Performance build with 90-94 Block and 2011 heads and etc.

[afgunn]

I am investigating doing a performance naturally aspirated build with a 90-94 4.0L bare block. Heads and all else will be from my 2011 SOHC 4.0 v6 Ranger. I want a 90-94 bare block, so it can be bored .048" to a 4.0" bore (resulting in a 4.1L) and have a much better selection of pistons.

What problems might I have?
I am aware that the motor mounts will not match up, but a 1/4" or 3/8" adaptor plate with the proper holes drilled should take care of that.

 

[JoshT]

The 90-94 4.0L block are OHV blocks. I could be mistaken, but I believe that they are very different from the SOHC blocks. They are both based on the same engine design, but the SOHC block has provisions for the front and rear timing chains that to not exist on the OHV engine block. Nothing wrong with trying to build a performance 4.0L SOHC, but you will need the matching block to do it.

May I ask what your goals were for wanting to use the earlier block?

 

[afgunn]

Yes, I just thought of that in the shower (funny how that happens). Unless the SOHC uses the OHV camshaft bore for the jackshaft... it is a no go. The 90-94 blocks can be bored .048" to a bore of 4.0" which allows for a much broader piston selection (so I read). Who currently makes performance pistons for the 4.0L SOHC engine?

 

[JoshT]

Yes, I just thought of that in the shower (funny how that happens). Unless the SOHC uses the OHC camshaft bore for the jackshaft... it is a no go. The 90-94 blocks can be bored .048" to a bore of 4.0" which allows for a much broader piston selection (so I read). Who currently makes performance pistons for the 4.0L SOHC engine?

Even if it does do that, and I want to say that it might, there is a lot missing. Mounting points for guides and tensioners. The sections of the block where the chain casettes pass through going to the cams in the heads. I think they might even have a balance shaft. Very different blocks.

I will not recommend them, but Tom Morana offers parts for nearly every Ford V6. I'd be quicker to give my monet to Super Six Motorsports, I'm sure that they offer what you need.

Just found this on a google search: https://www.12degnorth.com/internals I know nothing about the company, but they seem to be fans of the 4.0L among other things.

Check out Mustang forums as well, the SOHC was offered in those and they would be much more performance oriented. Alternatively they are likely to tell you to sell it and buy a V8 car. That's why I usually abandon seeking help on Mustang sites, they tend to be more interested in shaming you into buying what they want you to buy, then in answering the questions presented.

Might also want to consider the Modbox super charger option.

 

[afgunn]

Even if it does do that, and I want to say that it might, there is a lot missing. Mounting points for guides and tensioners. The sections of the block where the chain casettes pass through going to the cams in the heads. I think they might even have a balance shaft. Very different blocks.

I will not recommend them, but Tom Morana offers parts for nearly every Ford V6. I'd be quicker to give my monet to Super Six Motorsports, I'm sure that they offer what you need.

Just found this on a google search: https://www.12degnorth.com/internals I know nothing about the company, but they seem to be fans of the 4.0L among other things.

Check out Mustang forums as well, the SOHC was offered in those and they would be much more performance oriented. Alternatively they are likely to tell you to sell it and buy a V8 car. That's why I usually abandon seeking help on Mustang sites, they tend to be more interested in shaming you into buying what they want you to buy, then in answering the questions presented.

Might also want to consider the Modbox super charger option.

Yes... I agree there would most likely still be a lot missing. I did some searching, but the manuals I have were form 2005, so the businesses they referred to are now out of business. I felt I had hit a dead end. I was looking at getting custom pistons made by Mahle (may still have to). I do appreciate the info you have shared and will research them.

One bit of information that would be really helpful is when does the intake valve close ABDC on the stock cam.

A super charger!? I have always felt that a super charger was too expensive. I will check these out. The kit is $2.2K. A used super charger for $800 to $1K is not bad either. May be a way to go. I have read that the cast pistons are not all that great and the rods are weak as well. Still seems like a good re-build would be wise. Although at my age I will not be hitting it hard very often! May have to strengthen the auto trans as well.

I may still want to pull the heads and have new valves put in. I have read that the valves are weak, but that may be the older OHV heads... I am not sure. This would give me a chance to put in ARP head studs. And improve the exhaust some. I will see about cams, but I do not want to adversely affect the CR unless I replace the pistons as well. It just goes on and on... Of course, it may be impossible to change the cams without pulling the engine due to the right cam chain being between the head and firewall. May be there is a way?!

Yes, Mustang forums is a good idea. I had a 2008 4.6L v8 manual 5-speed (a lot of fun!), but I needed a truck and the Mustang was not practical. Alas...

Thanks again!

 

[afgunn]

I was just told by someone at Super Six Motors that I did not need to pull the engine on my 2011 Ranger in order to change the cams. Can someone confirm or deny this? My Haynes Repair Manual says I will have to pull the engine.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JoshT]

I have no idea, but were they aware that it was in a Ranger and not a Mustang? It could make a difference.

Honestly I've never looked at the insides of a SOHC, just looked at pictures of parts on the internet. I can say that repair manuals are usually based on the original shop manuals, and often times people figure out other ways to do stuff than what the repair manuals show. It wouldn't surprise me if they have some way to pull it off.

 

[afgunn]

Yes, I told them it was a 2011 Ranger 4.0L v6.