Summary of blown engines

[merc]

This list came from Modularfords.com. I copied it here to remind us of the dangers of racing and it's related cost. I for one have paid a heavy price to play and always mindful of drive train damage.

mustang500hp (Stock): Galled #2 piston suspect due to low piston clearance. Failed at 2k mi.

03RedCobra (Stock): Blown head gasket, filled all the cylinders up with fluid, and it had to be replaced. It was BONE stock, even down to the filter. Failed at 1,700 mi.

RedSquad7 (Stock): Thrown rod at 1,286 mi!

Xterminator (Stock except for UPR CAI): After a couple of 70 - 140 mph blasts. No.1 piston seized & ripped the wrist pin from the piston. ~16 kmi. See post #186 for pics.

smytty001 (Stock): Piston #7 damaged at 2.7 kmi. Stock except for CB.

Mr. Couper (Eaton 2.76” upper, ? psi, ?/? rwhp/tq): 3/21/06 SVTP. Piston damage #2. Bassani x/p and CB.

Yellow Cobra (Eaton 2.8” upper, 14 psi, 480/506 rwhp/tq): 3/2/06 SVTP. SLP X-pipe, SLP loud mouth muffler, SLP long tube headers. K&N filter. Diablo sport tune. NGK TRS spark plugs. AFCO heat exchanger-double pass.

John1975 (Eaton 2.93” upper, x psi, 433/_ rwhp/tq): Suspect blown #2 piston. Failed after 3 high-speed (135-155 mph) runs. A/F = 10.9-11.7:1 right up to redline. Octane = 94. K&N FIPK. Engine failed at 3.5k mi. Modded for 1.5k mi.

RedSquad7 (Eaton w/ 2.93” upper, 13-14 psi, 459/456 rwhp/tq on DJ): 2/4/05. 2nd Engine. Burned piston #2 after high-speed run (155-160 mph) during which several vacuum lines came off. A/F = 12.0-12.2:1 (at tailpipe). Octane = ?. Total timing = ?. 9” open K&N. Stock fuel sys. Bassani catted X and CB. Modded for ~2 kmi. Predator custom tune. Engine failed at ~10 kmi.

Z-06_Killa (Eaton 2.8” upper, 12.5(?) psi, 470/501 rwhp/tq DJ, 508 rwhp MD w/ N2O): 5/23/05. Piston #2, cyl and head damage. Lead came off spark plug, causing damage to piston...piston fatigued in that location/possible clogged injector. Detonation was heard by passenger in other car @ 120+mph before it let go. A/F = 12:1 blower, 11:1 N2O. NGK BR7EF plugs gapped at 0.032”. Octane = 93. Total timing = 23 deg blower, 20 deg N2O. Prochamber, Magnapack CB. CAI. Failure at ~22k mi. Modded at ~15k mi.

Copperhead - SVTP (Eaton 2.8” upper, _ psi, 430/400 rwhp/tq now): Low compression on cylinder #7 & 8. A/F = 10-11.5:1. Octane = _. _ Plugs. CAI. Offroad X-pipe and CB. _ chip. Engine failed at 43k mi. Modded for ~6k mi.

AnonymousT1 (Eaton 2.8” upper, 14 psi, 478/485 rwhp/tq): Minor scoring to #3 piston skirt, no other signs of damage mechanical damage. Accelerated hard with less than 1/8 tank of gas and blew fuel pressure sensor - car developed knock immediately after. A/F = 11.8:1 at peak power. NGK TR6 plugs gapped at 0.035”. Octane = 93. Magnaflow catted X & Steeda CB. SFPHQ CAI, Accufab TB. Failure at 12k mi. Modded at 7k mi.

ptrfree (Eaton, 2.8”, 13-14 psi, 444/435 rwhp/tq): 7/10/05. All exhaust valves on left head burned. Pistons OK. A/F = 11.5:1. Octane = 93. Timing = ?. TR6 0.032”. K&N 12” CAI. Catted H, Magnaflow CB. Engine failed at 37 kmi. Modded since 2 kmi.

calithekid (Eaton, 2.76”, _ psi, 435/453 rwhp/tq): 5/27/05. Knocking sound noticed during street race. One bad piston occurred at ~140 mph and missed shift -> over reved engine. Custom dyno tune, Magnaflow CB, JLT CAI, 5000 mi at time of failure. Motor replaced under warranty.

