anyone install a Kenny Bell 2.1 on a 1997 4.6L DHOC with B heads?

[dpariso]

Could not find much on the internet about adding a Kenny Bell 2.1 to my 4.6L DHOC 4v 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII with B-type heads. Everything I have seen was with C-type heads.
Absolutely ZERO help from Kenny Bell as I sent 4 emails and left 2 phone messages. They are not returning calls.
Since everything is stock on my 4.6L, I'm only going for the 6lbs boost... just to get a little more pep to my 300hp which shows its weakness in 3rd. :-(

[Morrisett]

I also have a 97 cobra 4.6 dohc in my current build and have been debating the same Kenny Bell upgrade. I would think my heads are the same B head as well and from their website it looks like this is a bolt on an application. Where have you seen that this won’t work with it? Other than showing it’s weakness in 3rd have you enjoyed this engine choice? Mine is running now but not quite to the go-cart phase. If you end up going with the KB set up really interested to hear if it was worth it!
What gears are you running in the rear end?

https://kennebell.net/products/supercharger-kits/kenne-bell-superchargers-kit-mustang-cobra/mustang-cobra-46-liter-1996-1998/

[dpariso]

Hello Morrisett,
B heads have split exhaust ports and C heads are single port. The only pic's i can find on the internet with KB 2.1 installed are 4.6l with C-heads with C-heads. I think the difference is C-heads have spark plug wires on the outside? Unlike mine with hidden coil pack wires. Pic below on my engine.
Send me a pic of your engine.
Other than the HP being only at 295hp the engine runs GREAT! I did a 13 sec 1/4 mile but with more traction, I think I could have ran a high 12. I like the way the engine looks too. Again, I have a lincoln Mark VIII with a Cobra intake installed.
I have the Tru-Trac Detroit Locker 3.55 gears Solid Axle

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[dpariso]

M.,
I would suggest adding the cooling mod to your 4.6L that hooks into the rear of both heads as the left side head has a dead spot. I read it runs super hot.
Also, I'm thinking about deleting the cross-over tube. It leaks a little and I think it's a bad design.

[Morrisett]

Hi, I did do the cooling mod before install 153250153251153252and also had a hell of a time getting the coolant crossover to seal at the heads. New orings and a little rtv seams to have worked. I have the same heads as you and from all my research it looks like the kenne bell designed for 96-98 cobra (link I provide before) fits these heads. I’ve seen several pictures of it installed with these heads..

Your install looks great… super clean!

Did Art do your wire diet? I’m having an issue with the ECm sending the ground signal to the CCRM for the fuel pump relay and fans to come on. The solution for now is to introduce my own ground but I’m not sure why it’s not getting the signal from the computer. I also have several admissions codes tripping the check engine light which was supposed to be turned off with the wire diet and ECM reflash… art is recommending me have a tuner address it. Did you have any issues like this?

[Peeker]

I’m not sure of the difference between the B heads and C heads, but if one of the indicators is the coil pack location, it appears Morrisett and I have the same engine & head combo. Our plug wires are visible running from the coil packs where dpariso coils are under the cover that says SVT.
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[Morrisett]

That makes, I figured he just relocated his coil packs to the rear of the engine like you did. Didn’t know his were hidden under the plug wire covers.

[Peeker]

I just read an article that says the 96-98 were B heads and the 99-01 were the C heads.

[Peeker]

dpariso, is you car a 2 valve or a 4 valve? The reason I ask is you mentioned 295 HP. The 96 4 valve is stock at 305 HP, and yours is newer than mine.

[dpariso]

Peeker,
I have a 4v, DOHC. I assumed the Lincoln Mark VIII (my engine, with a Cobra intake installed) has a little less hp than the Cobra? About 280-290ish
If Morriset has a 1997 4v, DOHC like me, why are his spark plug wires exposed and mine are not?
Also, tell me about your coolant cross-over delete. VERY KOOL
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[dpariso]

Morrisett,
I had all kinds of issues with my ECM! Scan tool was never able to read. After a year of headaches, I ditched it and coughed up some $$$ for a new Holly ECU. Had no probs since then.
153267

[Morrisett]

Was that relatively plug and play or a lot of rewire from the main ecm harness? Any idea of a part number or what you bought?

[Peeker]

The Crossover delete is from a company called ON3. It just cleans thing up a bit. I do not care for the look of the cross over tube. The thermostat is now prior to the radiator. As far as bleeding the system, I jacked the front end so that it was the high spot. I bought a funnel that connects into the filler neck and ran the car up to operating temp and then let it cool and have had no issues.
I understand now about your HP difference. As far as the plug wires, I believe the 96-98 Cobras had the coil packs mounted on the front of the engine like Morrisetts and mine (although mine have been relocated to rear of engine) I think in 99 they had individual coils for each plug and they are mounted under the cover like yours. I guess on the Lincoln that is also how they did it but am not sure. It’s weird that you both have 97 engines but different coils.

[Morrisett]

Peeker, are you running the stock ecm? Any issues with deleted emissions items triggering check engine light?

[Peeker]

Running the stock ECM. Art at wirediet did the harness. I only have just over 1,000 miles on the car, but so far, no issues.

[dpariso]

Morrisett,
Yes, it was pretty much 'plug and play' however, I did not install it myself. I had it done by dynotuneMP (Mike Post). All they do are Mustangs. Give him a call for details, here's the website.
https://dynotunemp.com/
If I was to add anything it would be to have a wideband O2 sensor on both sides. I currently only have one (driverside). It works fine but, I'd feel better if there were two wideband sensors.
If you want to give me a call I can share more details about the install\
David (312) 723-8066

[toadster]

have you thought of a Vortech or Procharger unit instead? won't have the head issue, but may have some fun figuring out intercooling

https://www.procharger.com/automotive-superchargers/ford/mustang-gt/1998-96-mustang-gt-46-2v#/1996-98-mustang-gt-46-2v-street
https://vortechsuperchargers.com/products/1996-1997-4-6-mustang-gt-supercharging-system?variant=7811159105

you can find some killer deals on ebay for these kits, about 40% cheaper