Let's Discuss Blocks and Alternative Engines

[cobra3073]

I had posted up on another thread which apparently has already "run its course", so I decided to start a new thread.

I am essentially an "Old School" hotrodder (I have three modified "early" Mustangs) who I admit am fairly clueless regarding the "computer" cars. My daily driver is my 2003 Marauder. This is one of three other cars (all Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicles) in my "stable" that is not modified.

Anyway, I am one who likes to keep an extra engine or short block around in the event one of my "toys" decide to "give up the ghost." With that being said, I would like to discuss the "pros" and "cons" of acquiring and building an alternative acceptable Marauder short block or engine. It appears that the Lincoln Mark VIII, the Aviator and the Cobra motors are acceptable candidates.

I realize some of this may have been addressed in "bits and pieces" on other threads but would like to see it all in one place. So, what ARE the pros and cons in utilizing one of these alternative 4.6 DOHC motors to replace a "stock" Marauder motor?

Thanks!

BT

[RacerX]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100925&highlight=aluminator

The strongest ALUMINUM 4.6l block is the: 2005 to 2010 3v Mustang block with casting number 3L2E-6015-CC on it (Ford part # 8R3Z-6010-A). It weighs 10lbs more and it better than even the touted Teksid block. This is the same block that Ford used for the Aluminator series (M-6010-A46SC). If you want stronger, like for over 2,000 hp, then use an iron block. John Mihovetz of Accufab Racing has pushed the aluminum blocks over 2,000 horsepower without issue. https://accufabracing.com/accufab-mustang
Heads, you want the 9 thread heads. Here is some info on this: http://www.terminator-cobra.com/castings.htm

[MOTOWN]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100925&highlight=aluminator

The strongest ALUMINUM 4.6l block is the: 2005 to 2010 3v Mustang block with casting number 3L2E-6015-CC on it (Ford part # 8R3Z-6010-A). It weighs 10lbs more and it better than even the touted Teksid block. This is the same block that Ford used for the Aluminator series (M-6010-A46SC). If you want stronger, like for over 2,000 hp, then use an iron block. John Mihovetz of Accufab Racing has pushed the aluminum blocks over 2,000 horsepower without issue. https://accufabracing.com/accufab-mustang
Heads, you want the 9 thread heads. Here is some info on this: http://www.terminator-cobra.com/castings.htm

Couldn't disagree with you more on the blocks , the teksid is the strongest 4.6l production block ever produced , the aluminator block is a WAP block , but the truth of the matter is that the WAP block will be more than enough for 95% of the modular builds out there , and the iron 4.6l block is no where as near as strong as its aluminum counter parts.

[RacerX]

I had two Teksid blocks in my shed and chose the Aluminator block. I got them from Triple Threat. I have done extensive research as well as having many blocks in my possession. If you saw where Ford added the strength and where they took the weight away, you'd understand. I do not underestimate your knowledge, but, on this, I will argue until death. :P

http://www.terminator-cobra.com/images/Aluminator%20block.jpg

[Zack]

Use whatever you want. They all work the same

[MOTOWN]

I had two Teksid blocks in my shed and chose the Aluminator block. I got them from Triple Threat. I have done extensive research as well as having many blocks in my possession. If you saw where Ford added the strength and where they took the weight away, you'd understand. I do not underestimate your knowledge, but, on this, I will argue until death. :P

http://www.terminator-cobra.com/images/Aluminator%20block.jpg

You do realize there are many articles stating each block is the strongest right?


Use whatever you want. They all work the same

Omg! I actually agree with you! Hell well for the most part.

[F1erceK]

I went with the teksid, no regrets. Although I am not utilizing the power it can sustain, I do not need to worry about it .. ever.

[sailsmen]

LOL, that's nothing but a promo piece with a bunch of made up words and processes to sell!

[RacerX]

Zack is right, but, you can also get the strongest aluminum blocks at junk yards for about $400 (10lbs heavier than the Teksid in all the right places). Good luck!

[cobra3073]

All very GOOD stuff indeed, but what I was trying to ask about was, what are the pros and cons in utilizing other (read that cheaper and more prevalent) blocks and/or engines in putting together a STOCK equivalent of the 4.6 DOHC motors that came originally in our cars?

Essentially, I would like to know what are the "pitfalls" and/or incompatibility issues (if any) that would have to be resolved when using a teksid or WAP block or engine to make them the "SAME" as an original stock Marauder motor?

I am not looking at putting together a high HP motor or something that would be more at home on the track. I am sure there are MANY other Marauder owners who are also getting a little "long in the tooth" (like me) who simply enjoy using our cars as daily drivers.

Anyway, I am sorry if I was not clearer in the original post.

BT

[RacerX]

The blocks are all, for the most part, interchangeable. You're going to have different internals (compression ratios), heads, timing covers, oil pans, pickup tubes, oil pumps, front dress...

