No such thing as a bullet proof block!

[rygen]

The MIR track rental was a huge success, but unfortunately it did not go perfectly. On my 8th run, between the 1/8 and 1/4 mile marker, it hit like a jack hammer...


That familiar blown motor smell
Then white smoke all over my windshield
Then the familiar shaking of the blockI hurt her bad, and I'm consistent....I did it in the same time frame, every October I break her. Sucks big time. Jenna ran behind me, and she gave me a lift back to the lanes and then one of the other racers there with a pro drag car got his golf cart and wheeled her back to the lanes.

I am now in the Lance club, I punched a hole through the block. Shit! Talking with Jenna, she is leaning towards a wrist pin. Mike said a piston and/or rod most likely went. The car does start up and run oddly enough. We really need to find out what the issue is though, so others can learn from it. It could be the juice, might be too much of a hit on the motor at once. Though Mike is stumped cause I was running 114 octane gas Monday as an extra precaution.

I want to thank everyone at the track that was supportive. Every single person was supportive, and luckily for me, my wife didn't divorce and supported me fixing her.

My old shop, Excessive was there. And I have to thank Torey for trailing my car back to their shop. From there I will figure out getting her to Mike.

"The Plan"

Well, I know this may come as a shock to some of you, but I can't afford a motor swap every season, and I need to run 10s reliably and eventually 9's. So, after calls with Dale, Tony, Ron, Chris, Lance, Mike, Steve and several others, we have rough plan.

Spoke to Mike three times now, and here is what I'm doing...


New take out 5.4 3V w/custom Powerhouse intake for CAI or Turbo
4r70 w/electronic valve body
Probably a 70mm turbo, single


Phase two will include rods and pistons. A lot of this depends on timing, and other projects Powerhouse is working on. So its possible that I will be running motor and 100 shot only at norwalk depending on how quickly the R&D takes for the turbo. It will probably be an 11 second car till I do the bottom end sometime mid to late next year, then we can go from there.

The 5.4 3V is a nice sweet spot, not as strong as the 4V, but its way more affordable and you can use S197 GT parts with it (wiring harness, ecu, tb, ecu, etc). It really makes for a nice swap.

So, with a heavy heart, I'm going to be parting out Stella in the next couple of months. Mike will inspect the heads and cams, and if they are 100%, they will hit the market (and someone already jumped on this so I am honoring that one first). Other parts will include the TQ converter, drive shaft, turbo and misc. v6-4.0 specific parts.

Even with this happening I had an amazing time. And wanted to thank those that let me run their cars....Tony, Lance and Ron, and to everyone else who pretty much offered up thier cars.

Cheers.

[navbtcret]

Yes Todd I had that sick feeling in my stomach when we saw the hole in the block. I am sure that, like Lance, you will be back stronger than ever next year with more reliable power than the 4.0, for the power levels you guys are trying to achieve. I am glad that you are doing all this to Stella because she does look good and not just going with another car.

[rygen]

Thanks Ron. I could never get rid of her after all of this. Besides, I don't feel like doing the appearance mod thing all over again.

[Fake_Snake]

as a fellow race motor head such as you.. and it being few that theres built blocks running on the boards it broke my heart seeing the hole in the block when we jacked it up... I think i was more upset the you were and its YOUR car.. LOL..... guess in life SHIT happens..

wounder if your heads are saved from this and you can potentially make some money back on this.

Everyone's running to the 5.4 hrmm is there something we should know LOL..

5.4 3v ok.. so this is the same style flap's using or is this the gt500 motor lance is using.

could you just buy a built 5.4 from the floor ?

I know if this motor goes i decided it would revert back to stock as much as possible to get some $$$ money back and buy a stock motor.

[Fake_Snake]

hey todd if you talk to mike over the few days or so kinda drop him a bug that Ill be calling soon to discuss my future plans for late fall-early spring of next year...

[rygen]

Ok. As for the 5.4, this is the same one Chris is doing. The 4V is the GT500, which Lance is going with. The reason the 5.4 3V is attractive is its relatively inexpensive, and you can use GT parts to get it into the car.

[Fake_Snake]

ok .. i think chris said his project is relatively moderatly budgeted. now not cheap just moderate ..

twins? LOL..

