Basic Mods?

[Monster SRT]

I am new to the board so I am sorry if this is the wrong location for such a topic, but I am despeate for some advice in modding my Taurus to make it more fun then it already is! I have the 04 Duratec V6 DOHC model and unfortunately it's automatic, but it was a gift so no complaints. I understand it comes stock with about 200 or so hp, but I was wondering if anyone knew if my engine could handle around 300hp in basic bolt ons(if there is any) without an expensive overhaul. I plan on having this car for the next five or so years since she only has 114k miles.

Again, sorry if this is the wrong section. Don't mean to be a total noob :x

[Simon182]

You can do a cold air intake, some exhaust work and and computer programing, but as far as I know the Taurus isn't a performance car, and unless you wanna add a turbo or supercharger you're not going to get 300HP. The DOHC is pretty fast for a family car though, you should consider a mustang if you're looking for power

[loudsho92]

You can look into what the Contour guys are doing. To hit 300 you will need forced induction though. We do have some mods at SHO Source.

[Breeves002]

If you want 300 HP be ready to spend lots of money.


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[JIMMER]

Bolt ons provide very little power. To make power from any relatively low horsepower engine , you have to increase the A/F going in the cylinders. Now before considering adding power, first find out how much you are currently making. Car makers rate the HP at the crank, but you want to determine the wheel HP. Due to friction and parasitic loss, cars lose 12-20% over the crank power by time the HP gets to the wheels. Your 200hp engine probably makes in the area of 170hp at the wheels. Find a local shop with a dyno and get it tested. At least 2 pulls. Then do maintenance to free up some lost power (seafoam, new filters, fluids, etc.). If you are staying automatic, get a shift kit. Then if you want to make 300 wheel HP, bolt ons alone won't do it. Forced induction will. Or you can build the motor. Increasing the bore and stroke is the key, but I don't think there is a forged stroker kit for the 'Tec. That means custom work. Finding the components could be hard, like larger forged pistons. Then work up from there. Do the heads, a 3 angle valve job, roller rockers, spring kit, larger intake tract including the throttle body. Then you will be in the area of 300hp to the wheels without forced induction, but you are looking at spending around 20 grand to get to that point. But then you can add a turbo and make real power. But you will also have to beef up the mounts. But then your tranny becomes the weakest link. Almost anything can be achieved, if you have the time and MONEY!!

[fct]

There was an article on building a hybrid Duratec 3.0 engine, a 3.0 duratec with performance parts from 2.5 Duratecs on Countour SVT. This project looks convoluted, but it could net you some 20-30HP which is significant, considering induction stays the same. Throw in some good tuning, K&N air filter, and perhaps a better exhaust, and you would probably be able to feel some gain.

[Rogerm60]

Originally Posted by Monster SRT

I was wondering if anyone knew if my engine could handle around 300hp in basic bolt ons(if there is any) without an expensive overhaul. I plan on having this car for the next five or so years since she only has 114k miles. Don't mean to be a total noob :x

Cheap and power do not mix.
Power costs more in gas, tires, font end parts, brakes, and will kill your transmission too.

Good luck though!

[Blkfordtaurusman]

Originally Posted by JIMMER

but you are looking at spending around 20 grand to get to that point. But then you can add a turbo and make real power. But you will also have to beef up the mounts. But then your tranny becomes the weakest link. Almost anything can be achieved, if you have the time and MONEY!!

Although the obvious and simple solution is to just buy a mustang and call it a day. But for 20 grand wouldn't it be doable to 1)fabricate a rear-wheel drive drivetrain and 2)squeeze a coyote in the bay. I have seen mustangs that had to relocate the battery, cut the front bumpers in pieces to accomadate ther twin turbos where the fog lights belong and they fabricated [fiberglass?] around them to clean up the appearance. I have also seen one too many YouTube videos of corvette 7.0 engines [shoe horned] dropped into Volvos, subarus, etc. I figure if you can get a 7 in........then a 5L should fit in a Taurus bay? Has anyone accomplished a front to rearwheel drive taurus conversion with a 302L or greater engine? No Taurus NASCAR photos please. Photos are nice and video is better. If this was asked and answered before or if there is a how - to guide please provide the links. I'm sure with some welding/metal fabrication skills this could be done for perhaps under 20k. 1/3 of it is probably labor.

[JIMMER]

Dimensionally, a 302 will fit. It's easy to relocate the battery, fuse box, etc. Now the exhaust channel won't fit a tranny, so you would probably have to tear out the interior and floor and fab a custom floor with a bigger hump to fit the tranny. I think it would cost more than 20k to do it all and make it all work. Yes, it would be mostly fab work, but it would be like building a whole new car. It would be a one of a kind, but likely far beyond what most people are willing to do.

[Dschinghis Kahn]

Dump a Taurus body on a Blazer frame. Now you can go to town with whatever engine you like

Might be a little taller than you were looking for...