[JarvisB]

Hello, I am new here. Hope you guys will be able to help me out here since I dont own a mustang, but I own a 2004 Ford Explorer Limited 4.6L V8. At least I am in the Ford family lol?

I am looking to boost my Explorer and I have got a few questions. I normally would ask questions over at explorer forums or something like that but most of them would tell me to find a mustang forum since some of you guys have same engine as mine and had experience with boosting those engines. So I would have better advices from mustang guys compared to explorer guys which most of them are not boosting their vehicles.

As far as I know, 99 mustang GTs come with 4.6 modular 2V correct? any other year mustang comes with those engines?

Anyway, here is my question- Will I be okay with running 9 to 10 psi of boost from my turbo on my stock engine?

I got a STS remote mount universal kit 76mm turbo. I am going to purchase 42# injectors and lightning 90mm MAF. I am interested in purchasing an intercooler or a cooling system for my turbo but I figured that I should go ahead and install the turbo without any cooling system as it is designed to run cooler than normal as I am going to mount the turbo in the muffler area.

I am hoping to achieve 9 to 10 psi of boost if possible.

Is there any problem in my set up? Is there anything else I should upgrade or look into? I am open to opinions and comments since I am very flexible with what is happening. I am hoping to have it done by January.

Sorry about the long post, this is my first post as a member here. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

[xXJayManZXx17]

not sure but ik the stock internals on the stangs 4.6 can handle about 400-425 hp if you got pics i would like to see this explorer when its done

[JarvisB]

Yeah I see that internals might be different. I am trying to get more information on which parts are different, etc.

Down below is a pic of my explorer as of now (I am not even close to 100% completion) It is going to be turbo'd soon and I just got the lowering springs and camber kit so it will go down 2 inches

here it is as of now:


and certainly I will keep you updated after I get the turbo in.

I've got more performance upgrade ideas on my list, but things will go one by one. I am a broke college student lol.

[GTRACER88]

From talking to various turbo companies the average Rwhp per psi is 17-19. Given that info take 19 x 10 psi = 190 rwhp. Add that to what ever your currently putting out which probably is close to 220 rwhp and you have 430 rwhp. For a GT that works perfectly. I'm not to positive on the internals of the explorer. Hovever I am inclined to believe that ford for cost purposes would use the same powdered rods. Also considering that some explorers and GTs were made in the same powerplant leads me to believe that they probably have the same internal rating. Honestly the main killer of rods are the RPMs. However this is just a hunch, using context clues, that leads me to conclude that they have the same power level ratings. Lol. Hope this helps.

[DiZzyBonne]

Yeah, especially due to the fact that it's driven from your exhaust, you should be fine.

[00KBGT]

The modular 4.6 2v is in every mustang GT from 96-04...Most of the GT motors have romeo blocks but in 99 and 00 windsor made a select few of the blocks, this is something you want to know for future mods, the romeo blocks are an 11 bolt valve cover and the windsors are 13. Also the windsor blocks have an 8 bolt flywheel vs the 6 on normal GT's. I know windsor makes the majority of the truck blocks and romeo makes most of the mustang blocks so you most likely have a windsor block. I have a windsor block on my 00 stang and am currently pushing 430rwhp with no problems. Hope this helps!

[dcook_14]

I would definitely get a front mount intercooler before throwing boost into that thing. The STS turbo kits reduce under hood heat, not the heat of the forced air. The air coming in is still hot (since it's compressed) and that'll lead to dotonation, especially if you're already pushing the limits of the stock bottom end.

[mustanginky]

imo, 9-10 would be too high on a stock 4.6 with a turbo. the sts kit's, i've heard people say you don't need an intercooler as the long piping acts like an intercooler. i don't buy that, i'm sure it cools down a little bit driving around, but it'd still be very hot. i'd start with like 7-8 lbs, see where you're at powerwise, and if still safe, push it up to 9-10 with a different wastegate spring.

[DiZzyBonne]

Sorry, I didn't notice that you didn't want an intercooler. Me, I'd always get one, no matter what.

[weems]

Originally Posted by DiZzyBonne Sorry, I didn't notice that you didn't want an intercooler. Me, I'd always get one, no matter what.

I don't run an intercooler, I have one, but don't run it. At 7 lbs it isn't needed, and the boost drop off isn't worth it.