Grey03Cobra (Eaton, _ psi, 483/503 rwhp/tq): Piston (heat) damage to #7 & 8 occurred after top end high speed run (160 mph). Bassani X, CB & Mid-Length Headers. UPR CAI. Diablo chip. Engine failed at ~18k mi.

deadcobra (Eaton 2.8" upper, 12 psi, 450 rwhp): Failed at 4,800 mi, mods for 3,000 mi. Damage 7 piston burned other 2 pistons damaged, 2 broken rods, damaged crank and slight block damage. Suspect due to tune being too lean.

NeedForSpeed03Cobra (Eaton 4# lower, 2.8”(?) upper, _ psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): Heat damage to 3 pistons (#6, 7, & 8). Suspect due to a vacuum leak causing a lean condition.

Kino (Eaton w/ 3.1” upper 6# lower, 17 psi, 473/_ rwhp/tq): Heat damage to pistons and scuffs on skirts on 3 of them. Damaged pistons appear to be undersized. Blown head gasket. A/F = 12.1:1. Denso IT-22 plugs gapped at 0.030”. Octane = 93. Stock induction system. Stock fuel system. QMP 3” exhaust w/ CATs. Diablo chip. Engine failed at 27.5k mi. Modded for 21k mi.

BIGONTS (Eaton w/ 2.93” upper, 4# lower.): 11/24/05 SVTP. One of the vacuum lines from the back of the blower came off and when I got into boost the computer didn't read it and give the car more fuel. Created a lean conditon and burned a piston, etc. TR6's. SCT Xcalibrator. JLT CAI. LFP Heat Exchanger. Magnaflow catted X-pipe, Borla Stinger.

tommygun (Eaton 2.8” upper, 14 psi, 456/458 rwhp/tq): Piston #7 broke from top down to the ring land resulting in no compression. Failed when racing at > 150 mph. Detonation noted at time of failure. Octane = 91. A/F = 12.2:1 at peak power. NGK TR6 plugs. 11,235 mi when failed (700 mi after tick fix). 5.6k mi modded. Also had exhaust and CAI.

|RageATM| (Eaton 2.75” upper 4# lower, 17 psi, 457/517 rwhp/tq): Heat damage to all pistons, the worst was #2 followed closely by #7 & 8. Suspect new tune caused a lean condition, but A/F was not checked. (Initial tune had A/F = 11.8:1). NGK TR6 plugs. Octane = 93. CAI. Stock fuel system. VRS Catted midpipe and Magnaflow CB. Engine failed at ~16k mi. Modded for ~3k mi.

olchakla (Eaton w/ 2.8” upper, 15 psi, 458/460 rwhp/tq DJ): Spun #3 rod bearing, scored #6, and #8 was discolored. Suspect oil starvation. BBK Twin blade 65 mm TB, Stock MAF. Stock fuel system. Magnaflow catted-X and CB. Diablo chip. Engine failed at 24k mi. Modded for 12k mi.

3snakes1coupe (Eaton w/ 2.8”/4#, 17 psi, >500/? rwhp/tq DJ): 4/26/05. Low compression on 7&8. Heat damage to several pistons & scored skirts, and heat damage to head. A/F =12:1. Total timing = 23 deg. Octane = 93. NGK TR6 plugs. Aftermarket HE. BBK TB, MAFXtender. KB BAP. Magnaflow catted X and CB. Engine failed at 2k mi. Modded for ? mi.

capnkirk52 (Eaton 2.8” upper, _ psi, 330/330 raw (@7645 ft) rwhp/tq on M.D.): Scored skirts of all 8 pistons. Cause unknown, (too much heat, back-to-back dyno runs, 160MPH blast?) A/F = 11.5-12.0:1. Stock plugs. Octane = 91 w/ octane booster. K&N FIPK. Stock fuel system. Bassani O/R X and CB. Total timing = 19 or 22 deg. Engine failed at 3.8 kmi. Modded for 2.3 kmi.

capnkirk52 (Eaton 2.8” upper): Second failure. Teflon on all pistons scored. Suspect result of heat from high-speed runs. Same equipment as before plus Accufab TB and Bassani mid-length headers. Failed at 8 kmi.

