13/14 VS 11/12

4VandHemiKiller

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Not trying to be a dick at all about this, but there actually is proof. The walls on an FE block are definitively thinner than an AL block. Motor builders that are building big HP applications use AL as a result. For ****'s sake it is OK to say "you know what, I thought FE blocks were stronger but it turns out they are not."

Edit: do not disagree with point of swapping out an FE block. The flip side is that you would be stupid to switch out an AL block to an FE block thinking that they are stronger. Because they are not.

The iron block is also much weaker that the AL block in the main webbing and deck areas also.
The iron block shows main cap fretting and deck distortion (head gasket sealing) issues much sooner than the AL block.
Maintaining round bores is just one area the iron block falls way short of the AL block.

The iron block is reliable until about 1400 crank HP; per Mihovetz, which with a PD blower really isn't as much as it seems to the tire.
Most 1000+ HP PD superchargers consume ~150 HP driving themselves, and that is 150 HP worth of cylinder pressure the block has to cope with that never sees the rear tires.
 

Norton

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Pretty sure it was JDM. I recall seeing that posted a few times. Here's one.
Interesting thread, and specific quote...
The cast iron block can't support 1500HP because the factory sleeves are so thin and have been not to distort or flex under heavy load and crack. We couldn't recommend going more than 1000 HP with the factory iron block. For 1500 HP you need an Aluminum spray bore or aftermarket sleeved block.

Since the arrival of the 13/14 GT500 I've noticed a trend. Owners of the 13/14 are positive, others, not so much.
Some of the negative camp have bolted every single part of the 13/14 to an earlier car though..
Out.
Great point!
 

gimmie11s

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Not trying to be a dick at all about this, but there actually is proof. The walls on an FE block are definitively thinner than an AL block. Motor builders that are building big HP applications use AL as a result. For ****'s sake it is OK to say "you know what, I thought FE blocks were stronger but it turns out they are not."

Edit: do not disagree with point of swapping out an FE block. The flip side is that you would be stupid to switch out an AL block to an FE block thinking that they are stronger. Because they are not.

Of course the walls are thinner. You are talking cast iron vs. aluminum.

I wont concede theyre weaker because there is no definitive proof to call it that way. Especially not in stock form. The discussion changes once we start talking about sleeved aluminum and "max effort" builds.

Not that it matters. Everyone is and has moved to aluminum for obvious reasons. I have one in my car right now. Would I swap it for an iron block? Absolutely not...
 

Catmonkey

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It is supposed to share a block with the GT350, so it should be Aluminum.
Yeah, from what I understand it's a voodoo block (larger bore than 5.0, similar to 5.8) with the 5.0 cross plane crankshaft. I guess it remains to be seen if Ford puts powered metal (crap) rods in this engine.

But I guess I already borrowed the 2.65 supercharger from the 2020, as opposed to the 13/14. Just wondering what other goodies might be "borrowable".
 

biminiLX

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Wow, this thread blew up since I've been at PRI.
My take is for builds in the 1000-1200hp range, you can use either iron or non sleeved aluminum (and stock crank).
For 1200 and up, you'll really need a sleeved aluminum block (and billet crank).
The iron blocks are definitely a good choice for budget, but that's about it. Still, majority of builds everywhere are 1000hp and LESS, so if you don't have aluminum to start or hurt an aluminum block, the iron block can save several thousands $$$$.
-J
 

biminiLX

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So I feel like I'm missing something, why do I keep hearing the 13/14s are basically tapped out stock compared to the 11/12s and they aren't as mod friendly as the 11/12s. Both my 13 and my 14 GT500s have responded extremely well to mods, as have most of your guys GT500s. Why do people keep saying this? What am I missing.
I also hear this Steve, and I know it's been put out and just repeated even by some bigger Mustang social media guys.
The truth is, the '13-14 is the best S197 GT500 and they are closer to being 'tapped out' from stock---TVS Charger, real GT cams, more boost, more compression.
Any mods (and yes they really respond well to mods) puts you right at the limit of pump gas.
So, respect octane and rpm limit (two VERY import details) and the '13-14 runs away from any earlier year car easily.
-J
 

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