new to the 4.6
 

Hey, guys. I just bought a '96 GT convertible. It is completely stock. I have owned around 10 Mustangs in the past 11 years, but they've ALL been 302s. My problem is that I know nothing about the modular engines. I consider myself to be an above-average home mechanic with several engine rebuilds under my belt (along with countless modifications to most of my previous cars), so I don't expect many problems, but first I need to learn a few things.

1) What are the best resources to learn about 4.6 engines? The magazines (MM&FF, 5.0 Mustangs, etc) deal almost exclusively in Fox cars.

2) Do the usual bolt-ons work with the 4.6? Exhaust, gears, headers, h-pipe, cam(s), etc? Is the order in doing these mods the same as in the '94-earlier?

3) How can I access the EEC-V DTC codes? Is it possible to use the same scanner I use on my other cars?

4) As the Fox cars were built, many factory improvements were made. Since '96 what has Ford done to improve the 4.6 engine?

Sorry this message is so long, but I really don't know where to start. Can someone please help?

Jake

hey, and welcome to the site. there is a wealth on information on this site as well as others, so take your pick:
www.stangnet.com
www.corral.net

i am somewhat new to mod motors myself, and have found, that with enough questions and answers, the 4.6 is a completely different animal than the venerable 302. it lacks the torque of the 302, but it loves to rev.

the search button any of these sites work wonders. rather than post the same question (of which i am guilty of until i found the search button) such as what x/h pipe to buy, etc, just do a simple search for what you need. chances are, you will find it.

enjoy you new modular motor! you might like it more than your 302's!!!

1) As was said earlier, internet sites are a great resource. Contrary to what you said, MM&FF has a good amount of stuff on 4.6's every month.
2) Yes, the mod motors can respond very well to bolt-ons. Unfortunately with a '96 the heads are very restrictive and you will not see great gains without doing a swap to the newer style. Most folks suggest gears, shifter, pulleys, and x- or h-pipe as first mods. Cold air kits and throttle bodies are generally a waste of money, but most other bolt-ons yield respectable gains (MAF, timing adjuster). Long-tube headers offer a lot more gain than shorties.
4) The 99+ 4.6 2V has PI heads, camshafts, and intake. Several companies offer complete swap kits to upgrade your motor.

Thanks for the input, guys. I can't wait to dig in.

What is a "PI" head? Are there aftermarket heads/cam combos to buy, or would an '02 head work as well?

Jake

'PI' supposedly stangs for 'Power Improved'. I think they've got bigger valves, better valve angles and better ports. There are no aftermarket heads yet for mod motors, but you can get some 99+ heads with port work done on them. I believe 99-02 heads are all the same. A few companies do make cams so far - mostly regrinds of stock cams. I think I've seen them from Crower, Sean Hyland Motorsports, Houston Performance, and some others I can't remember right now.

heads, intake, etc
 

Thanks. I guess that is what I'll do....

Regarding the Diagnostic Trouble Codes, is there a way to retreive them myself, as in the EEC-4?

codes
 

You will have to get an OBD-II scanner. Most go for around the $130 range. I just went through the hole thing, and found that is the only way, but i just goto auto zone, cause they will scan it for free. Unless you have a newer 'stang with a digital odometer.

Keep asking questions and read the articles in the magazines, you will get the hang of it. This is my first 4.6 motor the other 2 where 5.0's. Good Luck on moding your car....