View Full Version : SVT motor relaibility??
With all this talk of stock motors diieng lately, how much better is the quality/dependability of an SVT motor, say the 99=-01 cobras and the 03-04 cobra motors?
Any experience on this matter?
Any engine on the Romeo line (SVT) is hand built and has excellent reliability.
Virtually no problems except the famous head tick.
03-04 Cobra motors are the best engine IMHO Ford ever produced.
I dont think enough engines have gone south to raise concern yet.
Most have failed due to other circumstances.
99SVT
05-02-2007, 08:55 AM
The only problem I had with my 99 was the oil cooler strated leaking immediatly after an oil change at the dealership. (strange timing on that one) They don't usually have a problem until people start making real horsepower that the stock bottom end can't handle.
We have a guy around here that daily drives his 96 Cobra and had over 580000kms on it 2 years ago, I haven't seen him around last year because I was overseas, but others have been saying that he's approching 700000kms. The only major repairs he's done is replace the water pump once and the transmission twice, once under warranty. He races it all the time, drag and roadcourse, and the only mods are K&N intake, exhaust and weight reduction.
Raudermaster
05-02-2007, 08:59 AM
I do agree with Zack that the Termi engines are very good and SVT did an excellent job building them. I mean, there are guys on SVTP that have well over 500rwhp and don't have any issues with them. I wonder how hard/much it would cost to stuff one in an MM.
Tom Doan put the whole set up in his. Very good results.
Karkraft has a used one complete with the blower for 8500. Actually, not a bad price by the time you look at getting a PA, building the block, etc.
MENINBLK
05-02-2007, 01:38 PM
I believe that the SVT engine doesn't use as much aluminum
as the Marauder engine does.
This is probably the reason for the improvements and reliability.
The additional cost for a long block would be worth it.
sailsmen
05-02-2007, 03:55 PM
The Marauder engine for many has been reliable.
I never imagined mine would hold up like it has.
I remember when SgtMac tore down his stock engine and the good condition it was in.
svtguy
05-02-2007, 03:58 PM
have not had such great reliability! :help:
2.5L duratecs and thier dam spun bearings.:mad2:
00 Aggie
05-02-2007, 05:48 PM
The Termis have decent blocks (iron), but weak pistons (500hp in an 03-04 is pretty common now!), the old Teskid aluminum blocks used on the 99s and a few 01s make up the best Ford blocks. Their are a few racers with 1000+ hp on them with no issues. The Marauder block itself is fine.
OneBADLsE
05-02-2007, 05:49 PM
do i hear class action lawsuit anyone???
Tom Doan
05-02-2007, 06:20 PM
Same as my last reply, Thank you Dennis and JDM, I love my SVT and an uncut MM. I did the RECON for you slugs and it cost big money, and NOW you look at it and say any monkey could do that, now that you have seen it. Tom
MENINBLK
05-02-2007, 06:24 PM
do i hear class action lawsuit anyone???
Class Action Lawsuits take THOUSANDS of incidents.
do i hear class action lawsuit anyone???
Am I allowed to say - STFU! :D
J
Tom,
Where are you getting that from? No one said it would be easy and I would not advise anyone to do it unless they want a challenge! :)
Same as my last reply, Thank you Dennis and JDM, I love my SVT and an uncut MM. I did the RECON for you slugs and it cost big money, and NOW you look at it and say any monkey could do that, now that you have seen it. Tom
The Termis have decent blocks (iron), but weak pistons (500hp in an 03-04 is pretty common now!), the old Teskid aluminum blocks used on the 99s and a few 01s make up the best Ford blocks. Their are a few racers with 1000+ hp on them with no issues. The Marauder block itself is fine.
The 03-04 termi motors are fine. Lots of power being made as soon as they swap out the eaton.
GreekGod
05-03-2007, 09:51 AM
(I don't know if it is true):
"The 4.6L 2v engine is STILL the lowest warrenty cost engine EVER PRODUCED for the US market"
True or not, the Modular family is a big winner. I'm told, the 4.6 4V is popular with kit car builders and low production sports car builders.
Ford and GM have each built over 100 million V8's. Experience counts for something.
Breadfan
05-03-2007, 09:56 AM
There are atleast 3 CAM members with the '03/'04 Cobra iron block motor. In my opinion they are good options and all three of these people are very happy with the results.
That being said there are pros and cons...
Pros:
- reliable OEM motor
- prebuilt by Ford w/ forged internals
- easier than doing a rebuild of your existing motor
- not bad in terms of cost
Cons:
- heavier iron block
- lower compression so more boost needed - but it can handle that
- Full cobra swap needs extra work
- long block swap wiht something like a Trilogy setup needs minor changes in front cover and 8 bolt flexplate
From what I have seen these con's aren't that bad, and pretty easy to overcome.
All in all it's not a bad choice, it's arguable whether or not "better" choices exist but this one has merit and like all others it's pro's and con's that must be considered to see if it's the right choice for you.
Yeah, I am thinking about just buying a whole termi motor and selling the stocker.
MarauderTJA
05-03-2007, 05:22 PM
You guys are right. BUT, for $5K you can get a professionally built Boss 330 racing Motor, using our block with forged internals. Add some blower cams and some head work you are up to $8K using our aluminum block. Built by Al Papittio, one of the best modular engine builders in the U.S. My opinion of course.
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