Just wondering if anyone has done or knows anyone who has swapped a 3.7L Ecoboost into their 97-03 F150???

I have a mint 2002 F150, beautiful paint and lots of aftermarket parts, chassis has been restored to rust free & brand new. Gorgeous truck but it has almost 200,000 kms on the engine. Not very fuel efficient, and it has a low idle at times that I did get fixed a couple years ago but its back.

This guy offered me a great deal for a 2013 3.7L Ecoboost engine and transmission. (I know the title says 2012 but I dont know how to change it) Comes with all the computer system and wiring, complete kit for $1800. The engine has 71,000 kms on it.

Just wondering how hard it would be to swap it out for my 5.4L V8 triton?

 

200,000 kms is nothing... I doubt you can make the $1800. back in fuel savings.

 

You really think so? I was also looking at swapping because the EcoBoost is a lot quicker and such a smooth engine. But Im not sure if its worth the time and money..

 

I think the deal killer here might be the PATS system. Even with the harness and controller, I think it wants to see the same key as the OEM truck. Which means the ignition switch etc has to come along.

I know this is an issue with Coyote swaps, and aftermarket controllers are available for that motor.

Having said that, and going back to the basic concept, I think the $1800 might be the tip of the iceberg, and as far as time, if you are over 50, you may never see it run.....

You have what sounds like a nice truck. I would explore selling it and buying what you want perhaps. Serving suggestion.....Good luck with it.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I could get the ignition switch along with it. This guy has everything. Even the dash guages and all the electronics that wire back to the motor. Im actually only nearing 17 haha, so I've got plenty of time But yeah now that I am finding out more, it doesnt seem to be worth it. Id need a new driveshaft and rear Diff, both of which the guy has but that means more money. It would be hard for me to sell, as it was my dad's first brand new truck and its cool to keep it in the family and such. But ill check out my options, thanks again!

 

Well, it's always good to float an idea out there, so no harm no foul on doing that. But at 17, man you have lots going on. If that truck runs good now, maybe just needs a little tlc, run it as-is.

The Eco-boost stuff will be around a long time, plenty of time to play with it later, for maybe less money. JMO, but don't tie yourself up in a project this big right now.

Good luck.

 

Yeah, you are correct in everything that you are saying, and it's probably best like you said to just tune it up a little bit. Its not a huge issue anyways. The big deal for me is the gas consumption, and thats why I looked at the EcoBoost. Thanks again for your input!

 

If you have a truck that gets 20 MPG and you drive 20,000 miles a year, you use 1,000 gallons........ if your truck gets 15 MPG and 20,000 miles, you use 1,300 gallons.... that's 300 gallons at $2.50 gallon is $750. year more. Long run you are further ahead to keep the older truck going, and not spend the money....... especially if your 17 !

 

SteveIII's math is very sound. Plus, you have to consider that a turbocharged 3.7L V6 putting out the same power/torque as a 5.4L V8 will be under considerable more stress than the V8 would. Stress equals shorter life. Just like comparing a Mazda 13B Turbo at 500hp vs a 20B-REW (such as mine) at 500hp. Bigger engine doesn't work as hard for its power.

Fuel consumption is a minor annoyance in the grand scheme. Better to put that $1700 back for repairs when the time comes. Also, a Factory Service Manual CD/DVD from eBay is a smart investment for when something goes wrong. My all-97 Ford truck manual CD was well worth the $10.