[rygen]

Don't need twins to run 9's. :coolup:

[Fake_Snake]

is there no other options.. I sat here this morning trying to find out this inline 6 falcon motor you were talking about.. xr6 turbo i guess you mean...

Then i get this news LOL..... sighhhhhh

What about doing that 427 motor.. like the one you see on you tube. I saw a 427w/ a procharger dumping about 800ish to the wheels

[Buckman]

Todd,
You've been a trooper through this and we all felt the pain.
I think that we have def. found the limit of the block, that's for sure. For 99% of the people out there that own a 4.0, the power will be plenty and still in my opinion you can dial in at mid-high 11's consistently.

You've been the "King" of the Collective and really the 4.0 for quite some time, so there is no dishonor in going another direction. Most of us on these boards owe you a beer for all the information and knowledge shared as well as paving the way for performance out of the 4.0 car. So for that, major props. You are a helluva racer, fellow competitor and even more importantly a good guy. Your wife is a trooper too, she is a keeper, and very supportive of you which is so important in life.

I think you are going in a great direction for the power you seek. I analyzed many options when I was going through this a couple months ago and came to the conclusion that the biggest bang for the buck (performance for dollar spent) was by going with the 5.4 3V.
This will give you the power levels which you seek and can land you in the 9's and then some when you are ready for them.

As you know, I am a major fan of the gradual buildup anyhow. It forces you to learn the car and how to run it at certain levels, thus when the car is complete you have the learning curve figured out and can jump right in and race. So the way you are doing the build is actually a good way to build it up in my opinion.

Cheers and thanks for being on the leading edge for performance! :icon_jook:

[Steve (TooSober)]

When I heard about your motor I got a sick feeling in my stomach.
You have been a pioneer with the 4.0, you have taken the Cologne block where very few have gone before. You and Lance have seen what the threshold for the 4.0 motor is, and this will benefit the entire 4.0 racing community.

[droptop6]

Todd that sucked to see you blow up Stella but like we talked about you and Lance have found the limit to these motors wether stock or built blocks they can't withstand any more than about 500 rwhp. So thanks to you guys the rest of us know how far we can go.
Thanks for all the knowledge you have given us over the years and now it is time to find the limits of the 5.4. Good luck and let me know when you get the car up to Mike.:icon_jook:

[paden501]

Wow Todd, this is striking news. I'm sorry for your loss! Like many above have said, you've really been a model of leadership and direction for many within this group. I hope that this set-back hasn't dampened your spirits.

I'm also glad to hear that you're not abandoning your car. That thing is beautiful and I'd hate to see you quit it.

[rygen]

is there no other options.. I sat here this morning trying to find out this inline 6 falcon motor you were talking about.. xr6 turbo i guess you mean...

Then i get this news LOL..... sighhhhhh

What about doing that 427 motor.. like the one you see on you tube. I saw a 427w/ a procharger dumping about 800ish to the wheels

Mike was interested in the falcon motor as was I. Problem is while its a very strong inline 6, parts for it come from australia. We are talking unreasonable lead time on parts and/or repair.

[rygen]

Todd,
You've been a trooper through this and we all felt the pain.
I think that we have def. found the limit of the block, that's for sure. For 99% of the people out there that own a 4.0, the power will be plenty and still in my opinion you can dial in at mid-high 11's consistently.

You've been the "King" of the Collective and really the 4.0 for quite some time, so there is no dishonor in going another direction. Most of us on these boards owe you a beer for all the information and knowledge shared as well as paving the way for performance out of the 4.0 car. So for that, major props. You are a helluva racer, fellow competitor and even more importantly a good guy. Your wife is a trooper too, she is a keeper, and very supportive of you which is so important in life.

I think you are going in a great direction for the power you seek. I analyzed many options when I was going through this a couple months ago and came to the conclusion that the biggest bang for the buck (performance for dollar spent) was by going with the 5.4 3V.
This will give you the power levels which you seek and can land you in the 9's and then some when you are ready for them.

As you know, I am a major fan of the gradual buildup anyhow. It forces you to learn the car and how to run it at certain levels, thus when the car is complete you have the learning curve figured out and can jump right in and race. So the way you are doing the build is actually a good way to build it up in my opinion.

