You could argue that the 4.6 never was either. Did the 4.6 not debut in the trucks first, before the Mustang? My memory is hazy here, as the 4.6 has been around for a long time now.

 

Can't (and won't) argue with that.

There is no arguement - neither was developed as a performance engine. The Modular engine layout was designed to be used in a variety of configurations and in a variety of platforms. That, in and of itself precludes them being designed primarily with what most of consider "performance" in mind.

Then again, you could probably say the same about most engines that have ever been massed produces (notice I said most, not all).

Bob

 

If I remember, the main purpose Ford had in developing their OHC V8s was that it was both concieved as easier to add future technology such as VVT, and DOHC was seen as necessary to compete with the then new age of luxury cars such as Lexus & Infinity.

Also, if I remember my history, Ford originally was co-developing the engine with another company but had a number of areas where they disagreed (one instance was Ford wanted timing chains for durability while the the other company wanted nylon for less noise). In the end Ford decided to go it alone.

 

I dunno, in the world of Ford, the 4.6 is like an epoch ahead of the old windsor motors. I've been reading about a 5.0 liter mod motor build up using ported stock 2v heads, aftermarket cams, high compression (as if they had a choice) and a factory intake. The rascal put down 425hp, then fitted with a sheetmetal intake in knocked down 490hp.

I don't think I've ever seen a 5.0 with ported factory heads (E7TEs), high compression, and an aftermarket bumpstick put down 400+hp let alone almost 500hp with a custom intake. Well at least that easily. I'd even say the 347 I got collecting dust in my garage would be hard pressed to put out 500 hp and all thats stock on it is the block.

 

I've seen a friend's 351 put down 500+ on an engine dyno but it was almost a race engine.

Back to the shelby. If they used the Viper's T-56 ratio's {.75 and .50} with a 3.55 rear end. I imagine it would get decent mileage.