Zinc03Cobra (Eaton w/ 2.76” upper, _ psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): Broken right-side head timing chain. NGK TR6 plugs. 12” open K&N. Magnaflow CB. Bassani O/R X. Custom Predator tune. Failed at 21 kmi.

SALEENGTROUSH (Eaton w/ 2.8” upper, _ psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): Heat damage to piston #7 & #8 is scored. Many (>50) high-speed (upwards of 160 mph) runs. Heard detonation during run when it blew. UPR CAI, Mac O/R-H and CB, Custom Predator tune.

sndmn_2000 (Eaton w/ 2.8” upper, _ psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): Ran lean causing piston damage (scuffed) on #7 and #3. Tune not checked (ouch)! CAI, exhaust. No other info.

VENOMOUS03COBRA (Eaton w/ 2.8” & 2#, 15 psi, 60-200 shot, 637/730 rwhp/tq): Suspected reason: hot lapping car & too much happy gas (200 shot). Actual damage not known at time of report. AFR = 11.3, timing = 16-17 deg, 100 octane, NGK-TR6's gapped at 0.028, no cooling mods, 12" open end filter, stock maf w/ extender, BF T/B, focus pumps and 60# siemens inj., Maganflow CB and prochamber. 19,000+ miles. Failed 10/16/06. Modded for 19 k mi.

F8LSNKE (Ported Eaton ?” upper & 6# lower, 16 psi, 525/542 rwhp/tq DJ): 2/13/07. Noticed engine knock after 3 hard passes. Trap speeds off by 6-7 mph. Steig. Stage 4. Timing=?. Octane=?. AFR=11.1-11.7. Ir plugs at 0.032”. Borla CB, Bassani catted X. S&B open end filter, Accufab TB & inlet. Fuel sys mods – none. Cooling mods? Failed at 27 kmi on 2/10/07. Modded for 15 kmi. Act damage yet unknown.

StangAOED (Ported Eaton 2.76” upper & 4# lower, 18 psi, 478/498 rwhp/tq DJ): Very low comp in holes #6&7. Steig. Stage 3. Timing=23. Octane=93. AFR=?. Borla Stinger CB, Mac Prochamber. K&N FIPK, MAFia. KB BAP. NGK TR6 0.032”. LFP Dual Pass H/E and IC reservoir. Modded for 13 kmi. Failed at 13.5 kmi on 2/5/07.

b34tgnu2 (Ported Eaton 4# lower, ? psi, ?/? rwhp/tq): No details on damage, AFR, timing, octane, mileage, etc. 10" K&N, Accufab T/P, Steig Stage 1, 2.75RR, Afco HE, Bassani Headers & no cats, cat-back, Metco #4 lower, Mafia, 60# injectors.

SonicSlowbra (Ported Eaton w/ 2.8” upper, _ psi, 490/473 rwhp/tq SAE DJ): Broken piston skirt #7. Suspect timing and heat related. A/F = 12.5:1. NGK TR6. Octane = 93. K&N FIPK. Stock fuel system. XMS HE. Catted X and SLP CB. Diablo chip. Engine failed at 3.1k mi on 9/20/04. Modded for 350 mi.

wjfawb0 (Ported Eaton w/ 2.8” upper, 14-16 psi, 491/471 rwhp/tq SAE): ~10/1/05. Holed piston #2, and #5&6 were running hot. The FPDM failed, which may have damaged the pistons due to random dropping fuel pressure. A/F = 11.5-12. NGK TR6. Octane = 93. Timing = 18. K&N FIPK, Accufab TB and plenum. Dr. Gas O/R X-pipe, Magnaflow CB. Engine failed at ~61 kmi. Pullied since 4.5 kmi.

