[NMR-2vGT]

Ok, say i do build this by myself. How much am i probably looking at spending to build just the shortblock? New block and everything just minus heads and cams. Just a ballpark figure would be nice.

[caintcatchmyGT]

a assembled short block with a stroker kit is about $4500 give or take, the kits usually run around $2000 or so and a brand new stock Iron block is about $250

[acmillr]

You could build a killer shortblock for $2500. Some of these engine companies are making a killing on their shortblocks, or atleast that's what it seems like to me.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Yeah they make a killing because not many dont know how or dont want to build an engine. I just wish I had 2500 extra bucks after I get all my PI swap parts done, so I cam make a killer bottom end run high compression and then a nice nitrous set up, but I cant!

[NMR-2vGT]

damn, thats not as bad as i thought itd be. I may be able to start earlier than i was thinkin.

[caintcatchmyGT]

i was just thinkin, if you found a good deal on a short block out of a 96-98 cobra, could you put a PI swap on it and it all bolt up and work fine or would there be problems. I know that it would be smarter to get the complete top end to go with it, but if the only thing that is available is the short block, will it work???

[acmillr]

Originally Posted by caintcatchmyGT i was just thinkin, if you found a good deal on a short block out of a 96-98 cobra, could you put a PI swap on it and it all bolt up and work fine or would there be problems. I know that it would be smarter to get the complete top end to go with it, but if the only thing that is available is the short block, will it work???

It will work, but it will all be a waste of energy and resources. The Cobra's (03-04 aside) have cast pistons and cracked rods just like the GT's and they have a weaker (although lighter) block. Perhaps more research would be in order for you.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Wait a second, you say the teskid block is weaker? What? are you drunk?

It will work and personally I really like the idea of doing it that way. Arne the pistons almost flat tops in the 96-98 cobra 4v?

[caintcatchmyGT]

so you think that having a 96-98 cobra short block with PI heads and Intake will work and be a good combo? i was just sittin here tryin to think of a way to build a good small block. I already have PI heads and intake ready to install, I just dont wana have to get rid of them.

[acmillr]

Originally Posted by MustangMatt96GT Wait a second, you say the teskid block is weaker? What? are you drunk? It will work and personally I really like the idea of doing it that way. Arne the pistons almost flat tops in the 96-98 cobra 4v?

Yes Matt, the teksid block is weaker than a cast iron block. I don't understand why this keeps coming up. It is a fact- Iron blocks are stronger than aluminum blocks, period. To go to any trouble to secure a 96-98 block, would be rediculous. You are getting all the weakest parts. You cannot get a weaker setup than the 96-98 Cobras came from the factory with. They have GT internals in an aluminum block. They are as close as you will get to a disposable motor.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Well AC then am I confusing the teskid block being the best aluminum block you can get? I completely agree with the internals being weak and not worth it, but the weight savings up front IMO is worth it. That will drop 68 pounds or more off of the front end.

[acmillr]

You are correct that the Teksid is the best aluminum block. Also, if saving weight is the goal, that block would work. However, I was not aware that we were discussing weight saving techniques- I am only talking about what is strongest without regards to anything else.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Okay my mistake then!

[finaly03vert]

Originally Posted by acmillr Yes Matt, the teksid block is weaker than a cast iron block. I don't understand why this keeps coming up. It is a fact- Iron blocks are stronger than aluminum blocks, period. To go to any trouble to secure a 96-98 block, would be rediculous. You are getting all the weakest parts. You cannot get a weaker setup than the 96-98 Cobras came from the factory with. They have GT internals in an aluminum block. They are as close as you will get to a disposable motor.

This is not correct the teskid block is by far the strongest... If you cant trust my credibility as a machinist and local shop owner just call SH motor sports. I am not trying to say any thing about your knowledge but you have been misinformed, the teskid block was made the same way the italians are made.

[Jim@CMS]

Originally Posted by finaly03vert This is not correct the teskid block is by far the strongest... If you cant trust my credibility as a machinist and local shop owner just call SH motor sports. I am not trying to say any thing about your knowledge but you have been misinformed, the teskid block was made the same way the italians are made.

Exactly. I'd take the teksid over the iron anyday. Mihovitz runs an aluminum block, Aeromotive an alum block and I built my turbo motor with an EXPLORER/MACH 1 aluminum block. I used that block specifically because "the internet" says they are weak. Just wanted to prove a point when I built it.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Explorer Mach 1 blocks are WAP blocks correect? I have been keeping my eye out for ether a teskid or a WAP. Both will work fine right?

[ModMustang97GT]

I wouldn't worry too much about the block choice. That kit you are looking at will probably fail before the block will. Most of those kits are only good to 800hp or so. What are in the 03-04 Cobras? They are good to over 1100hp. I know they are manley rods and I think Probe pistons. But I don't know if they are H or I rods, if they are the better I rods or what?