Gomog, very interesting account of the V8. not sure about the block testing though, I have a 2000MY 4.6 which had a short engine before I bought it. If they were only putting good blocks in the bigger engines, mine certainly slipped through the net.
Agreed. Don't get me wrong, the incidence of block problems was the cause of the withdrawal of the engine from mainstream production (after a four decade history). However, even if 20% of the blocks crack or slip their liners before they have 50,000 miles on them, that means 80% don't. (Which is admittedly not much consolation if you are one of the 20%).
It IS true that despite segregating the better tested blocks for a 4.6 destiny, the 4.6s have problems more often than the 4.0s
This problem was not caused in 2004, it began with the move from the 3.5 configuration in 1990. However, most of the sad effects only appeared years later as combustion chamber heat rose with the thinner mixtures.
It is often asked why they didn't have new molds made as Coscast has. The answer is simple, it is much less of commitment to have a couple of great molds made to supply the replacement aftermarket than it is to have scores made to supply a whole current model production line.
After all, we live in a world where other 2000cc engines regularly turn out 240bhp and a complete crate LS2, (full engine and fueling) cost £3300 for 405bhp and 400 lbft of torque.