To build a 5.2 or 5.0?

[CarTramrod]

So unfortunately yesterday I had a catastrophic engine failure. So now I need to decide if I want to go with a predator or a coyote. I want to be safe around 1300 rwhp and honestly never really see myself going past that but I also dont want to pushing the limit of the motor. What are the pros and cons of each setup. If I do go predator what do I have to change on the car?

Attached is the carnage video.

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[Joshinator99]

5.2 or Darton-sleeved 5.0 would both work.

 

[robvas]

If it costs the same is there a reason to NOT go with the slightly bigger engine?

 

[Mach1Racer]

So unfortunately yesterday I had a catastrophic engine failure. So now I need to decide if I want to go with a predator or a coyote.

What was your current setup? Power level, boost, power adder, tuner if you don’t mind.

 

[CarTramrod]

What was your current setup? Power level, boost, power adder, tuner if you don’t mind.

Didn't have it dynoed on the latest set up but it should have been in 900's at the tires. I was making about 13.5 lbs of boost on a gen 6 stage 2 whipple with the 3.5" pulley. Catless longtubes, awe switchpath exhaust, fore innovations triple 285 return style fuel system, id1050x injectors, pcmtec tune from Lund Racing on e85.

 

[engineermike]

The 5.2 block is stronger, we believe, but I haven't heard of any gen3 blocks failing.

The crank strength should be about the same, but the 5.2 damper bolt is bigger so a slight difference in the stroke plus the snout hole.

The OEM 5.2 Predator rods are stronger, but they can be used in a Coyote if you wish, though you'll have to add heavy metal to get them to balance out.

I like the OEM 5.2 pistons but Mahle seems to make some quality replacements.

And of course, the displacement...

Be sure to get a later GT350 block or GT500 block so you get all 6 knock sensor mounting bosses.

I do like the Predator better for the stronger parts and additional displacement, but it's hard for me to argue it's worth the additional cost. A coyote block and crank with GT500 rods and mahle pistons gets you 95% there for much less money.

Can you tell what broke in yours?

 

[CarTramrod]

The 5.2 block is stronger, we believe, but I haven't heard of any gen3 blocks failing.

The crank strength should be about the same, but the 5.2 damper bolt is bigger so a slight difference in the stroke plus the snout hole.

The OEM 5.2 Predator rods are stronger, but they can be used in a Coyote if you wish, though you'll have to add heavy metal to get them to balance out.

I like the OEM 5.2 pistons but Mahle seems to make some quality replacements.

And of course, the displacement...

Be sure to get a later GT350 block or GT500 block so you get all 6 knock sensor mounting bosses.

I do like the Predator better for the stronger parts and additional displacement, but it's hard for me to argue it's worth the additional cost. A coyote block and crank with GT500 rods and mahle pistons gets you 95% there for much less money.

Can you tell what broke in yours?

Haven't had a chance to pull it apart yet, it happened about 1 in the afternoon yesterday but there's definitely a hole in block in the driver's side and in the oilpan.

 

[engineermike]

Haven't had a chance to pull it apart yet, it happened about 1 in the afternoon yesterday but there's definitely a hole in block in the driver's side and in the oilpan.

That sounds identical to what happened to this guy:

Anyone seen a gen3 piston failure like this? | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

 

[Mach1Racer]

Haven't had a chance to pull it apart yet, it happened about 1 in the afternoon yesterday but there's definitely a hole in block in the driver's side and in the oilpan.

Did your setup have cats or not? Or you using a catch can? Was this pump E85 and if so, what was your ethanol content? Did the AIT look good? Any knock?

 

[CarTramrod]

Did your setup have cats or not? Or you using a catch can? Was this pump E85 and if so, what was your ethanol content? Did the AIT look good? Any knock?

Was running a mix of vp x98 and pump ethanol and the content was 83% ethanol. I am running the upr catch can, catless longtubes with full 3" ss awe exhaust, ait looked good, only about 20 degrees above ambient temp. No knock that i heard.

 

[Mach1Racer]

Was running a mix of vp x98 and pump ethanol and the content was 83% ethanol. I am running the upr catch can, catless longtubes with full 3" ss awe exhaust, ait looked good, only about 20 degrees above ambient temp. No knock that i heard.

Everything so far sound good. What do you think was the problem? E. Mike has laid out a case for varying Gen3 piston quality.

 

[CarTramrod]

Everything so far sound good. What do you think was the problem? E. Mike has laid out a case for varying Gen3 piston quality.

I'll update this thread when I get it all disassembled.

 

[diambo4life]

No reason not to do a 5.2 block. That's what I did to mine. 5.2 block with forged internals and I reused my gen 1 crank. I talked to lots of people and this bottom end I have is comfortable till 1500whp. I am at around 1100whp where i feel it's plenty safe to be reliable for awhile. Sorry for the carnage. I am curious why it went at only 13lbs. Should have been safe there.

 

[engineermike]

…I am curious why it went at only 13lbs. Should have been safe there.

There have been a couple of cases of even stock-engine pistons letting go, not the least of which was Jeff Evans’ (tuning academy) demo car.

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