Same/similar to ST 4.6?

[01svtL]

I'm looking at picking up an 08 Sport Trac limited w/ the 3V 4.6 V8. Does anyone know how similar the motor is to the Mustang, if not exactly the same? I'm wondering if the compression is lowered at all. I've also heard the upper intake manifold was different, but this is coming from guys that care more about offroad tires than they do horsepower. I've owned several 12 second Lightnings and a low 12 second Mach 1, so these 3V's are completely new to me. In stock form, the 4.6 Sport Trac is rated at 292 hp and 325 torque (I think). I'm guessing the single exhaust to keep it quiet ("luxurious") and a slight detuning is what brings it down from the 315 hp that you guys are running stock (IIRC).

Anyway, I'm looking to get the motor to breathe a little better with some exhaust work, get a set of 4.30's (the few that have done it have actually reported a slight INCREASE in mpg), and a good tune. I'm thinking if the motors are the same, it should also benefit from a throttle body and whatever other mods you 3V guys run the most. I haven't begun to read up yet, as I just joined, but I will be shortly.

So anyway, if any of you have any knowledge on the subject, fire away!

 

[killr3v]

It's the same motor. Different intake manifold though. Throttle bodies don't really do a dann thing. GL

 

[Fast64ranchero]

It's the same motor. Different intake manifold though. Throttle bodies don't really do a dann thing. GL

You sure they are the same? I thought only the mustang got the 6 bolt main block?

 

[cobra mike]

if its aluminum it will be a 6 bolt, if its iron it will be 4
dont know withch it has, mustang parts, cams etc will go in no problem, intake is set up different, mustang one will fit, but you would have to fab up a cai.
not shure about clearence issues so i couldent say how or if longtube headders would fit, but im shure shortys would work, i cant see them having different exhaust manifolds, everything engine wise should work

 

[Greg Hazlett]

Mike-are you drinking and typing at the same time?

 

[cobra mike]

Mike-are you drinking and typing at the same time?

no im just bad at typing, and spelling, although i am laying down and cant see the keybord good...lol..

 

[19COBRA93]

The Sport track 4.6L has an iron block. If anything, I'd say it's more similar to the F-150 than a mustang. Although, they all pretty much share the same parts anyway.

 

[01svtL]

thanks for the responses so far guys! I know no one makes long tubes for it. As theres too much under there that the Mustang LTs will run into, and there isnt enough market to make the specifically for the truck, or so they think. I have seen enty of inquiries about them inthe one week ive been a member on the ST forum.

So if its more like the F150, will the Stang steeda pullies work? How different are the internals of the F150 compared to the Stang? Will it take 300-330 rwhp, and is that possible n/a? I guess Im more interested in adding torque, being it's a heavy truck. 4.10's or 4.30's are already in the works.

 

[01svtL]

Also, anyone aware of the differences in compression ratios among the motors, if any different at all?

 

[mac10chap]

some have reported that adding 4.30's ADDED gas mileage??? That seems a bit far fetched to me.

 

[06silverbullet]

some have reported that adding 4.30's ADDED gas mileage??? That seems a bit far fetched to me.

i call shinnanigans on that as well.

 

[01svtL]

Sorry, I meant with 4.10's. I'm thinking it has something to do with the motor not struggling as much to get it going. The guys that reported this were trying to get good mileage, so they weren't out there "testing out" the newfound acceleration. That, and they reported 1 - 1.2 mpg increase at most. The others saw .5ish. Regardless, their mileage didn't go down any, which is a plus.

 

[mac10chap]

Sorry, I meant with 4.10's. I'm thinking it has something to do with the motor not struggling as much to get it going. The guys that reported this were trying to get good mileage, so they weren't out there "testing out" the newfound acceleration. That, and they reported 1 - 1.2 mpg increase at most. The others saw .5ish. Regardless, their mileage didn't go down any, which is a plus.

I reported a 2mpg drop when I went from 3.55's to 3.73's...Probably b/c my highway cruising speeds keep me close to 3000RPM's now. Cant imagine what they would be with 4.10's. You may want to double check on that piece of info. Either that, or the guy only drives around at about 60-65mph, tops.

 

[06iornhorse]

At 75 mph I'm only at about 2700 rpms I average 300 mpg mixed driving and about 345 highway at 70 mph

 

[Weou09]

At 75 mph I'm only at about 2700 rpms I average 300 mpg mixed driving and about 345 highway at 70 mph

I could live with that. I have been trying to decide whether I want 3.73 or 4.10s.

 

[iwaxmyjimmy]

if its aluminum it will be a 6 bolt, if its iron it will be 4

I never noticed that with these mod engines