Not sure if this has a thread already but for the amount of trouble people have the VCT and solenoids could they not just be deleted? I see kits out there for it, would it just need the right tune to do that? Seems like the way to go if they are always going bad? Or am I missing something?

same with the IMRC just delete it as it goes?

 

VCT aren't a problem. The very small number of people that do have issues with them it's almost entirely due to oil/oil changes. Basically, change more often and with better oil. Varnish clogs the filters in the solenoids. And even then, you can generally run a flush/clean cycle and totally eliminate the issue.

Yes, you can delete the VCT but it's INCREDIBLY stupid to do so. The VCT are the reason these trucks have the power they do and drive as good as they do. The process of deleting them involves opening up the front of the engine, tearing down and opening the phasers, installing the limiters/lockouts, timing the cams to a desired point and then reinstalling everything and getting custom tuning. This is ONLY done on racecars making north of 2000hp.

They aren't "always going bad" and it's not a consistent problem with these things like it was on 5.4s, let the thought leave your brain unless you want a dog of a truck that can't do anything it was designed to.

 

Thanks for that info, I’m on team keep ‘em now jumped the gun I think. Did some additional reading and called a shop that builds a lot of coyote motors said the same thing as you haha.

appreciate the input. Thanks!

 

On the flipside, I’m a large proponent for deleting IMRCs if removing the stock manifold lol

 

Just some added comment.
The VCT system makes it >>un-necessary<< to have exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system on the 5 L engines.
If the function is fixed in place by modification, emissions may go up and a result in violation of Law if measured in a state that will not allow modifications.
Also, without VCT action the power band will get narrower same as in older cam in block and non VCT engines.
You will miss this wide band torque on a street engine but may not be applicable in an off street race engine build.
The IMRC intake port system is also a part of the wide band power production curve on these engines.
.
I suspect a good correct oil additive will help the VCT system live longer.
I am currently using such in my engine. For a 5L, is very quiet on 5w20 Blend oil. No need to run heavier oil and now at over 81k miles.
Good luck.

 

Actually the IMRC are not. They are an idle quality, part throttle + low load mpg device. And they kinda suck at both of those. They really don’t benefit the system much even when functioning perfectly(Gen 4 went back to not having them). They are also not considered an emissions item or anything of the sort. What Ford should have done is developed a system similar to FCA and the Hemi that actually utilizes a long runner that switches to a shorter runner at a given point to see the benefit of both styles.

 

@Dapepper9 i think the IMRC is just that, a valve in the intake manifold that allows it to switch between long runners for increased low end torque and short runners for better performance at high rpm. The Gen 4 looks to retain this setup as well.

 

No. it’s a flap that closes off 90% of the available runner. Mopar actually physically changes the length. Our IMRCs don’t help with torque production

 

Ah, well I’d think the net result would at least try to replicate a similar effect. It may not be a considerable effect or for more than small portions of time during a drive but if it’s improving mpg I’d think that means the airflow changes made from those valves are helping increase torque at that particular moment.

 

But it really doesn’t. It’s like getting paid $1000.01 vs $999.99, pretty much worthless. Gen 4 does eliminate the system in the trucks. I didn’t distinguish between truck and cars earlier, my bad