Hello all. I have a '98 4x4 with a 4.6. And like most people with a 4.6, i'm looking to add some more "go" to it. Forced induction seemed good, but a little pricey for me. My latest idea it to pull the heads this winter, take them to a local machine shop that does automotive work and have them Ported (gasket matching). Not to expensive. That, and hopefully add some headers to it. I've been looking around and people seem to say that long tube is the only way to go. Shorty's seem to get a bad rep. I'm not sure about the long tubes though due to the 4x4 part. I'm only assuming that it might play a role with the added material down there. Don't know. Some guidance would be great. Thanks.

 

Well the headers will help on low end torque. your non-pi heads will respond much better than you think to a little porting. what other mods do you have? gears, cold air, programer? with you being 4 wheel drive i would suggest shorties (ground clearance).

 

Well the headers will help on low end torque. your non-pi heads will respond much better than you think to a little porting. what other mods do you have? gears, cold air, programer? with you being 4 wheel drive i would suggest shorties (ground clearance).

 

You won't gain a lot with any of the mods you are looking at. Port matching and polishing Npi heads isn't too much of a gain, maybe 15hp, and it takes a lot of time and money. Shorty headers are said to make less than 10 hp. Add it up and you are paying a lot for 25hp.
I personally wouldn't send a pair of modular heads to any shop that did not specialize in mod heads.

 

Thanks for the info

 

what is the cost of a port and polish gonna be? would a new set of heads be a better bet, there are all kinds of companies making 2v mustang heads wouldnt they bolt up to our motors?