[merc]

Kook911: (Ported Eaton, 2.76” and 2#lower, 17 psi, 510/530 rwhp/tq DJ): 3/3/06 SVTP. 3 melted pistons and head damage. AFR = 12. Total timing = 19. Octane = 93. TR6. JLT CAI. Catless x-pipe, Stinger CB. Engine failed at 31 kmi on 12/19/05. < 100 mi since moded!

lucafu1: (Ported Eaton, 2.76” and 3#lower, 16 psi, 531/520 rwhp/tq): 4/05. #2 piston skirt, overheated (after piston skirt May 2005) warped heads, busted radiator, expansion tank and cap. Suspect damage from heat. A/F =12.0. Octane = 93. Denso 22 0.032”. Total timing = 22. Extreme H/E, Apten head cooling mod. JLT RAI w/ SFPHQ MAF adapter/10" power stack, SCT BA2400, Accufab T.B. KB BAP w/ 60# injectors. MRT Gutted Cattted H-Pipe, Borla Stingers. Engine failed at ~11 kmi. Miles since modded = 800.

bross03cobra (Ported Eaton w/ 2.8” & 4#, 15 psi (@5,500 ft), 100 dry shot post MAF, 650/815 rwhp/tq SAE DJ): Broken piston #2. 100 N2O passes, 100 blower only passes, 106 dyno pulls(!!). A/F = 11.1:1 w/ juice (11.5 w/o). Autolite AR103 at 0.032”. Octane = 91 on street (w/o spray) or 103 for track. Total timing = 18 (w/ juice) or 21 (w/o juice), KB BAS. Steeda CAI, Accufab TB and inlet, SCT2400 MAF. KB BAP, 60# SD inj. LPF HE, Apten cooling mod. JBA shorties, Magnaflow catted X and CB. Diablo chip. Engine failed at 18.5 kmi. Modded since 900 mi.

ds03cobra (Ported Eaton w/ 2.8” & 4#, 17.5 psi, ?/? rwhp/tq SAE DJ): 2/15/06. AFR = 11.8. Total timing = 22 deg. Octane = 93. TR6 at 0.032”. AFCO HE. JLT 12” CAI, stock MAF w/ MAFia. KB BAP, 60# injectors. BBK LTs & O/R H, Magnaflow CB. Engine failed at 47 kmi. Date failed 2/8/06.

badcobra (Ported Eaton w/ 2.8” & 4#, 17 psi, 175 wet shot, 519/534 rwhp/tq DJ, ~700 rwhp w/ wet shot): 7/29/05. Piston #2 135 psi – 180 after oil. Suspect failed due to nitrous, although #2 plug was white => indication of lean condition. A/F = 11.5:1. Octane = 92, 100 w/ spray. Brisk 14’s or Autolite 103’s. Total timing = 21 blower, 18 w/ nitrous. LFP HE, LFP I/C tank. JLT CAI w/ 12" filter, Accufab TB, SCT 2400 MAF. KB BAP, 60lb injectors. JBA Headers, MAC Pro-chamber, Flowmaster 3" Super 40's. Engine failed at 25 kmi. Modded since 16 kmi.

svt1.8t (Ported Eaton stg III, 2.93”/6#, 17 psi, 525/555 rwhp/tq STD DJ): SVTP 12/22/05. Heat damage to piston, #7 40 lbs comp, 4% leakdown,melted straps of spark plug. A/F =11.7. Octane = 94. Timing = 22deg. Denso IT24 at 0.035”. LDD head cooling mod, IC res, LFP HE, LFP radiator, water wetter. JLT RAI, MAFia, Accufab TB. 60# injectors, BAP. O/R Prochamber, Magnaflow CB. Engine failed at 9.2 kmi on 11/1/05. Modded for 3 kmi.

