Shelby Aluminum

[Power Surge]

Now you guys are talking my language, Lightnings :-). My company is the country's foremost authority on Lightning performance.

The Lightning 5.4 does have issues. The 99-00 motors took everything we threw at them. But in 01, we think Ford changed rod vendors, and many 01-04 Lightnings throw rods when they reach just over the 450 rwhp mark. This is not just Lightnings, but also true of the 2V GT motors. Poor tuning also contributes to this (too much timing), maybe moreso then just reaching a certain power level.

Once you swap out the rods and pistons (stock pistons are forged, but obviously not the same quality as an aftermarket piston), the 5.4 is a stout motor. The nice thing about the modular motors, is the blocks are just plain awesome. You can make WELL over 1000hp in a stock modular block. Ironically, the main cap and block skirt design is like the crossbolt 427. The block extends down past the mains, and the bottom of the motor is all tied together in a square.

Now the 03 Cobra motor is a different story. They come from Ford with Manley H beam rods. Plus all Cobra motors are hand built by two engine builders, so I'm sure that plays into build quality. A stock 03 Cobra motor can make 700 hp with no sweat.