Ok,

What is meant by a 'modular' v-8 or v-10. If there is a modular engine , there must be a non-modular engine. What would thet be? Can anyone explain??

TIA -jim

 

The term modular is used to define the new genaration of engines from Ford. The 4.6, 5.4, V10, well all the new ones accually.
It started as a behind the scene term for the factorys that make the engines using the word modular to explain the new way they would use the forms and molds to make the blocks, heads, etc., but it can be made clear with this info.

You can see how the new engines are "modular" by see how similair they are and have inter-changable parts (in some ways), there are little differences that I can go into but the theory is this.

The block for a 4.6 is the same as the block for the 5.4 except it is taller. The piston bore size, pistons, etc. are the same. The extra L is gotten not by make the cylinder bigger in diameter, but just taller. The 4.6 and 5.4 can use a lot of the same parts, except for the rods and crank that allow for a longer stroke. They use the same heads, except I think the valves my be different, but maybe not.

The only difference between the 5.4L V8 and the V10 is the number of pistons, obviously. They took the 5.4L V8 block and cut it in half from front to back, they streched it out and added two more piston in the middle. So it has the same bore and stroke of the 5.4 but two extra pistons doing it.

Basicly, in theory, all the external bolt on stuff and even some of the internal stuff will work for each engine. It saves a lot of money in factory forging and machining when they went to re-tool for the next genaration of engines.

The old genaration of 302cc, 351cc, 460cc were all completely different!

 

They all use the same heads and valve sizes for the 4.6L and 5.4L. There are also subtle differences depending on it is a Romeo or Windsor engine. Like the Romeo has a 6 bolt flywheel and a Windsor has 8 bolts. There are some minor diferences in the valvetrain componants as well. But the major castings are the same.

 

That is not a dumb question, it's a great question. Most people probably don't know what it means, including myself. I learned something new today!

 

Kinda like the name Triton. Means the same thing.

 

there has even been a v12 modular made, simply to prove the flexibility of the design.

basically, they're like a badass set of legos.

 

The 4.2 v6 is also a modular engine. BTW the old 302/351 windsor did share a lot of parts.
regards
rikard

 

i did too!!!

 

The 4.2 V6 is a member of the Canadian Essex OHV/pushrod V6 engine family. The 4.2 is nothing but a stroked 3.8 V6 that's been in the Windstar, Taurus, Thunderbird, Mustang, etc. for years.

These engines couldn't be any more different from the Modulars.

 

This is sort of on the same subject and I'm curious to know what it means. A label on the underside of the hood of my 2002 F250 states that my 5.4 "meets all applicable requirements of 40CFR Part 88. This engine is certified for use in all heavy duty vehicles". I guess that's where "Super Duty" comes from. Are there different "grades" of 5.4's. Is one found in a F250 different from one in an F150?.
Pony

 

In other words The new ford engines are more like the small block Chevy engines.
The Chevy 396 engine used to have Turbo Jet on the air cleaner. It makes as much sense as a Triton on the air cleaner.

 

There is never a dumb question, just dumb people! but , I did learn alot because I didnt know, nor does anyone else I have talked to does...Thanks for a great post!

 

The modular terminology, in the strict sense, really only applies to the tooling involved in making them. Some think this carries over into part interchangeability but in reality they are not any more "modular" than any SBC of SBF in that respect.

 

The only dumb question is one not asked.
I learned something new here today and continue too every day. Wonderful site everyone, thanks for the great community spirit.

John

Experience is not knowing what to right this time, but knowing what not to do wrong the next.