I'm curious on the differences of the Triton 5.4 between years. I'm looking for a donor for my truck so it's all custom work anyways, but I would like to know more about what all they changed over the years.

Horsepower and torque is easy enough to find, but I'm curious on the spark plug issue as well as anything that could effect reliability. What all did they change over the years? Any years to avoid? Any years ideal? (Keep in mind I'll be looking for a donor truck, so it's not likely I will find a 2012 cheaply).

Most of my experience is with older engines and I'm not sure what all they've done over the years as far as what is needed from a donor to make it run. Obviously there is the computer and the wiring, but if I remember right they put in a passive security system that works off a signal in the key and the steering column. They make harness kits that bi-pass these, but I haven't seen anything for anything other than a 2V. What about sensors in the exhaust? (Just trying to avoid getting all my parts and missing a piece that helps it all run better)


Besides power, does the 3V or 4V offer any benefits? Do they get better MPG? More reliable? Better computer software? Anything to know about, Look for or avoid?


Thanks

 

What is this donor engine going into?

Typically the spark plug issue could be attributed more to incorrect installation but by 2004 or '05 the thread count per hole was increased from 4 to 8 which greatly reduced the incident of blown plugs. Of course this issue is still hotly debated as to its cause but the upside is there are many ways to properly fix this problem should it occur. (I have a list of 20+ threads I can PM you if you're up for a ton of reading.)

I'd hazard a guess to say the entire donor vehicle's drive train should find its way into your swap including the exhaust system to include the catalytic converter. All sensor location and wiring will be consistent with the donor vehicle which has to be helpful for service and diagnosis. The DLC would probably have to be included as well.

These are just WAG's so maybe someone who has already done this will have better, more complete info for you.

 

It's going into my '56 Pickup in my signature. It will have 1 ton axles on it and 37" wheels (same height as on it now, but wider). The truck will weigh around 4,000-5,000, so even though it's a big truck it's not a heavy one. These engines have been put into these old effies before, but aftermarket wiring harnesses are only available at the time for the 2v models, and also run about $800, so I'd rather just grab everything I need from a donor (just don't want to end up missing a piece, a lot has changed from the EFI systems I know)


I have a friend with one from a 2001 van in his 56 with a 5 speed from a Mustang in it and 3.25 gearing, he sees about 19/24 mpg (keep in mind how much lighter these trucks are, he's probably around 4,000lbs) I don't expect to see that much as mine is a larger 4x4, but I'd be thrilled with 15/20.

I had heard that the 4v models did get a little better gas mileage. From what I've come across the 3v models are about the same mpg wise, but have available 6 speeds. I would love to throw a 6-speed on mine, especially if I can find one with a 0.50 OD 6th gear like a T56, would really help on the mpgs on the freeway as well.

My biggest concern was the spark plug issue, I like to work on my own stuff and not take things in, but I recon finding one a little newer would be a good idea, or from what I came across the 4v ones didn't really have that problem. Problem is finding one of those, ha.

From what I've come across these engines can last a very long time if taken care of, but hopefully I can find a low mileage one and be able to drive it for the rest of my life, lol.


Thanks for the help

 

The 2V heads were fixed in mid 03 season that added more threads in the heads for the Plugs.
The 04/05 3V heads had issues with the plugs hanging too far down in the cylinder so that carbon built up on the plugs and then they wanted to break off when removing.
If the plugs are properly torqued on the 1999-2003 2V heads and anti-seize is used, you will have no problems. The plugs usually blow out from wither being loose or overtightened to a point that the threads are pulled from the heads.
So I would say for ease of hooking up, I would go with a 99-04 2V PI 5.4L. If you don't mind the extra hassle of cam phasers and such, Go with a 2006-2011 3V 5.4L.
For power and cool factor, go with a 99-04 Lightning Supercharged 2V engine

 

The cam phasers are interesting, I didn't know about them. So would it be safe to assume that a 2V would be more reliable because they don't have them? That's the kind of stuff I'm looking to find out.

Are all 99-04 2Vs with PI heads or do I need to be looking for certain things?

I would love to do a Lightning engine if I could ever find one at a good deal. I might be better off just changing out what I need to and throwing on a Supercharger one day when I have the money. Lightnings are quite rare around here as 4x4 are much more practical. Same with anything with a 4v in it.

I guess for now my "ideal" then would be a 2004 2v model, but I recon a 99-03 would just as well.

Thanks

 

PI heads can be identified:

HTH

 

Thanks, where would I look on it to find that?

 

Stephen its located on the right hand side of the head if you're looking at the exhaust ports. Since modular motors use the same casting for both sides its located towards the front on the right side and towards the back on the left (drivers) side.

 

Does anyone have a list of changes over the years? I'm seeing some changes here and there but it would be nice to know the differences.

I came across a well running one out of a '98 for $350. It has 185,000 miles on it however. I'm still not sure what's really considered high miles on these engines, on an older one that would certainly need to be rebuilt but I've come across several people saying it's not that much for a Triton. A steal of a deal or should I pass?