I need replacement engine advice

[03cobra#116]

I gave my daughter my 97 Tbird when she was a senior at GA Tech about 5 years ago. It had 97k miles. Now it has 163k miles and she is ready for a new car, in part because of the metal-on-metal sounds she heard from the engine today.

I may need to put a new engine in it. I'd like more power than it had originally, but I don't want to change the hood or the look of the car. And I'd rather have quiet mufflers.

What engine options would be good ones, something in the 300HP+ range?

I'm quiet fond of superchargers.

Would the original automatic transmission hold up with the increased power?

 

[Ryan]

I know more than a few guys have swapped in the 4v 4.6 with relative easy. I'm sure tccoa has more info on it...

 

[03cobra#116]

Thanks -- the website lists the 5.4L Triton as an option that fits in easily.

 

[80blue]

figured i'd chime in

it seems on tccoa if you so much as mention the 5.4 you get raped by"not worth it" statements and to be honest i agree.You could much easily swap in a mark VIII engine with very very minimal effort or a 2v from an explorer.Those are the two most popular swaps.

Ive put an explorer engine in my t bird and i can say for the first engine i put in a car it was a cake walk,very minor things have to be switched over like the front cover,the oil pan and pickup,and a few other things.

As for difference in performance,its a different car now,with the engine a one or two other mods,a shit reaction time and 60 ft i managed a 14.8 with my explorer engine,ive since added a few other things a few i havent installed yet but for example ive got VT stage 1's,a re-tune for my xcal,gt intake tube and airbox,an 01 mustang trans,3.73's,frpp 70mm t/b and thats about it and with that i should be able to get 13's,just to give you an idea

and if your looking for 300 hp,add a kb to the explorer engine,or a vortech and you'll be set

 

[Little J's 5.4]

There are no intakes for the 5.4L that will fit in a T-Bird unless you make one. Not many people have done the swap in a thunderbird. The swap is not hard and the engine & intake is a much better fit for a stang.... :shrug:

I suggest a 99 Mustang PI 4.6L 2V engine. Port the heads and throw in an Allen Supercharger and you are set with a easy and reliable engine... :coolman:

 

[FineLineMtrSprt]

Cost effective way. Just drop in a 2v Engine out of a newer Stang gt. Throw in a set of stage 1 cams while the engine is out. A bullit or p51 manifold,headers and a 75mm MAF kit. Have the trans rebuilt with performance clutches and throw a nice conv. in it. Have 3rd member rebuilt throw in some 3.73 gears and new Trak Loc or maybe an auburn diff and have at it. For another 2500-3k you could throw a blower on there make 400hp with ease.