Cheers and thanks for being on the leading edge for performance! :icon_jook:

Thanks Lance. You know, the issue could be with something like a wrist pin or something that can be addressed, I unfortunately can't afford to take the chance again. Its painful, but its reality.

Someone else can carry the torch now on all out balls to the wall on the 4.0.

Lots of people were pioneers and contributers over the year for the V6. You had Jimp and Scrming pushing the cars out of the gates with the juice, examples I later followed. You had guys like Ron, Fazm, Boss, Ron and others pushing it NA. Had pioneers on xcharger, vortech and prochargers pushing the limits. We saw the first non-shop owned 12 second nitrous. New turbo kit from Forced4. New cam, and heads options for these cars. Near 13 second NA times. We see folks moving up the ranks in their V6 constantly in the autox circuits. We see folks winning bracket and index classes here a fair bit. And folks providing valuable write ups, most of which know far more than I about these cars. And a lot of lessons learned posted up here constantly.

I'll be honest, it hurts to move to an 8 having such a strong love for the V6. But funds right now dictate that I need to go into territory that is a little better known.

[rygen]

When I heard about your motor I got a sick feeling in my stomach.
You have been a pioneer with the 4.0, you have taken the Cologne block where very few have gone before. You and Lance have seen what the threshold for the 4.0 motor is, and this will benefit the entire 4.0 racing community.

Thanks man, much apprecaited.

[Turbo_J]

Great to see you already have the plans worked out Todd. I can't really repeat what I said in the car as I was coming to the end of the shut down. I was just praying it was a head gasket. I still feel a little queasy when I think about it. When you told me it was a hole in the block I was shocked. When they start to tear in to the motor I'd really like to know root cause.

I have always liked the 4.0 I6. Even the 3.3 from the 80s is an ass kicker with a Turbo. There is an SVO with a cab turbo 3.3 running 465/480 @ only 10 PSI. It's too bad Ford didn't run that 4.0 block here. I6s just eat boost and make unreal torque.

I like the direction you are going with the 5.4. I know you said you probably wouldn't, but it makes more financial sense than a 5.0 or 347 considering the 3V 5.4 can use the latest technology and be tuned with a handheld.

No matter what happens I'm staying with the 4.0. I will get to the 11s eventually and may even try to go 10s now, but it will undoubtedly be a power to weight combo to offset the block limitations.

As lance said; and has done himself, you have done so much to educate the masses on what the 4.0 can do and ignited the passion of so many people. I think the 4.0C, it's members, the S197 Mustang, and the forerunners like you, Lance, Joey, Tony, David, Chris, Ron and others who just HIT IT HARD have made this era of motorsports the place to be. The 60's may have been great, but we live here and now and will have this place, these cars, a great group of fellow enthusiasts and friends and these awesome times to look back on.

Big toast to you my friend. :food-smiley-004:

[fazm]

damn man, thats freakin insane. im not gonna lie, if it happened to me twice, i wouldnt be putting another 4.0 in there either.

ive been discussing "different" plans than a built 4.0 with some people, now i guess im going to have to make that a reality. i dont really feel like spending 5 grand on a motor that i WILL blow up (becuase ill be in the 25psi area).

hit me up on aim if u get a chance.

[Aipaloovik]

:holyshit:

I had no idea you blew up at MIR. That sucks to a level I just can't even imagine. Glad to hear you have plans to bring Stella back bigger, better and stronger. After blowing up twice I'm not sure if I would have the stomach for it. You are a serious die hard and pace setter Todd! Glad you have such an understanding family and a supportive group of friends. I'm looking forward to reading more about the new project.
:ebil-thumbup:

[fin1]

Todd,
Sorry to hear this. I too am surprised it went. Good luck with the 5.4/3v re-build. Between you and Lance, there R&D will at least be shared. On a positive note, you'll like the 4r70w trany with the transbrake.

[Mwood]

Holy shit, end of an era! Sorry to hear about your misfortune, I hope your next build will satisfy your need for speed!

[ranebowcyxx]

Todd you know how I feel about the loss of another motor, been there done that, in the past, but I feel your pain.

