I have a 1997 E150 4.6 L engine that has just bit the dust. It had 229k miles on it and the oil pump pick up tube clogged with sludge. Out of all the versions of 4.6's, how can I tell which ones would be suitable for my '97?

I don't want to get into a lot of part or electronic swapping and I need to get this thing back into service as it is the sole source for my meager income.

 

You need a 4.6L from a 97 or 98 F150 to have a direct bolt in. 99-03 have PI heads and will work if you use the PI intake, but may need computer reprogramming for the improved heads and intake.

 

Thanks LX. I'm looking to get a complete engine so I would assume the intake would be included. What are PI heads? And where would I look to reprogram the computer?

 

Usually any F150 from 99-up will have them. PI=Performance Improved. They have an improved intake port design and larger cams which make more power. The intake should be the same on top for the throttlebody and such, it just has the matching ports for the better heads. They usually use the COP (Coil On Plug) ignition, but you can use your coil pack/plugwire set-up and it will work just fine. You can either get a custom chip or preferably, a programmer. I know the Diablosport Predator is a good one and you can get a custom tune to match your combination.
To verify PI heads you can usually read a PI cast in the near the rear exhaust on the drivers side.

Here is a picture of my 5.4L head. Notice under the two bumps, it says PI https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...137666&width=0

 

LX, will the newer engine run, at all, with my existing computer? Thereby giving me time to chase down a chip. I googled Diablosport Predator and would prefer not to spend that much after buying a motor.

And does LX man refer to Lincoln LX?

 

One thing to watch out for, IIRC, Econoline intakes are different from the F150's. Because of the engine location the TB and maybe some other stuff doesn't sit the same, it could only be a 5.4L thing since they are taller though. Also econolines usually got the newer engines a year after the F150's, so if you are looking for a van engine it would probably need to be '00+ for PI heads/intake.

If you just swapped in a PI 4.6L I don't see why the stock program wouldn't run it.

 

Another issue has come to the fore, as I began inquiring about motors. That is, when they pull up a listing for my van they are showing 6 or 8 bolt flywheels. So far none of the vendors knows whether this is an issue or not. In otherwords, if I have a 6 bolt flywheel motor will an 8 bolt flywheel motor bolt up to my bell housing and torque converter? Also will my starter work with an 8 bolt flex plate?

No one has been able to tell me if there is a vin split when 6 and 8 bolts occur or if it is a model/variation issue. As my motor is still in place, I don't even know which mine is. It's a '97 purchased in 9 of '06.

 

The difference is between romeo and windsor engines.

Here is a lot of info on the difference up to around '00:

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb40228.htm

 

[QUOTE=galaxie641]The difference is between romeo and windsor engines.

Here is a lot of info on the difference up to around '00:

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb40228.htm[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link galaxie. Kind of just increased the confusion but good to know the complexities before one goes charging off.

 

Romeo engines have 6 bolts, Windsor engines have 8. Depends on the VIN # it will be a W or 6 depending on which one you have.
And I didn't pay attention before, the van may use a different intake, so check the throttlebody placement on the replacement engine to make sure it matches yours if you get a PI engine. If you use a 97-98 truck engine, you can just swap intakes if needed.
It will run with the PCM that you have now, and may do so without any problems.

 

I just ordered a 51k motor from Midwest Auto Recycle. They responded from an internet hot line request. Sold for $1495.00, shipped to the repair shop. They guarantee a direct replacement fit, including any freight charges. I think it is out of a '97 f150. It also has a 6 mo warranty.

I stopped by a local salvage yard, they had a 97k motor out of an f150. They wanted $1400 hundred, I had to haul it away and it had a 90 day warranty, but they got hung up on the 6 or 8 bolt thing and had no answers.

Thanks for all your help.

 

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Will do. Thanks!

 

After you get the new one in use good oil and change the stuff @ 4-5000 mile's,no reason to have sludge in a motor if you service it,look at it this way,how much oil could you buy for what this is costing you and you would not be down unable to us your truck while your fixing it.

 

Strange part was there was no sludge in the pan, just in the pickup tube. The screen was even clear and clean except for a bit of bearing residue. But no doubt I should have been more judicious on the oil changes.