[JarvisB]

Thanks for all of the info.

I might start at 7 or 8 psi to be on the safe side and then I might just push it up to 9 or 10 later on, but that means I will have to have it tuned again lol.

For the intercooler, just dont worry, I think I know what am I doing. I am planning on purchasing a fmic in the future but not right now as it is not exactly necessary. But when I step up to higher boost rating, I will definitely get an intercooler, no worries.

[JarvisB]

Originally Posted by mustanginky imo, 9-10 would be too high on a stock 4.6 with a turbo. the sts kit's, i've heard people say you don't need an intercooler as the long piping acts like an intercooler. i don't buy that, i'm sure it cools down a little bit driving around, but it'd still be very hot. i'd start with like 7-8 lbs, see where you're at powerwise, and if still safe, push it up to 9-10 with a different wastegate spring.

why do you think 9-10 would be too high? what can I do to make it acceptable? I am curious about your opinion, thanks

[JarvisB]

Originally Posted by 00KBGT The modular 4.6 2v is in every mustang GT from 96-04...Most of the GT motors have romeo blocks but in 99 and 00 windsor made a select few of the blocks, this is something you want to know for future mods, the romeo blocks are an 11 bolt valve cover and the windsors are 13. Also the windsor blocks have an 8 bolt flywheel vs the 6 on normal GT's. I know windsor makes the majority of the truck blocks and romeo makes most of the mustang blocks so you most likely have a windsor block. I have a windsor block on my 00 stang and am currently pushing 430rwhp with no problems. Hope this helps!

Interesting!! Yeah I am positive that I got a windsor block in my Explorer.

I am curious what are you pushing your stang with? at 430 hp?

[JarvisB]

Should I get anything else than 42# injectors and 90mm lightning maf for 7 to 8 psi of boost to begin with?

[DiZzyBonne]

You need a fuel pump - or a Boost-A-Pump - and new spark plugs.

Weems, I know an intercooler isn't needed, but it's just nice to have. At least, that's my opinion on it.

[JarvisB]

Which fuel pump would you recommend? I was told that it might be ok with stock fuel pump. But while I am at it I guess I'll just get the fuel pump replaced as well.

[Boostang]

it might be ok on ur stock fuel pump if ur goal is too blow it up..
youll need a fuel pump..
im not sure if the exploders have the same fuel pump setups as the mustangs but i would atleast get a 255lph pump..

[jivepepper]

Originally Posted by weems I don't run an intercooler, I have one, but don't run it. At 7 lbs it isn't needed, and the boost drop off isn't worth it.

You can go with a one size smaller pulley and still make 7psi. Also 7psi intercoolered is better than 7 that's not. Just one more thing to make it a safer tune, and you already have one. Since you can bump up the timing a little bit without worring about spark knock you can pick up 10-15hp. The most boost the more the intercooling will help.

Originally Posted by JarvisB Which fuel pump would you recommend? I was told that it might be ok with stock fuel pump. But while I am at it I guess I'll just get the fuel pump replaced as well.

GT40. The stock pump could work with a KB Boost a pump.

[Boostang]

7psi intercooled is safer and will make more then 7psi non intercooled!

[JarvisB]

Originally Posted by jivepepper You can go with a one size smaller pulley and still make 7psi. Also 7psi intercoolered is better than 7 that's not. Just one more thing to make it a safer tune, and you already have one. Since you can bump up the timing a little bit without worring about spark knock you can pick up 10-15hp. The most boost the more the intercooling will help. GT40. The stock pump could work with a KB Boost a pump.

How hard is it to replace the fuel pump?

and which one would be a cheaper route- buying a gt40 pump or the KB boost a pump? I am thinking I should go for GT40 while I am at it?

Originally Posted by Boostang 7psi intercooled is safer and will make more then 7psi non intercooled!

Of course, I m not sure where did I say that non intercooled 7 psi would make more than intercooled 7 psi.

I do believe that intercooler is going to be very beneficial but that is not a must so I am going to run without it for now so I can buy injectors, maf, and a fuel pump. So when I got some extra cash I will buy an intercooler.

For intercooler, what will I be needing? The intercooler itself, what else? other than fabricating the pipes going from intercooler to intake plenum. and should I get air/air based intercooler? sorry I am still new with intercoolers so fill me in some if you can. thanks