AllVenom (Ported Eaton stg III, 3.1”/6#, 17 psi, rwhp/tq = ?/?): 4/23/07. Blew the FRPS sensor around 47k, didn't think much about it. No audible taps. After 2 runs at the track 4k miles later, loud audible tapping noise at idle. Heat damage/scoring pistons. #2 worst, 6 total bad. Suspects tune, but no data…! Total timing = ?. A/F =?. Fuel octane = 93. NGK TR-6 .035. Aftermarket Heat Exchanger/Larger capacity tank. MAFia, UPR CAI. BAP, stock injectors. Bassani X, SLP LMII. Engine failure = 51kmi on 1/27/2007. Modded for 5 kmi.

snake679 (Eaton w/ 2.8” upper with 200 wet shot, 14psi, 457/496 rwhp/tq): Bad wrist pin on #6. Broke while on the juice at the track at the end of the run. A/F = 11.7:1. Afco HE. BBK longtubes & O/R X, Magnaflow CB. Predator. Failed at 15k mi.

cobra93teal (Eaton w/ 2.8” upper, 15 psi, 520 (!) rwhp, ? tq on DJ): 2/5/05. Heat damage to pistons #3 & #7. Damaged during high-speed run. Octane = 93. NGK TR6. Total timing = ?. CAI. Stock fuel sys. Borla CB. Modded for 17 kmi. Engine failed at 31 kmi on 12/28/04.

357cstang (2.2L KB, 19 psi, 572/? rwhp/tq DJ on lower boost): 1/3/08. Melted piston #7 and low comp on #8. 3.5” upper, 9.55” lower. ON = 93. AFR=?. Timing=?. NGKs. HBH HE. KB CAI, Accufab TB, SCT BA2400. KB BAP, 55# inj. Bassani headers, X-pipe, Spintech CB. Failed at 20.1 kmi, modded for 10 kmi. Suspect too aggressive tune & pump gas.

ditchsnake (2.6L KB, 20 psi*, 630/? rwhp/tq): 4/27/08. *5600 ft elevation. Melted pistons #6&7. ON = 91. 3.4” upper, 6# lower. AFR=12. Timing=?. AFCO heat exchanger, head cooling mod. 60# inj, KB BAP. MAFia. Failed at < 7 kmi. Highway run. Melted pistons under intake valve area. Lean condition.

Zinc03Cobra (KB, 15 psi, 530/? rwhp/tq): ~11/6/05. Heat damage to piston #7. Experienced lean condition. A/F = 11.3. Timing = ?. Octane = 91. MAFia, 12” open K&N. 60# injectors, KB BAP. Magnaflow CB. Bassani O/R X. LFP HE, LFP IC Tank. Custom Predator tune. Failed at 15 kmi (on engine).

RaceRat (KB, 15.5 psi, 604 rwhp): Heat damage to all pistons, #7 & 8 were worst. A/F was very safe up to 6200rpm, but climbing to 12:1 at 6400rpm. Suspect inadequate fuel system.

GodStang (2.2L KB w/ 3” upper, 17 psi, ?/? rwhp/tq): Piston #7 and #8 melted heavily, damage to heads. Suspect lack of fuel (bad A/F). Supercharger damage (gouges in the rotors.) Tune details unknown. Stock cooling and fuel system. NGK TR-6. CAI. Bassani high-flow cats, and Catback. Engine failed at 15 kmi. (godstang was not the orig owner – purchased car after failure and is rebuilding it.)

Coleman (KB 3” upper 6# lower, 17+ psi, 549/535 rwhp/tq): Piece broke off of piston #6 and spun rod bearing. Suspect vacuum leak caused lean condition and detonation. A/F = 12.0:1 at peak power. Denso IT-24 plugs. Octane = 93. Stock fuel system. Stock heat exchanger. KB CAI and TB. 3” QMP exhaust. Engine failed at 20.5k mi. Modded for 10k mi.

LTHL PSI (KB, 21 psi, 612 rwhp, 660 w/ N2O): Valve guide damage. Engine is OK.

BlownBlu97 (2.2L KB, _ psi, 607/597 rwhp/tq): The vac line had popped off the brass fitting on the rear of the KB on the driver side. 93 octane.

dgussin1 (KB, 17 psi, 583/519 rwhp/tq DJ): Extremely low compression on cylinder 7(49psi) 8(51psi), and 4(120psi)...150-160PSI is normal. Now suspect due to bad tune, although no detonation was recognized. A/F = 11.9:1 at peak power. Autolite 103 plugs at 0.032”. Octane = 91. KB BAP, 60# injectors. C&L 95mm MAF, K&N filter, Accufab TB. Gords HE. Magnaflow catted-X and CB. Modded for ~5k mi. Engine failed at ~7k mi. Modded at 500 mi with all the bolt ons to 473rwhp/474tq, put the KB on at 5.5k mi, engine blew around 6.2k mi.

