96/ 97 4.6L DOHC questions

Mustangscotty · 12-03-2010, 01:56 PM

Bought a motor and started tearing it down. This is what I found..
The bores look ok but I don't have the heads off yet. The pick-up screen had some trash in it, not sure what it could be from. Bearings, rings?
http://flic.kr/p/8Y4ThK
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27533978@N03/5229574448/

Sanderson Headers makes shorty headers for 4.6L DOHC motors that require no header gaskets. They give clearance needed when the engine goes into the 67' Fastback project. The drivers side header and mod motor mounts from TCI (for use with their K member) conflicted with a part that has coolant and oil going through it. Any advice on this? Obviously I can't allow this part on the engine. Adapters, options?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27533978@N03/5228980387/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27533978@N03/5229573968/

Darryl Buckner · 12-03-2010, 03:56 PM

I still have a 32 valve texcid (spelling) block, cobra steel crank, and cobra rods if you need them, cheap. Let me know.. My first Mach 1 motor had those peices in it, but they were peices of the 2 pistons I burned holes in.

Mustangscotty · 12-03-2010, 05:53 PM

Thanks for the offer Darryl, I'm going with a stroker kit and larger cams.

clubracergt1 · 12-05-2010, 10:58 AM

If I may say so, Stay away from Sanderson headers. It may just be on Hal Sr's application, but they suck ballz. No leaks, but they are Hell to work around. Had to modify a wrench and a socket, just to change the plugs. I am sure that Kooks would have a very nice set for you. Of course, being a DOHC, plug access would not be an issue; it's just that Sanderson doesn't seem to interested in solving issues when they come up. Just ask Sr.

LXtasy · 12-05-2010, 11:09 AM

not only is the plug issue a PITA . Its a couple of header bolts clearance issues that suck. You can't slap the header on and put the bolts in and tighten them up. You have to walk the header on.

But the no gasket is very nice. RTV and that is it. Plus you have to get the collector welded on to the header.

Illusions · 12-05-2010, 11:56 AM

After numerous calls and emails back and forth with Sanderson I was basically told to suck it up and deal with the problem. They just didn't care if I could get to the spark plug to change it. They didn't care if header bolts were inaccessible. I believe I still have the emails somewhere back and forth. Sanderson has some of the worst customer service I've ever dealt with besides AI. I even was dealing with the owner Herself. I would personally find another vendor. I know I will never buy from Sanderson again.

Mustangscotty · 12-06-2010, 07:23 AM

I feel for you Hal, its hard to get good customer service since the economy took a dump. Can't say I'm absolutely pleased with the quality of the headers but they do the trick for me. Sanderson headers for the 4.6L DOHC are a new product and they are the only vendor offering headers designed for the clearance I'm looking for. I figured the worst case would mean sending the headers back or modifying them altogether.
Only one bolt was difficult to work with but after owning an old Harley, I think I can deal with one tight clearance.

The other option was making my own headers with the TIG welder. I really wanted some mid length headers but wasn't sure about clearance offered in the 67' Mustang engine bay.

The large aluminum arm for the oil filter/ coolant was removed and a smaller part used on 03 Cobra motors will be used.

12-03-2010, 01:56 PM	#1
Mustangscotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 699	96/ 97 4.6L DOHC questions Bought a motor and started tearing it down. This is what I found.. The bores look ok but I don't have the heads off yet. The pick-up screen had some trash in it, not sure what it could be from. Bearings, rings? http://flic.kr/p/8Y4ThK http://www.flickr.com/photos/27533978@N03/5229574448/ Sanderson Headers makes shorty headers for 4.6L DOHC motors that require no header gaskets. They give clearance needed when the engine goes into the 67' Fastback project. The drivers side header and mod motor mounts from TCI (for use with their K member) conflicted with a part that has coolant and oil going through it. Any advice on this? Obviously I can't allow this part on the engine. Adapters, options? http://www.flickr.com/photos/27533978@N03/5228980387/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/27533978@N03/5229573968/

12-03-2010, 03:56 PM	#2
Darryl Buckner The Top Dog Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,318	I still have a 32 valve texcid (spelling) block, cobra steel crank, and cobra rods if you need them, cheap. Let me know.. My first Mach 1 motor had those peices in it, but they were peices of the 2 pistons I burned holes in. __________________ When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty. Thomas Jefferson

12-05-2010, 10:58 AM	#4
clubracergt1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The Great, white North (Chicagoland) Posts: 2,483	If I may say so, Stay away from Sanderson headers. It may just be on Hal Sr's application, but they suck ballz. No leaks, but they are Hell to work around. Had to modify a wrench and a socket, just to change the plugs. I am sure that Kooks would have a very nice set for you. Of course, being a DOHC, plug access would not be an issue; it's just that Sanderson doesn't seem to interested in solving issues when they come up. Just ask Sr. __________________ This space for rent

12-05-2010, 11:09 AM	#5
LXtasy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Summerville, SC Posts: 9,564	not only is the plug issue a PITA . Its a couple of header bolts clearance issues that suck. You can't slap the header on and put the bolts in and tighten them up. You have to walk the header on. But the no gasket is very nice. RTV and that is it. Plus you have to get the collector welded on to the header. __________________

12-05-2010, 11:56 AM	#6
Illusions Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: In the Pits Posts: 2,247	After numerous calls and emails back and forth with Sanderson I was basically told to suck it up and deal with the problem. They just didn't care if I could get to the spark plug to change it. They didn't care if header bolts were inaccessible. I believe I still have the emails somewhere back and forth. Sanderson has some of the worst customer service I've ever dealt with besides AI. I even was dealing with the owner Herself. I would personally find another vendor. I know I will never buy from Sanderson again. __________________ Illusions Grafix A Pair of "Jackstand" 01 Xtreme Blazers

12-03-2010, 05:53 PM	#3
Mustangscotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 699	Thanks for the offer Darryl, I'm going with a stroker kit and larger cams.

12-06-2010, 07:23 AM	#7
Mustangscotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 699	I feel for you Hal, its hard to get good customer service since the economy took a dump. Can't say I'm absolutely pleased with the quality of the headers but they do the trick for me. Sanderson headers for the 4.6L DOHC are a new product and they are the only vendor offering headers designed for the clearance I'm looking for. I figured the worst case would mean sending the headers back or modifying them altogether. Only one bolt was difficult to work with but after owning an old Harley, I think I can deal with one tight clearance. The other option was making my own headers with the TIG welder. I really wanted some mid length headers but wasn't sure about clearance offered in the 67' Mustang engine bay. The large aluminum arm for the oil filter/ coolant was removed and a smaller part used on 03 Cobra motors will be used. Last edited by Mustangscotty; 12-06-2010 at 07:32 AM.