What is the best motor to use for a performance build?

[over2tonsofFun]

I am looking to build a motor for my 85 Crown Vic. I wonder what would be the best motor to use 5.0, 5.8 push rod, 4.6 SOHC, 4.6 DOHC, or 5.0 Coyote.
The push rod engines would be cheaper to build. the Modulars would have the wow factor. Any more the Coyote is the swap motor of choice for the true blue oval peeps with a lot of $$$$$.
I am looking at a high horsepower streetable motor, something that I can jump in and drive cross country if I wanted to. Probably will have to go forced induction to make any power living in high elevation where I do. Thankfully I now work at an auto parts and get a decent discount on parts. but budget is still in play. Thinking of what I could find in a junk yard. Or should I go cubic inches and build a Big block Ford.

Tim

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Depending on how far your budget will travel (gotta pay to play), I'd go 5.0 Coyote. The new 5.0 is still built from Modular architecture and can be found in a few applications is already showing up in salvage situations (wrecked F-series pickups and Mustangs). The power output is already good from the get go, so adding additional speed parts would be icing on the cake.

It shouldn't be too hard getting all the electronics working if a donor harness is grabbed, or if a standalone ECU is available.

[Tiggie]

If you can swing the coin, Coyote is also my vote since high horsepower reliability is your goal. $7000 it can be a runner. Maybe $4000 if you find deals. But let's face it, 99.9% people reading this don't have that kind of money, and if they do aren't willing to throw it at a Panther.

So that said, cheapest easiest option get a runner 351w, throw some decent moderate aftermarket heads and aftermarket EFI controllers on it, and have a runner for $2000. Cheaper if you get deals. Like a church van donor in the pick n pull on half price day and some AFRs from a Coyote swapping mustang guy.

[pantera77]

What's your budget?
What's your skill level?
What numbers are you looking for?

Your all over the map here.

[Bobcat]

3-5-1

[over2tonsofFun]

Kind of hard to set a budget, possibly looking at 3-4 K. but depends on what I get from work vs Junk yard. As for skills. I know what I am doing plus I have quite a few resources to pull from.
HP # ultimately looking 6-700 or more. I know I can't get that power with 4K. but once I get a good base I build from there. I may look at what I can get a Dart block for. That would be a great base to start, they are rated for over 2000 HP. That would be awesome a 1000+ HP Panther. Ahhhh Dreams.

Tim

[jaywish]

Unless you get really lucky you are not going to get a coyote in there, setup and running at that budget. You maybe could if you get a whole wreck, including the keys, real cheap. Plan on it taking a while to get the wrinkles out unless you are gifted by a pioneer who has done this before.
There are fitment issues and figuring the hvac plenum would be fun unless you don't want hvac. Though you would be starting somewhat near the power goals you want.

[sly]

I'd go with a 351 based setup for that budget. It will bolt in and no fab required.

[turbo2256b]

600 700 reliable HP 429 / 460

[knucklehead0202]

Coyote for good power straight away, as well as reliability. Throw a blower on it and you're making 600hp in no time. Just costs $$$. Or you get a 351, do a 408 solid roller and throw some spray at it. Cheaper but not exactly as streetable. These choices for me are usually made by what thing I find first that I can afford or have easier access to. As luck would have it, my brother snagged me a 347 short block for super-cheap, so that's what's happening.

[1990LTD]

I love pushrod engines for packaging reasons and simplicity. I can put a head gasket on a SBF and not touch the cam, chain or even the cover. A 302 based engine would be good but I think a 351 based engine would be even better.


Nothing wrong with an OHC engine, I'm just used to pushrod engines and it's what I like.


The mod motor is great from 2v to Coyote, but they're fucking huge. Like as big or bigger than a 385 series engine depending on what version you've got.

[pantera77]

4.8/5.3 and turbo
It's been done a millions times for good reason.

[mitymerc]

4.8/5.3 and turbo
It's been done a millions times for good reason.

Sacrilege, heresy, you heathen. LOL


Sad to say, it has crossed my mind. (Fleetingly though)

[DerekTheGreat]

4.8/5.3 and turbo
It's been done a millions times for good reason.

Yep. That and LS > Coyote

[merc91]

As a 302 block splitter I can say if you have any hopes of creeping to 500hp and beyond... that tosses the 302.
That 600-700 is within the okay zone of 351 base stock blocks limits though. Put some $$ into the good rotating assembly in the bottom end and do the heads/intake the year after and then a turbo to pollish it off. Could go supercharger but with gobbling 30%hp to run it, you'll find yourself at the limits of pump gas to get the power out the flywheel that you will 1 day want with all that is going out the front crank pulley.

Turbo uses about half that to run which means more power out the flywheel on pump gas limits 👍 For what it's worth, what i'm doing, the car is built and waiting to drop in a 1000+hp single turbo 408 (stroked dart block 351w).

Non-pushrod is a sin.