It makes sense to go with the 5.4, cost to benefit ratio figured in, I know if my 6 goes that will be my next direction. Your lessons have served me and many others well, I know now I'm not going to bother with building the bottom end, I'll save the funds for, if and when mine goes.

I talked to my shop here and they said it could have been a chain reaction, like a head gasket going and flooding a clinder with water (which of course doesn't compress) and overpressured the cylinder.
Keep us posted.

[ronaele05]

wow, sorry to hear it todd... It hurt to see such a pioneer take a hit the way that you have... and to see it happen to the biggest 3 pioneers we have in one season...
And the rest of them slowly started to sell their respective cars(scrming/sonic.... no dis-respect meant, but they were also pioneers in their own aspect)

truly saddened to see stella out of comission... but honestly looking forward to bigger better and badder stella next time

[blazen]

Damn Todd, this was rather unexpected news! That certainly suck, but one of the things I've always liked about you is that you tend to see these kind of things as opportunities to become better instead of just viewing them as all bad...and that is noble and I respect the hell out of you for it my friend. I can't wait to see how things turn out with this next project

[Steve (TooSober)]

UPDATE:

Just spoke with Rygen, he is putting a turbocharged civic motor in Stella.

[rygen]

Todd,
Sorry to hear this. I too am surprised it went. Good luck with the 5.4/3v re-build. Between you and Lance, there R&D will at least be shared. On a positive note, you'll like the 4r70w trany with the transbrake.

Thanks Brad.

Yea, everything you said about the 4r70 lit up yet again when I talked to Mike, and it really helped that it was an affordable option earlier today. I can't wait to learn how to use it, and get the car dialed in.

[rygen]

Holy shit, end of an era! Sorry to hear about your misfortune, I hope your next build will satisfy your need for speed!

Yea, it was a shock to me. I honestly expected to break the transmission or the rear end on monday.

[rygen]

Todd you know how I feel about the loss of another motor, been there done that, in the past, but I feel your pain.

It makes sense to go with the 5.4, cost to benefit ratio figured in, I know if my 6 goes that will be my next direction. Your lessons have served me and many others well, I know now I'm not going to bother with building the bottom end, I'll save the funds for, if and when mine goes.

I talked to my shop here and they said it could have been a chain reaction, like a head gasket going and flooding a clinder with water (which of course doesn't compress) and overpressured the cylinder.
Keep us posted.

Probably was a chain reaction man. I was doing 40 min cool downs for the most part, maybe I didn't let the car cool off enough.

[rygen]

@ronaele05: Thanks man! My heart wants me to keep pushing the 4.0, and figure out what is wrong with it, but I have to come to financial grips as I have a family to worry about. Perhaps someone else will pick up the torch and figure it out, and then get single digits with this platform. For me, I have to close my chapter on the platform. Maybe later down the road when the cars are way more affordable, I can look into beating on another 4.0.

@Blazen: That means a lot man, thanks for the props. Trust me, tuesday morning, when I woke up it hit me like a hammer. I laid in bed "I just blew up another motor" Shit!!! I'm not racing in October ever again. LOL. I will beat the October curse damnit.

@Steve,

Um......

**** you!

[A_sixer(Tino)]

Man as I already told you I am really sorry this happened, and as all individuals of the community, I share the desire to thank you for laying up the ground work on the 4.0.

I am still not convinced that we have found the limmits of the 4.0, but rather uncovered some potential issue that needs addressing. Like the rest I am waiting to hear what happened exactly, just to see if it was a parts failure.....

I am leaning towards wrist pin or rod assembly failure, I have this feeling that the rods, although nice and sturdy, are not as strong as we paint them to be.

The fact that you finished the run and the car runs at idle tells me that the affected piston is not moving and it is disconnected from the crank (broken rod, and piston held up by rod being wedged aganist the block). So again sorry and I look forward to hear the cause and the progress on your new goals :thumbup:

[rygen]

I too think it is probably a solvable problem, I'm not sure if I can front up the money with everything else going on to pay someone to really dig into the block. But I'm sure Mike will take some sort of peak at it, and once I hear something I will pass it along.

[Traken]

It sucked to hear it blew on you, Todd, but look at what you've done. 10s! There's definitely no knocking your achievements. :)

[Fake_Snake]

like i told you and jenna at the track.. IM done with the juice.. It will just stay on the car thats all. For a brag thing. BOOST ONLY... i think the 500 mark is good.....