Justin Blake (KB, 17 psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): 4/8/05. The motor was removed and inspected and what happened was the crank was shoved forward and was not returning properly which cause the rear thrust bearing to slowly come apart which sent shaving throughout the motor which completely ruined everything; block, crank and bent several rods also. A/F = 11.5. SCT MAF. Focus pumps, 60# injectors. K&N FIPK. Magnaflow X and CB. Pullied at 2 kmi, ported Eaton at 2.8 kmi, KB at 2.85 kmi. Engine failed at 3 kmi.

Shadowgray03 (KB, 17-18 psi, 600 rwhp DJ): Heat damage, pistons #5 & #7 are the worst. Ring on number 5 is actually seized in the ring land. Head damage (partially melted) on #5 & 7 as well. Detonation noted, and oil out of exhaust at time of failure at an engine speed of ~ 5500 rpm. A/F = 11.8:1 at peak power. AP103 plugs at 0.035”. Octane = 92 non oxy or 93/94. Suspect stock MAF pegged causing lean condition. Modded for ~5k mi. Engine failed at ~7k mi.

slvrsnake (KB 3” upper, 17 psi, 592/548 rwhp/tq DJ): Heat damage to piston #3. Suspect blocked injector…TBD. A/F = 11.8:1. Denso IT-22 plugs. Octane = 93. JDM CAI, Billetflow TB. Focus pumps, SD 55# injectors. Full Bassani exhaust (headers, X-pipe & CB). Modded for 6.5k mi. Engine failed at 22k mi.

[merc]

BLWN03 (KB, 18.5 psi, ?/? rwhp/tq): 10/14/05. Rod bearings 1,2,7,8 and crank journal #7 damaged and crack at bottom of bore. Some minor scuffing on pistons. All rods look OK. Power adder(S) Eaton 2.76”, Pro-charger test car @ 21psi, and 2 KB's @ 18-21psi … car failed with a KB @18.5psi. SCT tune with A/F = 11.7:1. Timing = 22. Octane = 93. Autolite 103's. JLT 9" CAI, MAFia. 60 lb injectors, Focus pumps. BBK L/T's. Magnaflows O/R H. Custom I/C reservoir. Engine failed at 33 kmi. Modded since 3 kmi.

seidler (2.2L KB, 18 psi, ?/? rwhp/tq): 10/30/05. Holed piston #2. #2 and #4 had plug ground straps melted. All cyl on right side oil covered. Suspect detonation. A/F = 11.7. Timing = 18. Octane = 93. Ford A12 at 0.030”. JLT CAI 12", KB TB, BA2400. 60 lb injectors, KB BAP. LDC Cooling Mod, GordFord HE. Magnaflow CB and Catted X. Custom I/C reservoir. Engine failed at 8.2 kmi. 6.7 kmi w/ modded Eaton, 1.5 kmi w/ KB.

stangin (KB 3.25” upper 8# lower, 23 psi, 550/570 rwhp/tq): Detonation resulted in 3 burned up plugs. Noticed tick noise after plug damage. Upon engine disassembly, noted Teflon coating coming off and scoring of pistons. Suspect bad tune – too much timing causing detonation. A/F = 12-13:1. TR6 at 0.032”. Octane = 93 + a couple gallons of 115 race gas. KB BAP and 55# injectors. UPR CAI, 95 mm MAF. UPR O/R X, Steeda CB. Modded for < 1k mi. Engine failed at 6k mi.

03Steve (KB, _ psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): – will provide more data when he gets engine apart.

toofast4u (2.2L KB 3” upper, 17 psi, 566/505 STD rwhp/tq on MD): 1/12/05. Oil and low compression (<150 psi) in cyl #7. Smoking at startup. 7 Pistons failed. A/F = 11.8:1. NGK TR6 at 0.035”. Octane = 93. Total timing = 21 deg at 6.5 krpm. LFP HE w/ 9.5” fans. SCT MAF, Accufab TB, Steeda CAI. Focus pumps and 60# injectors. QMP manifold back with straight through mufflers . Modded for ~11 kmi w/KB. Engine failed at 21 kmi.

