite a few dealers. The join up fee is $40, and a lot of you guys w/ 4.6L 2V's might want to think about joining just for the discounts you get. Whether its clear corner markers or superchargers, there is a discount for them.
But anyway, with the heads, by being a member of that site and getting my 20% discount from Five Star Ford (thats a significant dicount!), I can score the 5.4 heads complete for around $250 each. Of course there is other expenses that apply for a head swap, but for the price, it maybe one of the best bolt on's out there for us 96-98 2V guys. I plan on having the heads done come spring.

[This message has been edited by 91LX2Bfast (edited 11-23-2000).]

97snakedriver · 11-23-2000, 12:06 PM

I didn't know that. That's a good price, considering what Ford wants for the 99 GT heads.

11-19-2000, 12:03 AM	#1
lrrs168 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Cromwell, CT, USA Posts: 8	'96 4.6 hp ?? I know the '96 was 215hp stock, what was the torque? Can anyone estimate what a Borla Cat-back system, K&N and remove the snorkel would be good for hp's and torque? Is 15-20 hp's an ignorant overestimate? Thanks in advance, Rich

11-19-2000, 12:48 AM	#2
T_Bone Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 207	I believe the torque was 205lb/ft. Not sure though. As far as the 15-20 estimate, yes that is an over-estimate. I would say 5-10hp, maybe... I had a '96GT and did some mods. Here is the order I would recommend... 1st-Gears(3.73's 5-spd, or 4.10's Auto) 2nd-H or X pipe, off-road if possible 3rd-Pulleys The K&N and silencer are cheap and common 1st mods, before the ones listed above. I just named the first three that I think are worth the money and made the most noticeable difference in power. Other good mods include: aftermarket shifter, Cold air kit, throttle body, cat-back. These will make a small difference(not the shifter, of course), but they add up. Then, there is the '99 head and intake swap that's good for about 45hp, but that's about $1000 for parts. Expect at least that much for install, too. This should get you started... ------------------ T-Bones 1997 Cobra Wht/blk, Pro 5.0,FRPP 4.10's, aluminum driveshaft, FRPP throttle body, C&L 80mm MAF, K&N, Steeda U/D pulleys, Steeda timing adjuster, Flowmasters, s/f connectors, FRPP pro springs, BBK caster/cambers.

11-19-2000, 08:23 AM	#3
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	T_Bone's right on this one. My 96 has the above mentioned mods (Borla as well). A catback system really won't open up the exhaust as you are still trying to get past your 6 catalytic converters. With an aftermarket H or X pipe (depending on whether you go off road or not)you'll either go to no cats or 2. Much less restrictive. Gears don't add HP but they do get you into your powerband a lot quicker. There are always preferences on what ratio to choose, but from the general consensus, the first gen. 4.6 wants a 3:73. I am planning both these mods for mine next year. Stefan ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop Both are slow but easy on the eyes!

11-21-2000, 01:02 PM	#4
King Snake Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Warner Robins, GA, USA Posts: 210	Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the '96-'98 had four cats and not six. ------------------ '97 Cobra, MAC Cold Air Kit, 3.73s, Rio Red [This message has been edited by King Snake (edited 11-21-2000).]

11-21-2000, 02:26 PM	#5
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	Hmmm. I could very well be wrong but it sure looks like six cats under there. What else would be on the exhaust that would look like that? I'm at work so I can't crawl under right now. I'm sure someone here knows for sure. Stefan ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop Both are slow but easy on the eyes!

11-21-2000, 02:53 PM	#6
T_Bone Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 207	Yes, I know for sure...the 96-98 GT's had six cats...the 96-98 Cobras had four cats. ------------------ T-Bones 1997 Cobra Wht/blk, Pro 5.0,FRPP 4.10's, aluminum driveshaft, FRPP throttle body, C&L 80mm MAF, K&N, Steeda U/D pulleys, Steeda timing adjuster, Flowmasters, s/f connectors, FRPP pro springs, BBK caster/cambers.

11-21-2000, 06:46 PM	#7
91LX2Bfast Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Warrington, PA Posts: 694	T-bone: your either off by a lot on the torque figure, or you made a typo. My '97 Tbird w/ the 4.6 2V is rated at 205 HP and 280 #'s of torque. This is the exact same engine the Mustangs use, and the Mustangs extra 10 HP comes from a better exhaust. So w/ the better exhaust, I think the Mustang probably has more along the lines of 285-290#'s of torque. Ohh yea,here's a little FYI: along the lines of the head swap, you can get the 5.4L truck heads which are the same as the '99 up 4.6 heads for about half the price. They are complete w/ cams and all the stuff. ------------------ 1997 Thunderbird 4.6L: Black w/ grey leather Modified mustang MAC Cold air into ram air, Motorsport 9mm wires, Soon: custom exhaust, chip, built Trans,. yadda yadda yadda Recently totaled (tear): 91 LX 5.0L 5 spd Red w/ black interior 2 chamber flowmasters, Bassani off-road X-pipe, MAC cold air induction, Kirban short throw, Heavy duty 3 core radiator, FMS 3:73's, Timing bump to 14 degrees, SRP billet racing pedals, Kenwood sound system [This message has been edited by 91LX2Bfast (edited 11-21-2000).]

11-21-2000, 07:00 PM	#8
95GTS Git jiggy Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: MO USA Posts: 865	Is that really true about the 5.4L heads for the 4.6? That would be sweet. Where's the best place to get them. Also the 96-up GT's do have 6 cats. ------------------ 1996 Mustang GTS

11-21-2000, 07:50 PM	#9
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	Okay, mental note everyone. When making Xmas lists remember 5.4L truck heads for my wishlist. Seriously though... a supercharger would be cool to. I've been good - I swear. Stefan ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop Both are slow but easy on the eyes!

11-22-2000, 12:09 AM	#10
97snakedriver Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 1,526	Any head Ford makes for the 4.6 or 5.4 (modulars) will bolt on to any 4.6 or 5.4 block. That's what they mean by Modular motors. I'm not sure why you would want to put a truck head on a 4.6 block (a 4.6 head on a 5.4 block makes more sense), unless you are talking about the Cobra R heads which are based on a race truck head.

11-22-2000, 01:12 AM	#11
T_Bone Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 207	91LX2Bfast, I just found out from a helpful sould in a chat room that the 96GT's had 285lb/ft of torque. Check here Link was fixed. Now try it... [This message has been edited by T_Bone (edited 11-22-2000).] [This message has been edited by T_Bone (edited 11-22-2000).]

11-23-2000, 11:59 AM	#12
91LX2Bfast Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Warrington, PA Posts: 694	About the 5.4 head swap. Since they are the same as the 99up 4.6 GT heads, you will get the same HP gains for half the price. There is a Thunderbird and Couger site www.tccoa.com that if you become a member of, you get major dicounts form quite a few dealers. The join up fee is $40, and a lot of you guys w/ 4.6L 2V's might want to think about joining just for the discounts you get. Whether its clear corner markers or superchargers, there is a discount for them. But anyway, with the heads, by being a member of that site and getting my 20% discount from Five Star Ford (thats a significant dicount!), I can score the 5.4 heads complete for around $250 each. Of course there is other expenses that apply for a head swap, but for the price, it maybe one of the best bolt on's out there for us 96-98 2V guys. I plan on having the heads done come spring. [This message has been edited by 91LX2Bfast (edited 11-23-2000).]

11-23-2000, 12:06 PM	#13
97snakedriver Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 1,526	I didn't know that. That's a good price, considering what Ford wants for the 99 GT heads.