Come on in and follow along as we build a TFS headed 5.4 Mustang GT engine!>>>>

[Mod Mustang Racing]

We wanted to do a online build-up of a recent race engine for one of our customers. The customers goal for the 2000 Mustang GT was 470-500 RWHP. We figured we would share the build up with the modular community and show what it takes to build an engine of this Caliber . Follow with us as we complete the final assembly on this TFS headed engine. Some areas we go into deeper than other so if you have any questions please let us know. This build is not intended to be instructional but more as just a rough outline of what goes into assembling a Modular Longblock, if you have any in depth questions feel free to call or ask us here!

The Build up is based on a N/A combination with a 5.4 forged MMR shortblock and TFS heads with compression in the 12 to 1 range (which of course can still be used on pump gas with the correct tune)



The Block begins with machining and decking to insure that the cylinders are square to the block, after the machining process the assembly begins:

The block is moved to the stand where all of the oil gallies and passages are cleaned with compressed air.



Once this is done we begin the assembly by placing the Clevite Main bearings into the block and adding Royal Purple synthetic assembly lube to the bearing surfaces.



Once the bearings are lubricated we carefully lower the balanced crankshaft into place and install the ARP main studs and caps.

We can now check for adequate thrust clearance by adding a dial indicator to the block and measure for/aft movement.

Below you can see the ARP main stud kit installed with the main caps in place.



Next the tech sets the gap on the Speed Pro file fit rings , The rings are filed for each cylinder and then installed onto the Manley Forged Pistons



The Pistons and rods are assembled next using a light coating of assembly lube.



The pistons are now ready to be installed, a good quality ring compressor such as the ARP tool is recommended to prevent chipping rings or other piston damage, a light coat of

Wd-40 is perfect to help the piston slide out of the tool and is also helpful for a fast ring seating upon initial start-up.



We repeat the last step for all 8 cylinders turning the crankshaft through after each piston is installed to verify smooth operation and correct tolerances (rod side clearance)



With all eight pistons installed and the rods torqued to spec we can now concentrate on the top end of the build




The ARP head studs, dowels and gaskets are installed next in preparation for the heads



Prior to installing the heads we give them 1 final wipe down with brake cleaner on the deck surface to remove any grease or oil that may prevent them from sealing



The Heads are installed on the new 5.4 Forged MMR shortblock and torqued to the manufacturers spec using ARP moly lube on the threads.



The picture below is a great shot of the new beefy TFS cam cap hardware, this helps eliminate unwanted flex in the valve train that can be power robbing!



Next we lubricate the cam journals and install the MMR custom N/A Camshafts and Billet cam spacers. New factory lifters and followers were used for this build-up.



Next we install the MMR Street/Race Oil pump and prepare to install the front timing components.



The gears, guides, tensioners and chains are installed and degreed per the cam card to verify opening and closing valve events. This is done using a degree wheel, a MMR solid lifter and a dial indicator.





Below we test fit the Moroso Sheetmetal valve covers. For those interested in this head/valve cover combo some clearancing is required.



Last but not least we top of the engine with a MMR port Matched Edelbrock intake and Port Matched 4.6 to 5.4 adapters.



This application will also use the MMR Adapter that allows the stock style plenums to be bolted on to the edelbrock intake.



Hope everyone enjoyed the build up, the final assembly on this build from the start to finish as shown involved over 14 hrs total labor and involved two different MMR employees. Some of the steps were not shown and we may go back in and add them if questions are asked regarding anything specific. Next is the installation and dyno test! Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!



MMR



If you liked this build please also see the 2500HP Twin turbo engine build!

[2k2GT]

Wow, thanks for the pix and general write up. Off hand, how much would that setup cost.

[cinch02]

wow great write up and i love the build. so will this combo fit under a stock hood?

[svo90]

sweet build how much hp is that gona make, also where is that timing chain cover at on you site and how much

[1bad91]

yea timing cover looks great! post up some numbers when u get it going

[95convgt]

Looks like it will run like a banchee thanks for the pics

[lystic]

You guys thought about trying the HPS 5.4 intake instead of using adapter plates?

[Joyrider564]

Originally Posted by lystic

You guys thought about trying the HPS 5.4 intake instead of using adapter plates?

I was thinking the same thing. I understand you carry the edelbrock as your product, but I have heard the adapter plates aren't the best because of the injector setup. Well I guess the dyno will tell!

