5.4 3 Valve build questions

[ZombieSoldier]

so I fiugure this would be the easiest and most cost effective thing to do for my family is just to build the motor in the expedition than to get rid of it. I want to do a simple H/C/I build. Nothing really fancy but enough to give it some extra reliable grunt. Maybe a supercharger with 5-7 PSi... MAYBE. Now the question is, who builds aftermarket heads for the 3 valve? Anyone have any experience with aftermarket cams on this motor? I am planning on doing the cam phazer lock outs with custom tunes. What can we do about the intake manifolds? What kind of power, RWHP, would i be looking at without a supercharger?

 

[toms89]

Do not know about the 3v motors specifically but to increase the hp significantly while keeping it N.A. you need to address the entire system. From the intake to the rear gear ratio. Generally when you "enhance" the breathing characteristics of a motor N.A. the powerband is moved up and you lose a little down low in the rpms. This is not as much an issue in a lighter car but with a heavy suv you really should address the rear gear ratio, converter stall and reprogram the pcm shift points to take advantage of the higher powerband or it may be a dog off the line and the low rpm cruise/torque will suffer.

You can get a moderate increase without altering the powerband significantly but parts must be chosen carefully. There is almost always a compromise!!

Found these doing a quick search and there is a lot available for the 3v if you research it.

FORD RACING 4.6L/5.4L 3V LH STAGE 3 HIGH FLOW CNC PORTED CYLINDER HEAD -- M-6050-463VP3

http://www.compperformancegroupstor...n=CTGY&Store_Code=CC&Category_Code=FRD3VCKXFI

I would focus on small increase in compression and improving the head flow characteristics. I would not recommend a cam phazer lockout as your powerband will suffer. Unless you are going all out with cams, gears, converter, etc....

Positive displacement superchargers are nice in that they do not alter the power band but can increase hp and torque significantly so gears and torque converter and shift points do not have to be addressed.

 

[ArtGamer60]

One thing I noticed about the 3 V and 4V engines , depending on the year , Max torque ( stock ) is at 3750 rpms , 365 ft/lb ? as compared to the 2V engines make the same torque with less hp and less rpms (260 hp compared to 300 hp from the 3v and 4v engines ) @ 2500 rpms , this doesn't surprise me , as I was thinking about an engine swap , but decided to ( keep the truck ) instead of being more like Navi ( nice ) , as I like the lowend grunt , especially towing a boat , etc ... ( food for thought ) Peak HP isn't everything ..

 

[ZombieSoldier]

well the reason for the lockout is due to my phazers being bad already. might as well do a permanent fix rather than just replace and pray they dont go bad yet again. my dealership states the replacement phazers could last 100 miles or 100,000 miles.

 

[ArtGamer60]

From what I have read , those cam phasers are a pain , alot of ticking motors out there , l.

 

[ZombieSoldier]

i'm still debating on doing this or not... any more suggestions?

 

[toms89]

One thing I noticed about the 3 V and 4V engines , depending on the year , Max torque ( stock ) is at 3750 rpms , 365 ft/lb ? as compared to the 2V engines make the same torque with less hp and less rpms (260 hp compared to 300 hp from the 3v and 4v engines ) @ 2500 rpms , this doesn't surprise me , as I was thinking about an engine swap , but decided to ( keep the truck ) instead of being more like Navi ( nice ) , as I like the lowend grunt , especially towing a boat , etc ... ( food for thought ) Peak HP isn't everything ..

I think you will find that while the peak torque figure is lower in rpms on the 2v motor the overall power or torque curve is much wider on the 3v and 4v motors. This is due to the variable cam timing and/or dual intake runner design. It allows the best of both worlds, low rpm torque and upper end hp. It just happens to make its "peak" torque at a higher rpm since it breaths better. Its not that its lacking in low rpm torque. Given the same displacement I would chose the 32 valve V8 over the 16v anyday.

Now if your comparing it to a N.A. high rpm smaller displacement motor of equal hp thats a completely different animal.