[kh765]

Sucks to lose another 4.0 pioneer to the 5.4 ranks, but you had a great run Todd. You pushed it to the edge and found out where the edge was. Now you're gonna drive us crazy waiting to see how she turns out.

[LX200]

Ouch. This sucks to the max. Well, you guys are out there on the bleeding edge... and when you run out there, you can get bit. Sorry to hear it. At least we are starting to get some good data about where the 4.0 can and can't run.

How much is a 5.4 3v motor? New? Or are you getting used one. Glad you are keeping the body and going with the heart transplant.

[rmays06]

Todd, I haven't read through the whole thread only your post so if it is redundant sorry its just my initial feeling....

Thanks man! You knowledge, expertise and daring to go farther than most would have attempted! You have led most of us down the road we are on! With out you (a true 4.0 pioneer) there would be the power that these cars possess. We were always chasing you in the power race. Most couldn't keep up but we all wanted to have the fast 4.0 like Rygen. You have set the standard by which we all WANTED to follow. And you have done it with class, skill and MONEY....lol

I am so sorry to hear this. There really is no shame in going the 5.4 direction. It will give you the block and the option to hit the times you need in you quest!

My wife kind of shook her head when I told her about this and said tell him not to drive the car in October anymore....lol if only it were that simple!

Thanks man and well be behind you with any endeavor.
RON

[rygen]

Ouch. This sucks to the max. Well, you guys are out there on the bleeding edge... and when you run out there, you can get bit. Sorry to hear it. At least we are starting to get some good data about where the 4.0 can and can't run.

How much is a 5.4 3v motor? New? Or are you getting used one. Glad you are keeping the body and going with the heart transplant.

Thanks Mike. The 5.4 3v new take out is around $2.5k. I'm not saying the 4.0 can't be pushed futher, someone can do more R&D on it and push it forward, or just do a crap load of weight reduction and dial it back. For autox, NA and FI its a strong motor and well balanced.

Its a painful pill to swallow, but at the end of the day, its a mustang and it will be clobbering the competition I hope.

[rygen]

Todd, I haven't read through the whole thread only your post so if it is redundant sorry its just my initial feeling....

Thanks man! You knowledge, expertise and daring to go farther than most would have attempted! You have led most of us down the road we are on! With out you (a true 4.0 pioneer) there would be the power that these cars possess. We were always chasing you in the power race. Most couldn't keep up but we all wanted to have the fast 4.0 like Rygen. You have set the standard by which we all WANTED to follow. And you have done it with class, skill and MONEY....lol

I am so sorry to hear this. There really is no shame in going the 5.4 direction. It will give you the block and the option to hit the times you need in you quest!

My wife kind of shook her head when I told her about this and said tell him not to drive the car in October anymore....lol if only it were that simple!

Thanks man and well be behind you with any endeavor.
RON

Thanks Ron. I apprecaite the support. I think I will stop racing in October. LOL.

[rygen]

The fact that you finished the run and the car runs at idle tells me that the affected piston is not moving and it is disconnected from the crank (broken rod, and piston held up by rod being wedged aganist the block). So again sorry and I look forward to hear the cause and the progress on your new goals :thumbup:

On this one, yea, it could be only one rod/piston. Problem is my setup is so custom, it would be quite a bit to fix it. I'll have another talk wtih Mike about this aspect and get back to you.

[firestang70]

Todd man I know how down you must feel. To all 4.0 owners don't let this slow you down. Both those failures were over 500 rwhp. thats more than the venerable 5.0 stock block could take with stock forged internals (5.0 were good for 500 hp at the crank before some would go bye bye). The 4.0 is still an excellent platform to build a fun car that can still haul the mail. And Todd thanks for the R&D when I am ready to upgrade!!!! 5.4 with a 100 shot huh? I hear a challenge at Norwalk my lil black car driving buddy! LOL

[Torch Bearer]

Damn Todd!! Sorry to hear of your misfortune. It sounds like you have a great support structure to get through it and rise up again, props to all that helped with that. And thanks for everything you have contributed to the 4.0 community!
Cant wait to see the "new" Stella!:666:

[Thomas S]

Wow and wow! Sorry to hear about this Todd. At the same time I'm excited to see what you can do with a 5.4.

