Engine choices!!!! Please help with suggestions

[agepag]

So I am trying to narrow down an engine choice for the Roadster. Originally I wanted to go with a Coyote, but they seem to be pretty expensive to buy new and trying on Co-parts seems like its more headache then its worth. The other 2 options are the Coyote from the F150 truck (easier to get, cheaper and basically the same, just the cam is different I think) or get a 4.6 engine from a 2008-9-10 mustang and maybe add a supercharger to bump up the HP (not that its needed in these cars, but an option none the less). Please discuss and feedback/suggestions are welcome.

[Bren]

What's your budget?

[agepag]

I guess when it comes down to budget I would like to save as much as possible. If the coyote out of the f150 will save me over $3000 then I will just go that route. I would like to be around $3500-$4000 if possible.

[CraigS]

My wife's 2010 mustang is pretty fun to drive so it would be even better w/ 1000 pounds less weight. I think that is a definite option and assume the truck engine would be similar. OTOH, are you ready for the added complexity of a modern efi engine. I would spend a lot of time on the sub forums here and at the other site dealing w/ mod motor installs. An advantage w/ the current Coyote crate engine is that it also has a stand alone efi package available. My Lexus experience up to 2 years ago makes me worry about pulling an engine out of a mustang or truck, with it's efi ecu and harness. I don't know what happens when you don't have traction control, abs, AC, cruise control, etc to plug into that ecu harness.

[Mesa Mike]

I would stay way from the 4.6.

[edwardb]

At that price point, the Ford Racing 306 (M-6007-X302) is a really attractive option. Fits in the car easily, has a warranty, runs great, plenty of power to be very lively in these cars, has options for increasing power down the road at a reasonable value. Many have gone that way with excellent results.

[stevem]

I agree with edwardb. Bought my turn key 306 from Mike Forte and while I have only had it on the road once because of weather (and no title yet) seems quick as a cat and plenty of power for me. That may change after a few years but sure is a good place to start. Mike set me up with engine, trans, rear axle for what I thought was a great price.

[agepag]

I would stay way from the 4.6.

Can you elaborate on why? Also I may be in the minority, but I like the Efi option over the carb. The 306 is still an option as the price is good. Can you not buy a wiring harness an use the CPU from the f150 with a few mods?

[CraigS]

There are more and more people running the mod motors so I assume it can be done. back w/ the efi 302s there were ways to defeat the lack of some of the emissions stuff w/ small harnesses w/ some diodes etc to simulate the missing parts. I don't know how that is accomplished on the mod motors so you need to get that figured out before you go that route. I don't have any problem w/ a 4.6 w/ efi, but I am sure it will be a lot more electrically complex than a 306 w/ a carb.

[skullandbones]

Hey agepag,

I know a guy who built a roadster with a 4.6 and it worked great. So if you get a good engine and setup, it should work. The devil is in the details. If you have an engine with issues or develops a problem, it's not likely something you will fix unless you are a Ford technician with access to a lot of equipment. What I'm saying is it's a great plug and play but when it comes to upgrades, forget doing it yourself. The beauty of the little SMF engines is that you can work on them and there is a lot of support to help you with issues. The 306 EFI sounds like a real nice starter point.

Good luck,

WEK.

[SStrong]

I used a 306. Agreed mods are easy, and modern carburetion or fuel injection works well. I used Edelbrock heads and intake with an SN95 computer. Puts out between 375 and 400 ponies, plenty with this lightweight car (2150 lbs). Hard to take off without spinning the wheels, and very even weight distribution. Good advice here, both ways.

[SStrong]

BTW, I have less than 5K in the engine.

[agepag]

Sounds good guys! Kept the suggestions and maybe some pics coming.

[Gilmore]

Sounds good guys! Kept the suggestions and maybe some pics coming.

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/products/79-93-Mustang-50-58-Based-Short-Long-Block-Crate-Motors-Engines