96-98 compare with 99+
 

Hey, I just got a 97 Mustang GT, 5-spd, stock. I am new to modular engines and was wondering the difference in 96-98 engines and 99+ engines. If I bought a part for 99+(GT), say heads, cam, or exhaust will it work for my 97 GT?

Also what is the hrspwr and torque of my car. Someone said 215hrs and 290 lbs of torque, that horsepower seemed kinda low to me.

Last, what do you guys think I should add to my car. I have under 4 g's to spend and it will still be a daily driver. I have a while b4 I modify the car but just wondering.

Thanks,
Ace

Those numbers are right for the 97gt. The heads don't flow for crap, which is why the torque is so high and the hp so low. 99 heads will work on the block, its one of the most popular swaps.

I think for 4k you may be able to get a blower and some 99+heads on there if you shop around. That would be good for 300+ hp without much effort.

The driveablitly would still be there, and its the most cost effective way to make real horsepower.

96-98 GT's are turds!!;)

Ok....that's it....if I here someone suggest a blower AND a 99+ head swap, I'm gonna break their splean. Swaping to 99+ heads gives you 11:1 compression....now throw a blower on that. Boom!, no more motor.

To make a 96-98 4.6 truely fast takes a lot of money, just look at Hammer.

cough* 450 HP *cough*

Hehe, go get 'em tireburner... ;)
You'd definately need some internal work done before you strap a blower on something running 11:1

The Ford Motorsport pieces are expensive, but they certainly give you options.... ;)

In STOCK form the 96-98's are at a disadvantage to the 99's and newer, no arguement there. You can get a set of PI heads ported and they can open up the chambers a little bit to bring the compression down to a normal level so you could use a blower on down the road.

Bill

To start your mods, get a set of 3:73 gears and an aftermarket shifter.
Then you can always add a set of heads or a supercharger down the road.

Will I have any problems with 99+ heads swap? Is it a straight swap or will I have to modify the heads in anyway?
Probally the first will be gears, but going back and forth from college to my old house (3.5hr drive) Im not sure if theyre a good idea.
-Ace

You gotta admit, it would be dang fast pre-BOOM! ;)

I have a 96gt with some mods and would love to do a 99 head swap, anyone do one? How much do you think it would cost and how much for an install at a shop? thanks

Congrats on the purchase...it's a MUSTANG.
Bare essential for a 96-98 is a gear swap...3:73's. Your gas mileage will not suffer and your car will be much more enjoyable.

If you willing to go the head swap route, throw in the Bullitt intake while your there...

Good Luck...

Does all this apply to a 1998 Cobra? I do not know much about the 4.6L 4V. I am 3.8L, 5.0L type guy. I am helping my buddy with his Cobra. So far he has CAI, 3.73 gears on sept 14th. and I am putting his Bassani high flow cat x-pipe on tuesday or wedesday that flows into 2 chamber flows.

We have a friend with a 2000 corvette that we are trying to beat. He plans on putting the silent Vortech blower on there about christmas. Any suggustions where to go before the blower and after to help us catch up with the vette or are they just too quick.

People do them all the time. Look into the FAQ thread and do a search for 'head swap'.

Parts run about $1,000, and I've never heard anyone wish they hadn't done one.

Your setup is totally different... The heads they are talking about are 2V heads and they use a different intake manifold then what your Cobra has.. I dont much about the Cobra perf mods, but I don't think you have to do as much to make them run. They already have stronger internals than the GT's run.... but, like I said, I don't now much about the 4V. A friend of mine bought a 97Cobra then burned his clutch up one week later with the install of 150HP NOS.

To put it in perspective I raced a good friend of mine in his 96GT , I was driving my wifes 00 GT 100% stock Auto, his car has 4.10's offroad X, K&N, Catback and cold air kit, my wifes car got out on him and started putting cars on him, 4-5 by the end of a 1/4. Any 96-98 car should have the P.I. headswap!