Now is this going to be a Navigator engine? Are those iron block or aluminum?

[Paleoc]

5409 cc 5.4 liters V 8 front longitudinal engine with 90.2 mm bore, 105.8 mm stroke, 9.0 compression ratio, cast iron block, light alloy head, overhead cam and three valves per cylinder; Power: 300 HP SAE @ 5000 rpm; 365 ft lb , SAE @ 3750 rpm;

[DRock]

Todd, that really sucks but at the same time it is cool that you look at it as a new opprotunity. I'm very interested in the 5.4 3V swap do you have more information on it?

-Deric

[rygen]

Todd, that really sucks but at the same time it is cool that you look at it as a new opprotunity. I'm very interested in the 5.4 3V swap do you have more information on it?

-Deric

Flapjack, Mike@Powerhouse and Kevin@PMP have a TON of info on it. But looking at the 2v, 3v and 4v (GT500), the 4v was out of my price range. The 2v has a ton of tq down low, at like 2500rpm, but didn't have the top end. The 3v is a nice blend of the two, a fair amount of tq yet had enough top end to get me down the track. We are looking at 12's on motor pretty much stock all day long, 11's with a 75 or 100 shot, 10's on turbo and once I forge the internals, 9's which Mike said is well within my reach.

Also, from the little research I read, the 3v can use a S197 Mustang GT ECU and wiring harness...vs. some complications with the 4v that Mike is working out with Lances car. Both Lance and I have to go with custom intakes designed by Mike, his because of the SC, mine because it sits so high up on the truck motor. Little things like hoses for AC and what not will have to be obtained to retrofit it.

The other thing is a 4r70 bolts right up to it. That will open me up to a trans brake, and a ton of tq converter options.

Looks like things that will come off of my car, assuming I didn't smash up the motor all to hell is, heads/cams combo, turbo kit, drive shaft and loop, headers, tq converter, mufflers (I'm going with Ford Racing Stingers on the new setup, Dale style), and two transmissions, though only one of them I would recommend to anyone using (being the one I bought from lance). The one in my car now I would not wish on anyone, I beat the living dog shit out of that transmission....yet it outlasted two motors! All will go to collective members first, then off to ebay to help fund the next build up.

I spoke to Mike about seeing if I can salvage the block and put my built motor back together, based on the damage it looks like an expensive proposition and not a viable option, which my heart sank even farther. But he said he would tear into it when he got it.

[Thomas S]

How much power can the stock 5.4 3 valve take? I read in one of the Mustang Mags that the 2001 Cobra intake is the hot setup for the 5.4.

[SONIC]

wow reading that made me sick to my stomach literally...
leaving the 4.0 huh..sad...you pushed it to its limits for sure!!!
sucks man, you'll have Stella 1.5 up and running soon enough i hope!

[rygen]

How much power can the stock 5.4 3 valve take? I read in one of the Mustang Mags that the 2001 Cobra intake is the hot setup for the 5.4.

Not sure. Mike talkes to me in terms of et's not power, since I am so oriented towards ets'. I will ask him though.

[chrisc]

Wow man, I guess I caught this thread late. I am really sorry to hear about that, but I am glad you are already set up with new plans. When are you planning to get the 5.4 inside?

...the guys who started it all no longer have 4.0's

[cardude99]

man that sux, uve been so awsome for doing all of this research and its good/bad to know that forged internals arnt really necessary, good cause it saves me money in the future but bad cause now i know that they wont really do any good but give me minor protection at an unknown power level. u truly have been a pioneer along with lance, chris, dave, and joey, and i truly hope that the future brings nothing but non breakable motors for you

[rygen]

man that sux, uve been so awsome for doing all of this research and its good/bad to know that forged internals arnt really necessary, good cause it saves me money in the future but bad cause now i know that they wont really do any good but give me minor protection at an unknown power level. u truly have been a pioneer along with lance, chris, dave, and joey, and i truly hope that the future brings nothing but non breakable motors for you

We wont know for sure till Mike looks at the block. Based on his feedback, it may be something the rest of us can avoid.

