'04 GT - aluminum block?

[KrisR]

I read in a pamphlet about the '05 Mustang that it had an aluminum block. I can buy that. It also stated that the 2004 also had an aluminum block. Whaaaaaaa?

This surprised me; I thought all the GTs up through '04 still had an iron block. Did they switch in '04 or something? I did some 'google'-ing and it seems that the '04 does indeed have an aluminum block. Is this true? Or are the specs I've been reading wrong?

[Macs Stang]

I thought the new gt's all had alum blocks? Shows how much I know about new cars.

[RayK]

I read in a pamphlet about the '05 Mustang that it had an aluminum block. I can buy that. It also stated that the 2004 also had an aluminum block. Whaaaaaaa?

This surprised me; I thought all the GTs up through '04 still had an iron block. Did they switch in '04 or something? I did some 'google'-ing and it seems that the '04 does indeed have an aluminum block. Is this true? Or are the specs I've been reading wrong?

I don't think so. Only Explorer's got the aluminum block. Less weight but not as strong. My wifes Explorer has the aluminum block in it.

[StangerJon]

it would explain the light weight.

[TurboX2]

As far as I know the only '04 that would have had an alum. block would be the Mach 1, never heard of a 2v GT with one...

[PHRANQUY]

I don't think so. Only Explorer's got the aluminum block. Less weight but not as strong. My wifes Explorer has the aluminum block in it.

I'd have to disagree with the not as strong part. Look at the Teksid blocks Ford used in the 93-98 Mark VIII and the 96-99 Cobra's.

[allstock93gt]

I've seen the 93-98 marks with holes in the blocks there not as strong as you think they are!

[Nifty]

Ive also seen certain marks blow spark plug straight out and strip out their threads...

[Nifty]

btw...according to this website http://www.karkraft.com/engines.htm 2004's were NOT aluminum either. Atleast not the 2v's.

[wiplash]

I've seen the 93-98 marks with holes in the blocks there not as strong as you think they are!

Well a hole in the block would be caused from a broken rod or crank, at that point it doesn't really matter how stout the block is! I have never heard of any Modular block failing (splitting like the 302's/351's), has anyone else? The 03/04 Cobra iron block is the same as the Mustang GT block, and they've been taken well over 1,000hp, '96+ Cobra blocks have made it that far as well. Personally I feel block strength when it pertains to Modulars is a moot point for most of us, unless it's going over 1000hp.

[RayK]

The Teksid aluminum block used in 93-98 Mark 8's and Cobra's can be prepped for 900-1500 hp according to SHM. The WAP aluminum block (used in Explorer's) is good for up to 600 hp. This is also the block used in Marauder's.

[PHRANQUY]

Ive also seen certain marks blow spark plug straight out and strip out their threads...

I know which car you speek of....but thats the head, not the block.

[Nifty]

I know which car you speek of....but thats the head, not the block.

True...but is it not all aluminum?? Perhaps Im wrong. Im still learning this crap I could very well be way off base on that

[X32 lARO]

Kris, did you find out if your car has an aluminum block?

[MontiMach]

To the best of my knowledge, only the Mach 1 got the aluminum block in the 03 and 04 mustangs.

The Mach curb weight is supposed to be 3465, but I haven't had mine to a scale yet to know for sure.