5.0 NA theoretical limit - and still last 100k miles

buymycar · Nov 17, 2017

What appears to the be maximum limit a NA 5.0 engine can be pushed while still maintaining reliability?

ForYourOwnGood · Nov 17, 2017

Well, Ford says it has 435hp and lasts 5 years or 60k miles so..... detune it to 400hp and call it a day?

EFI · Nov 17, 2017

You'll probably get this alot, but there are so many variables to say.

When you're talking about limit, do you mean power wise?

It depends on how often and for how long you beat on it, it depends on how many RPMs, it depends on what type of maintenance you do, it depends on what sort of parts you use, it depends how good the tune and fuel is, it depends on how heavy your car is...

But I don't see why a properly tuned and maintained engine that's kept under say 7500rpm cannot last for that long. However you have to also realize that other parts may need to be replaced sooner than the overall engine. Like for example if you have a big aggressive cam you might have to replace valve springs more often than 100k miles but overall the engine can be reliable.

Austinj427 · Nov 17, 2017

EFI said:
You'll probably get this alot, but there are so many variables to say.

When you're talking about limit, do you mean power wise?

It depends on how often and for how long you beat on it, it depends on how many RPMs, it depends on what type of maintenance you do, it depends on what sort of parts you use, it depends how good the tune and fuel is, it depends on how heavy your car is...

But I don't see why a properly tuned and maintained engine that's kept under say 7500rpm cannot last for that long. However you have to also realize that other parts may need to be replaced sooner than the overall engine. Like for example if you have a big aggressive cam you might have to replace valve springs more often than 100k miles but overall the engine can be reliable.

Agree.

A car that makes 750whp and only gets beat on once a month could potentially last longer than a stock engine that lives on a race track and has 50k miles of being full throttle.

Taneras · Nov 17, 2017

buymycar said:
What appears to the be maximum limit a NA 5.0 engine can be pushed while still maintaining reliability?

Way too many variables and way to many parts to account for.

For example, I bet a meekly driven full bolt on Mustang GT would outlast a stock one that's driven like its in a high speed pursuit at all times.

Driving reasonably and sticking within the parameters of what most other people are doing who haven't broken parts yet are probably all you can do if you are modding and want reliability.

That said, I don't see why the vast majority of people who go full bolt on (CAI, intake manifold with injectors, E85, headers and exhaust) wouldn't make it to 100k miles without any drivetrain issues if they followed the advice above.

Nothing is certain, but you can certainly stack the odds in your favor.

Grintch · Nov 20, 2017

Stock bottom end?
Stock heads?
Stock block?
Stock valvetrain?

A late 1970's NASCAR motor (when they were still stock based) was good for 750 hp with a lot less advanced architecture and not much more displacement. Spend enough money and I would think you could match that with a reliable, long lasting package.

dubster99 · Nov 20, 2017

ForYourOwnGood said:
Well, Ford says it has 435hp and lasts 5 years or 60k miles so..... detune it to 400hp and call it a day?

Lol is this a real post

Genxer · Nov 20, 2017

Only a piece of crap engine wouldn't last 100k miles these days, but once you start modifying things, longevity depends on how radical you go with mods, driving habits, and maintenance. The Roush SC equipped cars sold through dealers have quite a bump in HP with a factory warranty. I think it is a fair assumption those cars would not be problematic for the warranty period but does that guarantee 100k miles? No. But heck, you can tear anything up if you beat on it.

jasonstang · Nov 20, 2017

The factory tune is already detuned any way.
Go to an S197 forum and ask those with 2011+ GTs.

Grintch · Nov 21, 2017

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-A52XS

580hp 5.2L Ford crate motor.

How "theoretical" do you want to get?
E85 or race gas -> 650
Bigger cam, more extensive porting even more.
Though mostly at high rpms, which limits life if you spend a lot of time there. But nothing theoretical says you can't get stronger rods, better pistons, better valvetrain to live at higher rpm.

How big can you push a Coyote or Voodoo engines displacement? Another way to get more NA power.

TexasRebel · Nov 21, 2017

Be on the right of the Bathtub Curve.

5.0 NA theoretical limit - and still last 100k miles

buymycar

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ForYourOwnGood

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EFI

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Austinj427

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Taneras

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Grintch

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dubster99

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Genxer

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jasonstang

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Grintch

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TexasRebel

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