[Kevin@PMP]

How much power can the stock 5.4 3 valve take? I read in one of the Mustang Mags that the 2001 Cobra intake is the hot setup for the 5.4.
The '01 Cobra intake will only work on 4v heads and would need spacers to work on a 5.4. Unfortunately no one currently makes a 3v 4.6 intake to 5.4 spacer.


Todd - BMR sells a k-member with 3/4" lowered mounts which would help you clear the stock hood, Chris just ordered one for his 5.4 swap.

[rygen]

The '01 Cobra intake will only work on 4v heads and would need spacers to work on a 5.4. Unfortunately no one currently makes a 3v 4.6 intake to 5.4 spacer.


Todd - BMR sells a k-member with 3/4" lowered mounts which would help you clear the stock hood, Chris just ordered one for his 5.4 swap.

Thanks Kevin. Much appreciated. :coolup:

[bscottie]

WOW!!! and DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!! makes a guy think about where he might stop with wild thoughts and the 4.0, good luck on the new setup and my condolences:sad_mo:

[Nightmare]

Shit, I'm sorry to hear this Todd, but you seem to have a pretty good outlook on it. Many thanks to you for all the groundwork you did for us 4.0 guys. You are a legend in my books.

[Thomas S]

The '01 Cobra intake will only work on 4v heads and would need spacers to work on a 5.4. Unfortunately no one currently makes a 3v 4.6 intake to 5.4 spacer.


Todd - BMR sells a k-member with 3/4" lowered mounts which would help you clear the stock hood, Chris just ordered one for his 5.4 swap.

They must have been talking about a 5.4 4 valve then.

Just wanted to say that I think it's cool that you hang around here and impart your wisdom to us little guys. I know you must be busy with the business.

[DRock]

Dang you Chris and Todd! I have been looking at power adders for the 4.0 and while there is definately a good offering out there for the 4.0. There is a ton out there for the V8. I'm currently going through Chris' 29 page post on Modular fords. :smack:

[firestang70]

Dang you Chris and Todd! I have been looking at power adders for the 4.0 and while there is definately a good offering out there for the 4.0. There is a ton out there for the V8. I'm currently going through Chris' 29 page post on Modular fords. :smack:
Buy Todds turbo and run upper 11s on a lowewr boost levels! That is faster than most cars will ever be at the track and have a combo that will run great for a LONG time.:upyeah:

[rogowin]

I think when you are going for 500+ rhp most engines would have trouble.
It looks like are engines handle 300-350 with out any problem. And that is still a lot more then a stock gt.
Rygen you attitude is amazing , you wife must be very cool.

[tilt]

Todd what boost were you running when this happened and were you using nitrous as well? Also did you change anything in your runs, or were all 8 the same?

[rastr87]

Man Todd that stinks you have pretty much established the 4.0 community with all the things you have done. I remember before buying my mustang I was just looking around google or something and I stumble on this site that has this black mustang with red stripes that runs 12's! I was like holy crap who is this guy running such a good time with a 4.0. I remember reading all the criticisms and questions as to why you even went with a 4.0 and all that. So a long time later I join this forum and find out who that person really was lol. Well congrats on everything you have accomplished and I wish you best of luck with the 5.4 as well.

[Stang4me]

Man sorry to hear about Stella Rygen....it seems like deja vue from last year this time. I hope your new build goes smoothly and Stella will be pioneering a new frontier...5.4ltr baby!
Good luck!

[rygen]

Thanks everyone. Its with a heavy heart that I move off this platform. I'm just itching to have the car running again. Hopefully, I can have the car up at PH in the next 7 days and go from there.

[Bugstang]

I'm not even close to being a techie, but I think the whole problem lies in the oil dipstick...j/k

[28HopUp]

I'm not even close to being a techie, but I think the whole problem lies in the oil dipstick...j/k

haha (for those who don't know, Stella's dipstick refused to come out after that final pass).

Todd, I just wanted to wish you the best as you sort through this new opportunity to make changes to your car (how's that for a positive spin?). I'm sure it is occupying a huge amount of mental energy. It sounds like you have established a logical plan for Stella, and I'm sure she'll be even more menacing. Becky is very supportive too, and you are fortunate to have her.

