Ticking Head

[sonicboom]

For anyone that has been waiting for Ford to come out with a revised head for the "ticking" it is now available. Got off the phone with SVT this morining and and they said that they now have revised versions of both the right and left heads if needed.
Looks like I'll be taking the car in when the weather clears.
Give SVT a call and check it out...1-800-FORD-SVT.:beer:
Mike

[BlueOvalBolt]

Was there a TSB number issued for this that we can pass along?

[astippich]

Are these heads available to everyone or only if you currently have the tick? I would imagine its just a matter of time before everyone's start ticking. I'm assuming they are all the same heads.

[DOHC 281]

The 2003 Cobra was built between ~May 2002 and ~August 2003. From what I gather by reading various posts, the ticking problem occurred only on 03 Cobras built before approximately December 02. This would mean that about 50% of the 03 production line could be affected. Of course, some "early" heads might have found their way on Cobras built in December 02, January or even February 03.

Keep in mind that this is not first-hand information. I really don't know the specifics. Are these same heads used on the 03 Mach I's ? I'm curious on how the heads are different from 01 versions, or what Ford did in 03 to correct the "tick".

:confused:

Any tech experts?

[Yellow Iron]

I called SVT to check on the status of the new head. They gave me the part numbers. I then called the dealer to check on the status of the heads. The left side is available and in stock in Chicago. The right side part number is not in the Ford system. The 03 Cobra I'm working on has considerable wear in all the exhaust valve guides with very low mileage. Not just on the drivers side. The production date is 6/03. Shaun Hyland claims he has seen brand new heads with excessive clearance. The latest I've heard is that even heads after 11/02 may have the tick. People with 04's are complaining about it. I've listened to a lot of Cobra motors both supercharged and none, and it is a noisey engine even in a best case senario. They have a lot of injector noise/valvetrain noise and piston slap is emerging as another concern. My new 04 is fairly noisey. I think some people are just too worried. A lot of people have had heads replaced only to find the problem is still there. Seeing as the guides don't wear overnight that points to another source. Bottom line is unless the noise is unbearable, I'd be very reluctant to let somebody untrained to tear into it. Drive it!!! I'm following this very closely and I'll let you know if something new surfaces. Marv Z:geek:

[Yellow Iron]

Here's a link to a SVTPerformance forum that kinda sums up the whole situation. You've people who can't even agree on what the noise is. All they know is there's supposed to be a tick, so they have it. Let's see that 18 pounds of boost surely can't be responsible. I'm sure some people have a legitimate concern, but a lot do not. And I'm not a shill for Ford either. This whole thing is taking on a life of it's own. Sure am glad I don't work for Ford anymore. http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157731&page=1&pp=25rv Marv Z

[blowncobra]

Let's see that 18 pounds of boost surely can't be responsible.

What's wrong with 18#'s of boost?:thumbs:

[xbnch]

With build #25 one would think we would have to "TICK".

Have not noticed it as of yet with 7500 miles on it.
We do use synthetic oil so maybe that is the reason as synthetics are suppose to be so much better and by not allowing wear, this might be the answer.

Wonder how the "Experts" at Ford feel about this??
:confused: :confused:

[Yellow Iron]

There's nothing wrong with 18 lbs of boost as long as it's done right. (Whipplecharger/proper pistons) The problem starts when you overdrive the stock Eaton blower way past it's design limits. That combined with the puny stock heat exchanger means massive amounts of heat dumped into the motor. Detonation follows, along with scuffed pistons, burnt valves, etc. Then the owner pisses and moans about what a poorly designed engine this is. A 2.93/2.80 upper pulley spins the eaton to it's design max. Anything more is asking for trouble. These motors will run forever at 12/13 lbs and make great power. Ever notice the guys complaining the loudest are the ones running the most boost? Marv Z