1996 Continental

I've got a 1996 Continental with the DOHC 4.6 which is listed at 260 HP, newer models are listed at 275 HP and the Lincoln Aviator is listed at 320 HP. What makes the difference? Is it computer module? For 281 cu. in. this engine really pulls, but being an old hot rodder, am interested in getting more HP out of it.Any tips or suggestions?

Doug

Reply to
Doug
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I have a '96 Mark VIII LSC with the 4 cam 4.6L engine which is rated at

290 HP. Not sure what your Continental has but my Mark has true dual exhaust and a computer controlled intake manifold which closes off half the 16 intake valves until 3000 rpm at which time it opens the intake runners on all 16 of them. I'm amazed at how much torque this modest 281 ci engine has at low rpm and still, winds up strong at the top end. Extremely civilized at low rpm and a real wildcat at wot. I can allow the tranny to shift into OD at 32-33 mph which translates to about 900 rpm in 4th gear. This kind of treatment is more conducive to a "bread truck" engine, yet the Mark handles it easily and without complaint. But, when I let it have it head, the engine produces well over 1 hp per cubic inch. Amazing!!!!

Given that your Continental is basically a Taurus on steroids, I'd be real careful of putting any additional torque into that FWD transaxle. The automatic transmissions on Tauri have been notorious and are a real weak link. My Mark has a wide ratio AODE type tranny and feeds an independent suspension rear wheel drive. Stan K.

Reply to
Stan Kasperski

I've wondered if dynamic intake manifolds exist.... apaprently they do, to some extent. I had invisioned one that had an "iris" type valve (I hope you understand what I'm trying to explain here) for each intake port, and as rpm (or maybe just throttle position) increases, the "iris" would open up, to allow less restrictrive intake, but at lower throttle, close them down some some, to keep the velocity up (this would be especially usefull on carubreted engines, when the fuel must stay vaporized).

On the same thought, I've invisioned mufflers that had similar type things... when major power is needed, they basically open all the way up, and when running at low speeds, close off to be quieter.

But, I think of alot of strange things.

And is "Tauri" the proper plural form of "Taurus"? I've wondred that about proper names.

Meh

Nic

Reply to
Robotnik

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