Best wishes, and let me know if you need anything...

[Fake_Snake]

Glad your going to be able to recoupe some money back.. vs a total loss thats a plus. You should beable to get a nice chunk back.. Im wishing you the best brother I know while IM gone have your project to look forward to every time I look on, aswell as FLAPJACKS.. Crap by now he should have the motor in car LOL.. j/k..

[Race This]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach over this......

yet, happy to see the new 5.4 plan(s) unfolding.

Best of luck. Wish I had more time to type, cuz I'd go on to say how Todd & his might Stella will forever go down in history.

Next time...

[2k05GT]

Todd,
You and "stella" have been pioneers for the 4.0, you have been an insperation to My son and myself. Since the first day we met you and "stella" at Mason Dixon in 2005 we have become huge fans, My son talks about you and stella to his shop buddies at Ted Britt ford all the time, they to have become followers of a sort.
Not trying to blow air up your skirt but so many people would not be where they are today without you and Stella, I hate to see her go like this but I look forward to see Stella.3 and the great things to come.

Cheers:food-smiley-004:

Todd, Please do not hesitate to ask me for help, I owe you a lot
so if you need a car or truck, I have a spare, if you need a to haul stella to power house you can borrow my truck, rent a u-haul trailer and take her there.
It's a 2000 Chevy Silverado Z-71 4X4 Extended cab so if you don't have an issue driving a chevy you are welcome to it.

[rygen]

Scott,

Thanks man, this means a lot. And thanks for letting me run your car on monday. I already arranged transport for the car, but really appreciate it. I will keep that Silverado in mind. :coolup:

Think you and your son can make the Buckeye Brawl next year?

[2k05GT]

Scott,

Think you and your son can make the Buckeye Brawl next year?

We will start planning on it now. We should have a Birthday Party for Stella.3 :113: then.

[Mod@v6power.net]

Sorry to hear about your loss , as you know I lost an engine on the dyno recently but I'm going to have it rebuilt because I know it was some sort of fluke , I think this may have been the same thing . I sure would like to see you rebuild the six with maybe better rods , I don't think its the block at all .

[WKH]

WOW Rygen, sorry to hear that man. I just stumbled across this post and I see that Im a few days late. I read the whole thing too. Even if you go with the 5.4 i still have to salute you for paving the way for new guys like me. If it wasn't for you taking the 4.0 to its limits, and creating such a great forum/community of 4.0 enthusiast, chances are a lot of us would have been lost. I hope everything goes well next time around. Only advice i can give you is to pray before every race down the track, that all goes well.

[ronaele05]

@WKH... he only needs to pray in october...
lol

[WKH]

@WKH... he only needs to pray in october...
lol

LoL...............

[rygen]

Car just got loaded on the trailer, and is enroute to PH and then we will go from there.

@Gary,

Thanks man. Yea, I hate to leave the V6, just not sure if I can take the risk of breaking another motor so soon. I did the same thing Lance did, but we should know more this week or next once Mike lays hands on it. And the thought of a 4r70 is quite tempting with this swap too, which right now I was looking at a custom 5r55 build up.

[JimC]

Sorry to hear about your loss , as you know I lost an engine on the dyno recently but I'm going to have it rebuilt because I know it was some sort of fluke , I think this may have been the same thing . I sure would like to see you rebuild the six with maybe better rods , I don't think its the block at all .

Gary, I must have missed that thread - what happened on the dyno?

[Mod@v6power.net]

Gary, I must have missed that thread - what happened on the dyno?


Not really sure , it was only at 10 Psi and 434 rwhp and it threw a bearing , so now I'm having the engine rebuilt with all new parts . Just a fluke one of those things that happen .

[Flapjack]

Like I said on the phone last time we talked... If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

[DRock]

Car just got loaded on the trailer, and is enroute to PH and then we will go from there.

@Gary,

Thanks man. Yea, I hate to leave the V6, just not sure if I can take the risk of breaking another motor so soon. I did the same thing Lance did, but we should know more this week or next once Mike lays hands on it. And the thought of a 4r70 is quite tempting with this swap too, which right now I was looking at a custom 5r55 build up.

Any in progress pics of the engine etc?