Bad03Cobra (KB, 23 psi, 582/800 rwhp/tq MD): Vacuum line blew off FRPS causing lean condition. Damaged #1 cylinder. KB BAS, KB BAP, NGK BR7EF plugs, Aviator pumps, #55lb inj, Pro M, Gords HE w/fans, Accufab TB, SCT tuning.

TwinScrewed03 (2.2L KB 2.5” upper, 22 psi, 593/569 rwhp/tq): 2/5/05. Suspect spun bearing and/or broken rod on #5 & #6. Suspect due to bad KB installation (vacuum lines improperly hooked up and was getting full boost all the time). A/F = 11:1. NGK TR6 at 0.030”. C-16 race fuel. Total timing = ?. Stock HE. JLP ram air & KB TB. KB BAP and 55# injectors. BBK longtubes & 3” custom CB. Diablo chip. Modded for 3k mi w/KB. Engine failed at ~4k mi.

WUTWHNE (2.2L KB 3.0” upper, 17 psi, 591/506 rwhp/tq): 5/12/05. Suspect cylinder #5 is down. Suspect due to ?. A/F = 11.8-11.9:1. Octane = 91. NGK TR6 at 0.035”. Total timing = 21-22 deg. Elevation = 4500-5000 ft. Stock cooling system. K&N FIPK, Accufab TB, MAFia. KB BAP, 60# injectors. Borla Stinger CB, Bassani X-pipe w/cats. Diablo chip. Failed at 24k mi. Modded for 2k mi.

HotWheels (2.2L KB, 21 psi, 622 lb-ft, 548 hp @ ~5 krpm when eng went): 6/7/05. No. 4 piston holed and cyl head damage. Looks like detonation. Engine failed while on dyno during tuning session. A/F = 11.7. KB BAP, 60# injectors. SCT MAF, CAI. Bassani mid-length headers and CB. Aftermarket HE.

KosherCobra (Whipple, 17.5 psi, 552 rwhp MD): Failed at 5,000 mi. Damage to pistons #7 (worst), 8 & 4. Suspect due to inadequate fuel system, although tune was considered "safe."

mjchip (Whipple, 18 psi, 596 rwhp): heat damage to pistons #2 & 4. Suspect due to injector problem causing a lean condition.

reddragon (Whipple 3” pulley, 19 psi, 487/548 rwhp/tq MD): 4/2/05. Failed on DJ dyno (after tuning on MD dyno). Piston damage from suspected detonation. Pitting and melted regions. A/F = 11.5:1. Octane = 93. Total timing = 22 deg. UPR CAI, BBK long tube headers, O/R X, and Borla stinger CB. Siemens 60# injectors w/ TRKs, dual Focus pumps. Engine failed at 31 kmi. Whipple moded since ~29 kmi.

stangd1909 (Whipple 3.24”/4#, 20 psi, 609/595 rwhp/tq): 8/13/05. Damage unknown yet. A/F = ?. Octane = 93. Total timing = 21 deg. LFP HE & IC tank. Accufab TB, Steeda CAI or JLT RAI. BAP, 60# injectors. Magnaflow CB, UPR O/R X-pipe. Engine failed at 3 kmi. Modded for 2.5 kmi.

8URZ-28 (Whipple, 3.0”/2#, _ psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): 9/24/05. Loss of power after high speed run (~140 mph). Coolant spewage from overflow tank. Knocking sound at idle and smoke out exhaust. NGK TR6. KB BAP, 60# injectors, MAFia. Amazon CAI, Accufab TB. MRT H-pipe, Borla Stingers.

mjchip (Whipple, 19 psi, _/_ rwhp/tq): Second eng failure. Several pistons/cylinders damaged. 1st run, forgot to turn on the BAP master switch. 2nd run blew off lower intake manifold hose so FRPS lost its reference. Both caused lean condition. Also suspect plugs too hot (confirmed by RWTD). VT5.0 Stroker engine. A/F = 10.5:1. Brisk GOR17LGS plugs. Octane = 93 + splash of 100. Total timing = 17deg.

