Lots of info, but I don't know if it helped.
I am not up on the cam lift and duration thing but if my limited understanding is correct, the lower cam lifts are needed for a torque curve in the range we want it for our trucks. Right???

In JMCs corral link, the argument goes both ways. I think those guys are living in a different world with the type of engines they are building and the rpms they are running.

Perhaps a set of standard heads with PI exhaust valves and cams with a mild porting would be best for my application. I don't pretend to ever be able to afford to run with the Mustang Cobra or Lightning guys. My priorty is a good strong engine that I can easily tow my 5000lb trailer with........ and occasionally blow away a rice burner or Chevy... You know, just when I have too....

Anybody want to buy a set of PI heads??

Keep an eye on Ebay, one set may be listed soon...

 

I would dearly like to see the troque curve of a Non PI F-150 plotted against the curve from a 260 hp (99+ PI head) Mustang. For that matter throw in the PI head F-150 too.

JMC

 

Wow! Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to provide that very detailed information. I for one, will be doing two things for sure. Getting a copy of this months MM&FF AND trying to get a cost estimate for a "mild port".

 

iron horse,
Let me know what the cost is for a "mild port" if you get an estimate. Thanks.

 

Man! That was interesting reading big time! What 46GTSblown said, has me really thinking.....when he talked about doing just a port and polish to non-PI heads and installing PI cams, and PI exhaust valves.

I wonder if I could get some used F-150 4.6 PI cams, would they fit in my 99' 4.6 heads? I wonder if new or used F-150 PI exhaust valves will fit in my 99' 4.6 heads? I wonder, I wonder....

Thanks again JMC!!!!

 

I got a rough cost estimate yesterday. I was referred to a local shop that was suppose to have F-150 head experience and be one of the best in state.

I asked for the cost of a "MILD" port job only. The shop guy said, "Well lets see.....600 for the valve job and...400 for the port job." I said, "I only want the port job, not the valve job." He said, "You can not have one without the other, you port the heads out to the vavle job." He then said, "So your roughly looking at $1,000. He also stated that he would need the heads for 2 to 3 weeks! Of course, there is no way in he**, that I would or could do that from the standpoint of money or down time. Not, when you can get a complete PI engine for the same money and install it yourself in less than 1 week!


I am still waiting for a response from an email that I sent Fox Lake on the cost of a mild port job. I also plan to get some more cost estimates on a mild port job. I will post what I find.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

iron horse,
When I get back to work tomorrow I will forward you a web site that sells complete port and polish kits for DYI. I think it would require experience to do a full race port and polish. I also think it is within the ability of an experienced shade tree mechanic to do a mild port and polish. This web site gives specific instructions you can read thru. Porting is a labor intensive and time consuming endeavor, thus the high cost.
This web site does recommend a practice set of heads but I think if you are careful...

 

More food for thought. Will A PI Head from a Mustang move the power band up when installed on a truck engine? The CR is a non issue as far as I am concerned. The Mustangs are running 9.4:1 on 87 octane. To properly use a chip you have to run 91+ octane anyways. FYI the CR on the 97-00 4.6 F-150 is 9.0:1. The CR on the PI 4.6 F-150 is 9.3:1. I suspect they did not dish the pistons on the 4.6 truck engines. THe 5.4 CR is still at 9.0:1, curious.

JMC

 

JMC,
If you find out the answer to that question, post it. The PI heads I have are from a Mustang engine...
Since the Torque and HP numbers for the Mustang engine are in higher RPM range then the F150 I would suppose a different cam grind.

Another question comes from using a Mustang intake. I know they are made lower profile because of hood clearance problems but do they flow the same??
There are much more of the Mustang PI intakes available then the F150 as far as aftermarket.. I for one don't want to pay dealer cost.

 

Do our own port and polish job.......hey that sounds interesting too! How bad could a person (me) screw that up. I have used a funny looking drill attachment (had a bunch of prongs with ***** on the end of the prongs) to hone out head cylinders before and helped to do other stuff like new rings, that made a weak compression and smoking exhaust engine, have better compression, stop smoking and run great (until the guy wrecked it)

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....................

 

Just got a response back from Fox Lake.

I had emailed them requestiing a cost estimate for a "Mild port" job (for my 99' 4.6) and that I wanted at least 20 to 30 increase in hp and tq. at the wheels. This was their response:

"Stage 1 would be a good choice with the mod max s.s. valves, and stock springs unless you are going to install good cams. The total cost for porting, valve job, flow test, bronze guides, reassembly with new seals is (edited out) plus shipping. This will get you 20 - 30 rwhp and way stronger valves to take the added heat of the big blower. Turn around is 4 weeks if you send your heads in."







Note: I just remembered that we are not suppose to put specific pricing in the forums, therefore I have edited this post. The price was over 1,000 bucks.

 

Happy New Year,
Here is the web site I was telling you about.
http://www.sa-motorsports.com/diyport.htm
You'll find some interesting reading there as well.
Iron horse,
e-mail me the price for that P&P.

 

I almost hate to ask this question because it appears everyone knows the answer, but what does PI stand for and is this a mod that the Ford dealer will install on pre-2000 F150s. I have a 98 and if this change provides significant gain in HP and engine response, I am all for it.

 

WLF,

I emailed you the Fox Lake Stage 1 quote. Thanks for the address of the porting kit. I just began reading it and I'm already leaning a lot.

I also hate to say this but, I wonder if I could find a machinist that does some head porting "on the side" or after hours? hmmmm..............

Crain,

Someone who knows much more than I may provide clarification, however, I can say this:

PI is an acronym for Performance Improved. At least in the context of this thread, we are discussing the PI heads and related changes, i.e. "dished" top pistions. Begining in 1999, the F-150 5.4 began receiving the PI heads. Begining in 2001, the F-150 4.6 began receiving the PI heads. I am sure that your local dealer can install them and the related changes needed for the swap. But, remember what the dealer or anyone quotes to do this work. Then go check out Ebay Motors and salvage yard prices for a new or used (with low miles), complete F-150 stock PI engine.

 

In the February 2003 issue of "Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords" is an article entitled "Modular Mix & Match, part 1". by Evan J. Smith. In the article, Mr. Smith states in part, "....but the 1996 heads actually out-flow the PI heads....at .500 and .550 inch."

Does that mean, if we were to install a used set of complete 96 heads, we would see a significant power increase without any additional "head work"