SN95 with a 5.0 or 4.6?

DaveWertz

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So I am very new to mod motors and so far I must say its a bit pricey. I am considering keeping the body style (wife doesn't like the fox) but trying to find a SN95 cobra with a 5.0. Mainly because I know pushrod motors and parts are everywhere!! This is just a debate I guess. With you that have had experience with both what do you prefer, the old school pushrod or mod motors? Pros and cons you see with both.
 

98 svt

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So I am very new to mod motors and so far I must say its a bit pricey. I am considering keeping the body style (wife doesn't like the fox) but trying to find a SN95 cobra with a 5.0. Mainly because I know pushrod motors and parts are everywhere!! This is just a debate I guess. With you that have had experience with both what do you prefer, the old school pushrod or mod motors? Pros and cons you see with both.


Thought you were knee deep in modding your Cobra?
 

DaveWertz

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Thought you were knee deep in modding your Cobra?
I have everything yes. But now its a matter of putting it all together, still need cash for a tune. I have the tranny figured out (simple clutch adjustment and fluid change). Another problem is finding space to do this. My garage is way to small and having access to a lift would make this much easier. Just strongly tossing around the idea of selling the car and blower together or to separate them and go 5.0. I should still be able to get a good amount for my car being its built motor and just turned 68k. That and having the boys at the Adams tent at Ford nats do there magic on the paint made it look that much better.
 

98 svt

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How much power are you trying to make?
Anything over 450 with either engine and it will need to be built anyway. Then you will still have the same issues...garage space, finding parts, paying labor, etc.

I'd keep the DOHC.
I've owned several pushrod 5.0 Mustangs, Capris, etc.
 

xblitzkriegx

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Keep the DOHC. The 302 is gonna split the block north of 450hp. Some get away with low 500s with careful tuning .
 

98SVTContour98

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seems like based on what i've read, it would be cheaper to go 5.0 if you were going to stay N/A....once you throw heads/intake/cams on both cars, power levels should be similar but the 5.0 would be cheaper to assemble. Guys, correct me if i'm wrong in this assessment.
 

me32

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Build the 32v and put a blower on it. Your tranny on both cars will be the weak link.
 

Makobra

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I went with the 4.6 4v because its just better in every way for what I want. What do I want? all motor, around 300rwhp, smooth and happy revving high.
the main thing that kept me from the 302 was the fact that the blocks will crack with enough beating regardless of power level from what I've read.
 

ashleyroachclip

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The fix to the 5.0 block split , is using a pre roller block . Retrofitting the roller valve train is not that spendy .
My 68 block , 347 in 250 shot , has lasted me almost 20 years .
 

DaveWertz

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I have had 3 5.0s in fox form. I was all about the NA life just because a pushrod motor is pretty straight forward and cost affective to a point. Single cam vs 4 cams was and is intimidating. It just baffles me you cant build a mod motor keeping it NA for what seems under 10k. 10k for pushrod and you can have one hell of a machine. But 10k slapping a power adder on a mod motor is also a fun machine BUT allot more involved and more parts. Not going to lie, these mods are kicking my ass. I have a V1 S trim ready to go on just saving money for a tune ATM. For me, in my area SBF parts are everywhere!!! I have access to a dart block CHEAP. All my buddies are still running pushrod GM or Ford. Now I see why. I'm way to far into this now to turn back. I think after this blower gets added and I get a tune it will more than likely change my mind. Not unless someone offered me a sn95 5.0 for trade that really caught my eye, then I would have to think twice. Just trying to get everyone's own personal opinion.
 

chao5.0

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If I was going to do it all over again, 5.0 all the way in regards to N/A because getting a modular to make big N/A power is expensive. Everyone looks at the big parts when really its the little things that add up to break the budget and kill the project. Plus with a 5.0 if you want you can swap in a 351 or stroker and make even more power. Stock to stock I'd give the nod to the modular mostly due to the 4V heads being so good, but once you get past stock rpm range getting a properly modified intake is expensive vs what a intake setup for a pushrod engine is. Unless you plan on swapping to a coyote or boosting a modular I just don't see a reason to not get a pushrod engine, and this is coming from someone who has a built modular.
 

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