You bore out your intake maifold, elbow, and throttle body parts to match the gaskets that they mate to. Gets better flow. Is it a huge differance... IDK> Havn't done all of it yet. From what i hear its not much but its there and its something that you can do cheaply.

 

id like to know more about this in some detail if anyone would like to explain it. or if theres a thread already out about it.

 

it wont make a drastic improvement, but it will make a difference you can probably feel at part throttle.

 

Jackal i am a fan of the linexed rocker panals and would like to see a linexed truck. the only thing i am wondering is with the added wait and the rigid areodynamics of the linex instead of a smooth clear coat if all these small upgrades are going to even be felt? just a thought?

 

scotty, heres an example you can try at home to get the idea. take a piece of paper and a TP tube, put the paper over the tube and poke a hole in it with a pen. now blow through the tube and feel the air. now cut the paper to match the tube and feel the air. thats kinda how it works.

 

Here is truckgasm's site in Ft. Worth with lots o' good pics: http://www.linexfortworthtexas.com/photogallery.htm

I don't think the rough finish surface would be much of an issue under 100 mph.

 

After reading built's write-up, I'm a little concerned about the timing process, and the whole compress the tensioners in a vise thing...can anyone elaborate? I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a good 5.4 while pricing out a 4.6 workover. Are we SURE a 5.4 will bolt up to the M5OD and has anyone done it?

Should I be concerned with the bottom end at all?

 

100% positive!!!!! Go for it!

 

Well, after speaking with Mike T. about this, I have determined that it will cost about the same which ever way I go.

I'm leaning toward sticking with the 4.6L due to the fact that I can manage most of the work myself, the M50D and 8.8" shortcomings, and the fact that it would take a ***** LOAD of time in the custom tuning and dyno runs, etc. if I went the 5.4 route.

A couple more questions. Mike said he would be VERY surprised if my truck had non-PI heads, and that the change over should have happened about 2 months before my truck was built. He said especially on 4.6's, the castings aren't always there. Neal has had me inspect the intake runners in the past, but this also isn't a sure fire method on 4.6's apparently. To complicate matters, I believe my VIN indicates this to be a Romeo build 4.6L. Is there any way to tell which heads I have before tearing into it?

If I already have the PI heads, I'm thinking about just "knocking out" the intake manifold restriction, gasket matching, and doing cams / headers / injectors. If I were to have the heads worked over on top of all of this, I'd easily be $4,000 deep before it's all said / done, which just isn't reasonable. Especially with gears and a locker to be done. If I don't have to do the head work, I think I can cut this nearly in half.

If I do cams, is this something I will be able to tackle "myself"? I know the valves / springs have to be dealt with at the same time. I found 2 Ford ASE master techs that are willing to "help" me with this job if I get in a pinch. They tell me I also have to replace the timing chains, guides, tensioners, and that I need a degree wheel and alignment tools. I haven't priced any of this yet.

Just want to find some more info out and give a small update. I haven't given up quite yet.

 

OMG you have been beating around the bush too much! Just fix the head leak, and throw some 4.10's in the axels and you'll be pleased. Plus, you won't have to do anything to the motor in terms of upgrades and it won't stress your transmission. In fact, 4.10's will take stress away from your trans and clutch.

 

I know it, but I hate to do the work and not see more improvement. I also don't mind spending some money, but can't see doubling the project cost over maybe 20 HP. Won't the cams and headers give me most of my gains without sending the heads off for a MAJOR overhaul?

It's not like I don't have time to make up my mind...with snow still falling, I'm not in a real hurry to park the truck yet.

 

If you left the motor alone (with the exception of fixing the head gasket leaks) and regeared it, you really wouldn't gain any HP but you would know you have a motor that will last. The gearing will make you feel like you are making more power but you won't. It will help with pulling and accelerating while taking stress away from the trans and clutch. Gears are the best bang for your buck. Unless you want to spend your whole budget, I would just regear it and enjoy the ride.

 

This is a very interesting post. Jackal - I am considering all the things that you are, minus the line-x. I have 126k on the clock and feel I could use freshened up. I am without a doubt getting gears this spring/summer. I am going 4.56s tho. I plan on running 33's and possibly lightning wheels with 325s on them. I feel 4.10s wouldnt be enough for me. Plus with my automatic my mileage shouldnt be too bad. Youre making the right decision with 4.10s and a 5-speed.

I definitely dont wanna pull my motor out. My goals are PI heads with comp cams (the ones built ran in his old motor). E-fans, pullies, longtubes, and a dyno tune to pull everything together. I know this will all be a costly project but i wanna build up a decently mean 4.6. Plus, there are alot of mods that i can do one by one and would not cost me a ton all at once. The 5.4 swap needs reprogrammed, exhaust modifications from the get go. And at that point you might as well get the longtubes. I can easily sell my truck and get one with a 5.4 same year n all. But I really dont for see that happening.

 

But back to you.... If i were you i'd get those 4.10s in there first. Then start collecting all PI parts you need (unless you already have them) Throw some cams in there and compliment them with some good long tubes. I think you'll be satisfied. A good tune after that is a must. I may actually buy an Edge here really soon. The resale is really good IMO. Plus, i'll ve getting gears first and can make adjustments.

Buy yea that M5OD wont hold up to the torque of a 5.4. I believe it is built by Mazda. The tow ratings are very low for this setup. With an automatic the tow capacity is atleast 2000 lbs more.

Well this is all my two cents. Sorry for the book, i just really find this similar to my situation.

Good Luck!

 

The edge will do you no good. You will need to get a tune as soon as you put differnt cams in there.