[jscott1176]

Originally Posted by lystic

You guys thought about trying the HPS 5.4 intake instead of using adapter plates?

I wonder why as well. The changeover from adapter plates & stock intake to the HPS intake was by far the best addition to my 5.4L. It kept the same peak torque as the adapter plates, but shifted the peak up about 600 RPM. Along with that and better breathing at the higher RPMS, I saw an increase of 30 rwhp with the HPS. I would also think it would be more of a "street-able" intake to use as it still keeps the low end torque up. That Edelbrock intake, with it's short runners, will need a lot of RPM for peak power. How high are you planning on taking this motor? I'm interested in seeing what kind of power potential is there for these TF heads on a 5.4 anyway. Thanks for posting the build pics.

[Cougarstang]

Awesome, thanks for posting the pics

[r3dn3ck]

I had the HPS 4.6 ported heavily and sitting on intake adapter plates and after I replaced it with the HPS 5.4 intake I gained 10hp/10tq. Apart from the power gain the new intake solved all sorts of drivability issues and cut my fuel consumption drastically.

You guys should really consider it. If nothing else it fits under a stock hood.

[karrarararararar]

can't wait to see dyno numbers for this. I've wanted to see what these heads are capable of on the 5.4 for quite a while.

[99MustangGTman]

Nice build, definitely interested in the numbers.

[Mesarina]

why not a hardball´r intake?

[Mod Mustang Racing]

Originally Posted by lystic

You guys thought about trying the HPS 5.4 intake instead of using adapter plates?

The HPS is a nice intake but does not make near the peak HP that the Edelbrock does, the adpater plates used are the MMR version which maintain the port angles and alignment very well, they were also port matched making the transition almost seamless.

[Richardalain]

nice buildup ! keep up the good work !

[liljojo4711]

so are we going to get some #'s?

[Mod Mustang Racing]

Originally Posted by liljojo4711

so are we going to get some #'s?

Yes, the engine is on its way to Canada where it will be dyno'd by the new owner, we will post up results as soon as they become available!

[liljojo4711]

nice nice. keep us updated .

[nickmckinney]

Originally Posted by Mod Mustang Racing

The HPS is a nice intake but does not make near the peak HP that the Edelbrock does, the adpater plates used are the MMR version which maintain the port angles and alignment very well, they were also port matched making the transition almost seamless.

I have to agree with these TFS heads, ain't too many intakes that won't restrict the TFS head flow. Looks like a sweet motor.

[Mod Mustang Racing]

Thanks Nick, oh and sorry to hear about that ebay customer of yours, ebay, paypal and credit card fraud is very high right now!

[Kornnut]

Very nice post. Do you know what headers will be used?

[Mod Mustang Racing]

He plans to use shorties to get it up and running first, definitely not our first choice for a motor like this but it will be interesting to see how it does.

MMR

[Chingus]

Originally Posted by 2k2GT

Off hand, how much would that setup cost.

[JoeKelly]

Very nice!

[2k2GT]

Originally Posted by Chingus

I guess if ya hafta ask....

[Chingus]

Originally Posted by 2k2GT

I guess if ya hafta ask....

I think maybe you're right...

[Mod Mustang Racing]

This build with covers and all is roughly $7900

[Chingus]

Originally Posted by Mod Mustang Racing

This build with covers and all is roughly $7900

Hmmm, actually not as bad as I was expecting. Thanks...

[2k2GT]

Yea, same here. Figured that was 10 grand easy.

[Mod Mustang Racing]

Customer received engine today so the install begins, how many members would be interested in a install write-up also?

[x_man586]

If it is as good as your build write up I am sure it will greatly appreciated.

[Kornnut]

Originally Posted by Mod Mustang Racing

Customer received engine today so the install begins, how many members would be interested in a install write-up also?

Count me in for that.

[2k2GT]

More documentation and TECHNICAL write ups wold be great for this section. Hopefully it will keep the "exhaust/mid pipe/gears/cold air intake/shifter" threads pushed to the bottom.

[Blwn2V]

Originally Posted by 2k2GT

More documentation and TECHNICAL write ups wold be great for this section. Hopefully it will keep the "exhaust/mid pipe/gears/cold air intake/shifter" threads pushed to the bottom.

Absolutely, some of that stuff gets old commenting about.