Are we talking the terminator engine or the NA one, I thought even the NA came with forged crank and rods though. Revs easier as well with the 4Vs.
-Although it would be cheaper to just blow a 2V and make more power, I will give you that.
They are upgraded, but only because the stock 2v rods wouldn't hold up during testing... so that should give you an idea of ford's engineering quality there, they tried the cheap ass soft stock rods, and only the terminator is upgraded, the mach 1 and pre supercharged cobras still have weak bottom ends.
The thing about the 4v is yes, it is a
better engine, particularly the terminator due to the outside help it had during design, but don't underestimate the 2v just because it was universally built for economy (It was in the f-series, e-series, crown vic, grand marquees etc etc, hence the "modular" name) The 2v with aftermarket heads and so on can be an absolute beast, and it's tough as hell. You should see how wide the crank and rod bearings are, these engine's were built to last.
And as far as revving... mine loves to rev, that 2v is not happy unless it's at least above 2000-2500, and it's happy all the way to redline, the power curve is a steady climb all the way to the top.
When my friend had his 4V it was f***ing tight in there. I feel like the Chevy guys with the LS though, that thing is compact for what it is.
The modular engines are f***ing huge physically, no idea the reasoning, maybe the cylinder angle is better for longevity or something.