I'm pretty sure it isn't the engine that's going to go first. That would be the transmission that's barely rated for a stock 2.0
Im not super familiar with the reliability of the 8 speed or how far past the max torque load of the 8f35 will blow it up but I wonder how much reliably could be pushed on it. And also if the 4k tow package gearing change helps at all.
If I remember right the 8f35 is rated for something like 260 lb-ft.
Some people say that contrary to what the ford spec sheets say its actually a step up from the 8f35. Maybe 8f45? I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll have to search. But that could be nonsense.
I've looked into the parts catalogue to see if there were any internal parts which were different between the standard duty auto and the one for the 4k towing transmission, and there are several hard parts which are different depending upon whether or not the vehicle has the 4k tow package or not. Additionally, as an entire unit, there is an auto for FWD or 4WD without the 4k and FWD or 4WD models with the 4k tow package. So it appears that those early builds which were produced in FWD with the 4k still had a beefed up transmission.
That sounds like a nice setup. That thing must fly. Was the resonator replaced with just a straight stainless steel pipe? Did that have a decent performance impact at low or high rpm?
I just replaced it with autozone piping. Eventually I'll probably get a catback system. I did run back to back 0-60s with and without reso. 6.01 before and 5.96 after. It was actually my first sub 6 second 0-60 also.