[maximusslade]

Any of the 4.6 blocks will work. There are 5.3L iron blocks for sale that are the same size as the 4.6 (I think they were bored and stroked 4.6l Boss blocks, I think.) For the heads, well.... answers for that would be as varied as any opinions would find on this site. Truth is depends on budget and what you wanna do. Stock heads for the 'rauder are the 03/04 heads, but those are getting expensive. I have heard talk about Navigator heads, but I guess intake choices on that are limited.

I myself am building up an engine using the Teskid block and C heads (99/01 Cobra heads) which I got off a Lincoln continential for $100 (same heads, same cams) and they will give just about the same performance as the heads and cams that come stock on the 'rauder.

[Lowndex]

I recommend Livernois (http://www.livernoismotorsports.com/).

[IndyMerc]

I just bought a 2004 aviator for 800 bucks. I love these engines. not sure if I should re use the stock block or go with the M-6010-A46NA.

[vkirkend]

go here and be done....

http://www.modularmotorsportsracing.c om/cart/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=23_63&products_id=333

[Rserrata1992]

Hey guys question
Will the aviator motor simply just swap right in to my mm...?
I’m currently having a ticking issue with a bit of reduced power ��

[Shinker]

IÂ’m curious about this as well. Wonder which block cobra3073 picked for a spare? Been a few years. Just guessing but I think you would have to swap over the MMÂ’s exhaust manifolds, both upper intakes, timing cover and maybe the water neck oil filter housing is different on the aviator? This could be an affordable option for me too.

[Shinker]

Might have to swap valve covers and oil pan too. I wouldn’t be surprised if this swap has been done countless times.

[Rserrata1992]

Really I thought timing covers might be the same...? I’m sure...?
I know things like pistons and oil sending unit are
Good enough in the aviator or same as MM...!

I read this somewhere, as I was trying to figure out if a regular mgm block would work... but read somewhere that pistons , wouldn’t handle the 4 valve heads.??? And oil sending unit /oil pump wear different along with trimming chain cover, chains, intakes, heads obviously...?



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[Rserrata1992]

Might have to swap valve covers and oil pan too. I wouldn’t be surprised if this swap has been done countless times.



Valve covers...? U think so.???
Oh yea oil pain gots to go
I have been wanting a mm for ever now that I got one it doesn’t run like it should[emoji19]
I found a aviator truck complete being sold to me for 800 it’s been sitting
I should jump on it huh...?


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[Shinker]

Was thinking valve covers need to be swaped over because of the pcv hose routing possibly being different? I have never looked under the hood of an aviator honestly so not sure if the aviator has throttle body on PS or DS ?

[Rserrata1992]

U got a point

Well I will be replacing my radiator and oil filter housing gasket today hopefully that helps some of my reduced power issues



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[RubberCtyRauder]

Front cover also needs swapped

[Shinker]

$800 for an 04 aviator sounds like a good deal if it is has the updated heads with 9 threads for the spark plugs instead of only 4 threads like my 03 heads.

[hotford]

I recommend Livernois (http://www.livernoismotorsports.com/).



I wouldn't, bunch of FN liars and had first hand experience with them!

[Rserrata1992]

$800 for an 04 aviator sounds like a good deal if it is has the updated heads with 9 threads for the spark plugs instead of only 4 threads like my 03 heads.



What is the difference


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[Shinker]

Difference is 9 threads holds the spark plug more securely than 4 threads. It’s my understanding later heads are desirable because of this

[Themarauderguy]

Valve covers...? U think so.???
Oh yea oil pain gots to go
I have been wanting a mm for ever now that I got one it doesn’t run like it should[emoji19]
I found a aviator truck complete being sold to me for 800 it’s been sitting
I should jump on it huh...?


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I would make sure it runs and listen to it run that there's no knocking or ticking sounds. Or not overheating before you buy it. I've been burned a few times in the good old Dallas Fort Worth area buying those used Lincoln Aviator engines just to find out they're no good and having to take them back.

[Rserrata1992]

Yea sound bout right
Thanks for the heads up


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[Rserrata1992]

Hey guys I got no milky residue when I changed oil but on the oil cap I saw some residue very light...?
Dose this mean my motor it outta there l...?


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[Rserrata1992]

@ themarauderguy
Can u send me a txt
4695082757
I couldn’t figure out how to reply


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[Rserrata1992]

Hey guys question ...
Would bad piston rings cause me to have oil on my spark plugs


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[crownvic97]

Its more likely the cam cover gasket/the spark plug tube seals.

[Rserrata1992]

Its more likely the cam cover gasket/the spark plug tube seals.



But I’m having oil on the actual part we’re the spark comes from.....
Not just were the coil pack sits


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[musclemerc]

do yourself a favor and get a leak down test performed