knightjp

Hey guys,

My first time here. Although I was a Chevy guy, I've noticed that Fords have been growing on me since of late. As of now, I don't belong to any camp... I'm just a gearhead / petrolhead... :)

I'm thinking of doing a project van...
The base is going to be a VW LT(picture attached). Stock it has a 2.4 ltr Diesel engine, but I was thinking of replacing it with an American V8 and suitable tranny. Frankly I love the sound of American V8s, especially Ford's...

Apparently the GM LS engines are the most popular engines right now.
I posted this question in a number of forums and most were advising to use the popular 350 small block or the LS3 (if I wanted fuel injection).
I didn't want to go with the crowd and use a GM engine like most Hot Rodders. I heard how the guys who built the cars for the new Green Hornet movie used a GM ZZ454 engine in it.
I would like actually to go with an engine from Ford Racing.

Anyways I did a search through the Ford racing site and the GM performance site and highlighted a couple of engines that I would like to use.
I've narrowed my choice to these:

1. 427 Cobra engine built on Z351 block
2. 5.0L 415HP Mustang modular engine
3. 427 Cobra engine built on BOSS 351 block
4. 4.6 Triton V8
5. GM LS6
6. GM LS3
7. GM ZZ427 Big block
8. GM ZZ454 Big Block

Out of them I much prefer the Ford engines, but stats say that the GM engines are much more easier to deal with when it comes to a full swap.
However unlike GM, which still uses the pushrod design in the their engines, Ford has changed to the Modular DOHC style.

Since I plan to use the engine in a van, I need one with more torque. I heard that the pushrod engines have more torque. I did few calculations on my own, comparing the 4.6 Triton V8 engine in the E-series to the 6.2 Ltr engine in the GM Savana, in torque.
According to my calculations, the Triton produced more torque. I know that the Triton engine is a modular one. So perhaps my calculations are wrong... I really don't know. If only there was some way of confirming it.

Another question is are all the engines in the Ford Racing Catalog... Windsor???
I know that they have FE / Cleveland / Windsor for their pushrod engines...
Which one is which, because according to the catalog, most use the BOSS 302 / 351 blocks....

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	lt_1975.jpg (19.9 KB, 0 views)
	vw_lt.JPG (16.0 KB, 1 views)
	vwlt35ambu_1.jpg (122.0 KB, 0 views)

knightjp

Another one of my requirements in the engine is that I need to have fuel injection. I know its more complicated, but I think its worth it. Makes the engine more fuel efficient.
If I go for a Ford pushrod V8, will it have fuel injection???

knightjp

Sad that there are no replies so far....

I was really hoping for some advice and info....

jwko

Myself, I'd take a GM 383 any day. around 500 HP and 500 ft.lbs.Torque.

don't tell these Ford guys I said that

knightjp

Are you serious??? With such brilliant engines in the Ford lineup??? Why???
Which one of the Ford engines would you choose???

jwko

Yep! You know how it is, once a Chevy guy, always a Chevy guy.

jwko

I really couldn't tell you which Ford engine to go for. I'll let a Ford guy answer that.

I know what your thinking. What are you doing on a Ford forum? I 'had' a Taurus that had some issues and joined the forum for help. I've long since sold the Ford, but decided to stay on to help where I can.

knightjp

OK... You're a Chevy guy...
How would you compare the 5.3L Vortec vs the 5.4L Triton V8???

knightjp

OK what is the difference in between the LS, ZZ454 and the Vortec engines???
Being a Chevy guy, you should be able to tell me... :)

Bert

I was a only GM fan for a long time until I worked at both dealerships. That was quite awhile ago when Ford was a LOT better than GM and I didn't know it. Now GM is very similar, other than being owned partialy by the Government. I don't like the idea of door hinges welded on though. I like them both but prefer Fords.

__________________
Bert