With the inception of the Two-Valve in 1996, the Mustang world was turned upside down. The all-new engine was alien and anemic, yet modern and sophisticated. The pushrod 5-liter that brought the Mustang its popularity was gone-in its place was a smaller-displacement, yet bulkier SOHC powerplant. At only 215 hp, many hardcore Mustang enthusiasts were let down.
When the New Edge SN-95 was introduced in 1999, so was the Performance Improved (PI) Two-Valve, and to a degree, the Mustang was revived. Though the bottom end remained the same, the new head design and intake manifold brought the output to 260 hp, far beyond the old 5.0-liter. Though not completely redeemed, however, the improvement was enough to rekindle the flame. With increased interest, the aftermarket began to increase its offering of products to improve the breed.
Blow-By Racing uses forged...
Blow-By Racing uses forged Kellogg crankshafts, and BBR-spec forged rods and pistons in all of its short-block assemblies.
The Two-Valve has continued to be a steadfast player in the performance industry, and new parts are still being developed and released. In true MM&FF style, we've decided to give 'Box yet another overhaul. We've chosen to build a new powerplant utilizing some of the latest products available for the Two-Valve Mustang.
Over the next few months, we will assemble and test Tork Tech's new TVS-blown setup with Trick Flow Specialties' heads and cams to yield an estimated 700 rwhp-a milestone for the 8-year-old project car. The key, however, is to make it streetable as well.
For weight reduction, BBR...
For weight reduction, BBR offers an optional aluminum-block Two-Valve assembly for $4,795, built using an FRPP aluminum block. An optional iron-block short-block assembly is also available for $3,495.
This month, we follow along as the guys at Blow-By Racing (Boca Raton, Florida) build an aluminum short-block capable of handling upwards of 1,000 hp, according to Chris Jones of BBR. Not that we're going for 1,000 ponies, but it's nice to know the short-block can take it.
Check back next month as we finish the engine build with a pair of Trick Flow Specialties Track Heat heads, a pair of blower cams, and the hot Tork Tech blower.
A Brief History OF PROJECT Icebox
Enter Project Icebox, MM&FF's '01 GT, which over the last decade has undergone a string of enhancements, modifications, and complete overhauls. From its roots as a 13-second stock GT to 10-second Cobra killer, Icebox has kept you, the reader, on the cutting edge of Two-Valve tech.
At Raceway Park, Project Icebox...
At Raceway Park, Project Icebox ran an all-time best of 10.701 at 132.78 mph shortly after the install.
In early 2005, JDM Engineering...
In early 2005, JDM Engineering (Freehold, New Jersey) installed a CHP short-block, topped off with a pair of ported heads,....
....a ported Bullitt intake,...
....a ported Bullitt intake, and a Vortech T-trim. The combination made 621 rwhp and 541 lb-ft of torque.
The latest (although not-so-recent) and most intense performance modifications included a fortified CHP 300ci short-block, ported PI heads, a ported Bullitt intake, and a Vortech T-trim centrifugal supercharger. The JDM-tuned combination yielded 621 rwhp and 541 lb-ft of torque through a stock five-speed and 3.73s. At Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, Project Icebox made its best track appearance ever: 10.701 at 132.78 mph on Mickey Thompson ET Streets.
Lately, though, it has become more of a thorn in the side of the staff since the relocation to Tampa. It was initially used as a daily driver; then one day after summer rains flooded the parking lot in our office complex, a mysterious death knock began. With little room in the warehouse, it was parked outside and sat there for almost a year. Shame on us.
The rods BBR uses in all of...
The rods BBR uses in all of its race-ready short-block assemblies are of forged 4340 lightweight I-beam construction. The rods going in our short-block assembly measure 6 inches center-to-center.
Since we're going for a final...
Since we're going for a final displacement of 302ci, BBR chose 0.020-inch-over forged pistons. The dished slugs will help us achieve the boost-friendly compression ratio that we want to achieve-somewhere around 9.2:1.
Our short-block, like all...
Our short-block, like all BBR short-blocks, is receiving a Kellogg forged 4340 crankshaft. This stroker crank is much stronger that its stock counterpart and increases the stroke from 3.550 to 3.750 inches.
BBR utilizes Clevite CL77...
BBR utilizes Clevite CL77 rod and main bearings, and Total Seal moly file-fit piston rings.
The stroker crankshaft is...
The stroker crankshaft is placed in the aluminum block, and the main bearing caps are tightened to ARP main studs.
The assembled rod and piston...
The assembled rod and piston is carefully inserted into the cylinder bore, and attached to the crankshaft.
The assembled short-block...
The assembled short-block weighs 50 pounds less than a cast-iron equivalent.....
...In addition to being lighter,...
...In addition to being lighter, the BBR short-block assembly is capable of 1,000 hp-more than we will ever need.