Tork Tech Kit

1bad351

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Hey all, I know there has been a lot of controversy around this kit in years past, but I am really interested in it. I read all the downsides in the thread from 2013, but was wondering if anyone knows if they have updated this kit to make it any better since then.

It really sounds like a poorly designed kit, but I have a built 5.4 SOHC and a 2.3L Whipple sitting in my garage doing nothing. I would love to have my 2000 GT's engine bay become their new home. Thoughts on this kit? Also thoughts on injector placement on this kit and how the 5.4 adapters may effect that?
 

1bad351

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Oh and one other thing. What are your thoughts on how they piggy back the pulley? I like that the blower has a separate belt, but don't like that it's kicked further out than stock. That's giving the blower a lot of leverage on the crank snout and I'm a little worried about snapping it or wearing out the front upper main from the extra pressure pulling up on it. I plan on somewhere around 700whp from this setup, so there is going to be some serious stress on the snout of the crank and I've heard of them snapping off before. Also read of worn main bearings from the blowers on other platforms, not sure if it's an issue for us or not.
 

Blkkbgt

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The first thing you need to consider is emissions because as you probably know the TT kit is far from legal and probably never will be.

From my understanding the kit has not been updated or changed. I don't think the kit is poorly designed but rather has some shortcomings. The two biggest being the alternator slip issue caused by lack of belt wrap and the unsupported piggy back crank pulley.

The injector placement is not an issue with the adapter plates on the TT kit because the adapters (actually spacers) simply install in between the body of the intake manifold and the runners. They are not like other spacers you used to seeing that tend to push the injectors into the roof of the port. The injector location is physically unchanged.

Going back to the two shortcomings, the alternator issue could most likely be fixed by adding an idler pulley near the alternator mount. As far as the crank pulley issue is concerned you can get around that by installing an ARP stud. This requires machining to increase the thread depth to not only add more thread engagement but also tap into the thicker area of the crank. There was a large write up on modfords years ago in the Terminator section. People were snapping crank snouts running uncaged pulleys and this seemed to be the best work around. This could have been avoided if the belt tensions of the accessory belt and blower belt were close to 180 degrees out from each other or a caged pulley was used.

One other minor issue to consider is the alternator hanging off of the 2 slotted mount tabs. You could probably figure out a way to mount some brackets to capture the other two mount holes.
 

1bad351

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The first thing you need to consider is emissions because as you probably know the TT kit is far from legal and probably never will be.

From my understanding the kit has not been updated or changed. I don't think the kit is poorly designed but rather has some shortcomings. The two biggest being the alternator slip issue caused by lack of belt wrap and the unsupported piggy back crank pulley.

The injector placement is not an issue with the adapter plates on the TT kit because the adapters (actually spacers) simply install in between the body of the intake manifold and the runners. They are not like other spacers you used to seeing that tend to push the injectors into the roof of the port. The injector location is physically unchanged.

Going back to the two shortcomings, the alternator issue could most likely be fixed by adding an idler pulley near the alternator mount. As far as the crank pulley issue is concerned you can get around that by installing an ARP stud. This requires machining to increase the thread depth to not only add more thread engagement but also tap into the thicker area of the crank. There was a large write up on modfords years ago in the Terminator section. People were snapping crank snouts running uncaged pulleys and this seemed to be the best work around. This could have been avoided if the belt tensions of the accessory belt and blower belt were close to 180 degrees out from each other or a caged pulley was used.

One other minor issue to consider is the alternator hanging off of the 2 slotted mount tabs. You could probably figure out a way to mount some brackets to capture the other two mount holes.

I'm in NJ, so no carb stamps required for inspection. My crank is also already tapped for a stud but I still worry. But good info I appreciate the detailed response.

Any other kits on the market that would work with my whipple and the 5.4 sohc other than a lightning manifold?
 

Blkkbgt

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I'm in NJ, so no carb stamps required for inspection. My crank is also already tapped for a stud but I still worry. But good info I appreciate the detailed response.

Any other kits on the market that would work with my whipple and the 5.4 sohc other than a lightning manifold?

As far as I know with a 2v 5.4 those are the only 2 options. You could always sell the 2.3 and get a big centri and not have to deal with all of this. Not entirely sure which intake manifold you'd go with though, never really researched a blown 5.4..
 

1bad351

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As far as I know with a 2v 5.4 those are the only 2 options. You could always sell the 2.3 and get a big centri and not have to deal with all of this. Not entirely sure which intake manifold you'd go with though, never really researched a blown 5.4..
I did think about that but my heart was pretty dead set on the whipple. It will cost more and probably be harder to install because ill need a hood too. But if the tork tech kit turns out to not be the nicest fit and finish ill probably go the pro charger route.
 

Blkkbgt

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I did think about that but my heart was pretty dead set on the whipple. It will cost more and probably be harder to install because ill need a hood too. But if the tork tech kit turns out to not be the nicest fit and finish ill probably go the pro charger route.

Honestly if I were you I just say f it and run the TT kit. You've already mitigated the crank pulley issue and the alternator stuff is easy and would require much time or money.

You could add an idler pulley by having a spacer turned down to fit inside the pulley bearing. This would give it support just like the front cover does, drill a hole and bolt it on.
 

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