John Himsel (Whipple 3.25”/4#, 19 psi, ?/? RWHP/TQ): 7/24/05. #6 cylinder is toast....piston damage, valve damage, scuffed cylinder wall.....left exhaust smokes really bad. A/F = 11.9:1. Octane = 93. NGK TR-6. Total timing = 21. Gords HE, NPI IC. Accufab TB, SCT MAF. 60 # inj, custom rails, ½” fuel line, Focus pumps. Bassani mid-length headers, O/R X, CB. Engine failed at 10.5 kmi.
Miles at time of engine failure: 10.5 kmi. Modded for only 75 mi.

Red&BlackSVT (Whipple, 23 psi, 656/631 rwhp/tq): 3/27/06. Damage to piston #7 and head damage. After numerous high-speed (160 mph) runs. A/F =11.5. Octane = 93&104 mix. Total timing = 23 deg.

Black2003 (???): Melted right-side head, cyl#2. Blown head gasket? More data when available.

SmokenGRA03 (???): Heat damage to #3 and #7. No other details at present.
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Totals as of 5/25/08: 74 (5 “stock”, 38 Mod’d Eatons, 21 KBs, 8 Whipples, 2 Unknown.)
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Misc failures:
04WhtCobra: 2/19/06. Broken crank snout.
http://www.modularfords.com/forums/s...ighlight=crank

foofinator: 3/25/08. Broken crank snout. 765 rwhp on slicks 3.4L Whipple.
http://www.modularfords.com/forums/s...d.php?t=105421

oldbones: Broken crank. Mods 2.3L whipple peaks at 23psi falls to 18psi Teksid block, stock crank, stock rods, diamond pistons, cams, knocked the pocket out of the heads, 91 oct and alky. Failure, snout broken off crank during a WOT test with ET drags in first gear this motor only had 5000mi on it.
http://www.modularfords.com/forums/s...ighlight=crank

Steeda30: 9/8/08. Broken crank snout. Had about 96,000 miles on it, with the Metco lower pulley assembly (2lb) since ~15k - swapped to a 4lb ring around 60k miles. It's a ported Eaton with a 2.8 upper, notched tensioner.
http://modularfords.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117756

Oxford Snake: 5/22/08. Broken oil pump. Helion Cobra, stock bottom end. 14 kmi. The results - cylinders 1,2,5, and 6 showed excessive heat. The rods are discolored, the front 2 bearings are shot and scarred up their rod journals, the crank is completely discolored.
http://www.modularfords.com/forums/s...=110097&page=4

[ImpalaSlayer]

hey merc. i think your saying to stay waway fromt he 2.8 or smaller unless you have a built motor lol

[RoyLPita]

After seeing this, the 3.4 Trilogy with the K&N will be fine with me.

[merc]

hey merc. i think your saying to stay waway fromt he 2.8 or smaller unless you have a built motor lol

Not exactly Dave. Most of the motors on this list were SVT Cobra's. It's just a reminder for those that use the word safe tune. Parts fail, and drivers take them to the limits. In building more performance we need to be aware of the dangers.

[Aren Jay]

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[FormulaMarauder]

good Lord. Great info, scary post.

[DEFYANT]

Very interesting. Many were low miles and recently modded cars.

Failure is a risk we all take when we mod our cars. The higher the HP/TQ, the higher the risk of failure - no matter what modds you choose.

[Mike Poore]

Great post, Mark, and, of course, we know of a few more. I didn't do the math, and perhaps your spread sheet has the ability to look at the field, but it seems an inordinate amount of failures at #7 & 8 piston/rods. Of course, had that area been stronger, it seems likely the failure may have occurred at the next weakest part.

One does wonder, though, about the "tapping" lifter and smoke attributed to that area of the engine. Is there a chance that in many cases, it's caused by the reported pooling phenomenon, and it all comes down to using no other than the 5W-? oil, as Ford recommends?