1994 Thunderbird 4.6 Limits???

Hey guys, my gf has just informed me that she wants me to start modding her car. She has a 94 thunderbird with the 4.6L engine. So I guess Ill start with the basics. What are the limits on the engine and tranny before you start breaking things? Are there cheap/free easy mods that can be done first? Is there a list somewhere for all the performance companies? Is there a list somewhere for mod writeups? What can be used from other cars without modification?


Sorry if these questions are elementary, but im new to Tbirds. I have a Grand Prix, and we have some awesome resources when it comes to finding information. But I dont know where to start with the Tbird. So any and all help is appreciated. Thanx.

Go to www.tccoa.com. The guys there have done just about anything you or your girlfriend would want to do.

Ya www.tccoa.com The worlds thunderbird inspiration.

I would say the limits are = to ho deep your pockets are.

I have looked over that site, but it doesnt say anything about the limits of a stock engine and tranny. I dont want do any mods to them, just heads on up. Thanx.

Well, the theory is the tranny can hold over 600hp and comparible amounts of torque. You can throw any heads that will mount on a 4.6 on your engine. You can install 80mm TB's and MAF's. You could install 4inch exhaust. But......Big isn't always better. Intake or heads flow too much for the engine and you lose velocity into the combustion chamber and lose power. Exhaust is too big and you lose back pressure and low end torque. There are thousands of variables that need to be considered. The limits of one part compared to another need to be considered. You will have to do lot's of research and ask specific, pointed questions about what you want to do. There will be no list that specifically states with this head you can use only this TB and with that TB you must use this size intake and with that intake it must match this size of exhaust but if you use this then you need a new cam and so on and so on.

The stock engine will take a blower to 275 RWHP easily (that's over 350 crank HP if you factor in the S/C).

The stock AODE trans will start giving you fits if you get much above 200 RWHP in the stock form. If you follow the "Ford transmissions 101" articles (at tccoa.com), and modify per instructions, you can move that to 225-250 RWHP. The pre '95 transmissions are not capeable of all that much power, so BE CAREFUL.

I should add that the cheapest mods are to remove the air silencer from inside the passenger fender, install a set of underdrive pulleys, install a better flowing air cleaner, do the JMod as described on TCCOA, and possibly others depending on what you consider cheap mods.

Thanx for all the suggestions guys. I totally forgot I posted this cause im in the middle of finals. I will have to talk stuff over with her and see what she wants to do. Thanx.

Oh,and if you wanna buy some other mods such as exhaust,intake,etc.Be sure to ask for the Mustang year.(4.6).The mods for the mustang practically fit the thunderbird perfectly

ok ive got a 94 t-bird and i want to change the tranny from auto to 5 spd .whats all involved with that

ok ive got a 94 t-bird and i want to change the tranny from auto to 5 spd .whats all involved with that
T-45 Swap (4.6L) (http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/T45/index.html)

Next time you might want to start a new thread.

yea i saw the dates after i wrote the question sorry new at this. so a t-45 tranny will work those are in 95 to 98 mustangs i think. will i need to cut the driveshaft and change the rear end as well

It would be cheaper for you to get a driveshaft custom made unless you have a complete donor mustang rearend. And the custom drive shaft is less headache too.


To 4ss4s1n's post regarding the exhaust mods..... Just about any MN12 body style Thunderbird exhaust components are NOT interchangable with the mustang. Yes same engine (for the most part) and same tranny but VERY different architecture underneath. 4.6L Headers will not swap between the mustang and thunderbird without other modifications due to the different location in steering column and others.

My suggestion for cheap mods....... if you want to keep the stock hood then go with the civic intake. Its pretty damn easy and VERY cheap and works really well. Also just about any exhaust place can make up a custom cat-back system. And if you dont want to modify the tranny valve body then I would look into the B&M Shift+ kit. Works really well for little money. Those along with the mods Flewthecoupe stated should give you a noticable amount of increase in power and milegage. Or if you dont want to spend the money on that you can buy my car :D.