I didn't blow my engine but I am finding out really fast how expensive it is to go built. I am at $5600 right now and that is just for the block, cams, converter, 60# injectors, and twin 255's. I still have to get the KB, exhaust, heads, and pay for the install. $$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

Dont forget another 4k for BTS, whether its now or just after the buildup, with lots of power ya gotta remember the rest of the pieces too.
Maybe a diamond ring sos the ol lady knows ya care about her that much too.

 

Urban Legend

However if it is true, I have a 2000 too!!!


Sorry about the motor bro. I saw my dad's 2000 blow up (see, it's a myth i'm telling ya). It was UGLY!!!

 

Listen to the above, do it once and do it right....

 

I'm interested to know what you WOT timing was set at, you have no way of knowing?

 

Did you ever put the L on a dyno after the tune to make sure A/F's were safe? I had JLP tune my L aslo, but after loading the tune I took it to a dyno to make sure things were safe before I hammered on it. I was more concerned about the A/F's than I was the HP. Felt good to be in the 400/500 club, but even better to see my A/F's never went about 11.3 to 1.
Very safe tune = no problems when temps got cooler.

Good luck with your rebuild.

 

If you take a count the '99's, '03's and '04's have less of a history (not just due to less miles on the newer models) of lost rods. Rumors have it that after the first year of production the SVT boys were restricted by budget limitations and they had to cut costs. Following a few years of soooooo many engine returns they thought better and the original '99 rods were re-ordered for the '03's.

Is this complete BS, could be ? - I have a friend in Windsor Ontario (Canadian Detroit for the big three) who knows about the rods and he was told there were a number of engine componets that were refined to save on the green.

Funny that the block was upgraded in '03, too.

Never the less, sorry to hear about your loss! For the right price I might have an '99 14,000 mile L engine for sale - I have been drooling over the thought of a built block............ hmmmmm


D-Day

 

So according to that theory, the 03 has good rods? What kind are they?

 

I haven't spoken to my friend for a while, but I will ask him.

As Rob states above he has been very lucky (with his '02). My '03 was putting down 496/562 on a stock block and I had numerous stomps at 80 to 120 without problem (doesn't mean anything, but). Maybe I was very lucky, too.

I remember a post from a Ford purchaser (also a SVT nut) who showed an order for an '03 - 5.4 block that was $400 and change more expensive than the previous blocks.

D-Day

 

Shoite - just like the rest of them.

Used to run 2.0 litre Ford Cosworth DOHC & Turbo in a 4x4 saloon car.
man they used to kick *** big time.
Never lost rods though - factory Forged Pistons & Rods and Crankshaft.
Rev the bollocks of them - come home and the brake discs were glowing - front & rear.

No wonder they where the best car to get nicked in the UK

The botton end of the 5.4 is good for stock & high mileage.
But will not take uprated power long term - the stats prove that.

 

Thanks guys for all of the info.

 

Rumors.......... exactly. There has never been any documented proof. But if i was gonna cut cost...........you mean to tell me cheapening the rods as an option wasn't seen by any bean counters as a completely rediculous way to start. Wouldn't it have been cheaper to make things like a disc changer or tonneau an option people would have to pay for , rather than scimping on one of the man components of any engine?

Like I said, I have a 2000 so if it's true......YAY, otherwise, i've seen a 2000 throw rods with a good tune on a 4lb pulley in my old back yard. Yes, it was cold when it happened, but it happened.

Is there actually any way that someone could prove this theory......with all the ford connections we have here. It would be nice to know the true facts after all these years of speculation.

 

I totally agree with you - like I mention in the post, is it all BS? - if I had to bet on it I would say yes.

Proof, I think only the classified files and Ford Lawyers know the answer to that question.

Cheers

D-Day

 

Mart Man: yes he did have it on a dyno....at strictly performance in houston. it was putting down around 395rwhp & 512rwft/lbs. i don't recall any a/f numbers. however, the dude there did make some changes to pete's JLP tune, but i think he changed it back later b/c we figured out the guy didn't know ****e about L's. i'm guessing it was a bit too leaned out....and the fact that he didn't have injectors,pumps,etc. i do believe he had some NGK BR7's on there, so.....i'm really curious as to what the actual cause was.....but i guess we'll never know w/o a datalog from a predator or the like.

 

Pete...Sorry to hear about the rod launch. I see a JDM Shortblock in your near future and many more races on Hoard (guess who?) Goodluck with the re-build and holler if you need anything.

Stuart