Hello all!

I have a 1998 F-150 NASCAR, Automatic, 4.6L SOHC, Engine Code 6 (Windsor) and Computer Code F0U1.

The truck needs a new engine, and I'm wanting to find some information on swapping in an entire PI Long block assembly in place of the current NPI Engine.

What would be involved in swapping over? From what I can find out so far, I'll have to find a place to put an extra Temp sensor into the PI Intake, and Possibly Swap from using spark plug wires to the coil packs at each spark plug setup.

What about using the PI longblock but using NPI to PI adapter plates (IF I can even find a pair) Would that be worth the trouble. Best I can tell, I may be wrong, but the adapters are the only real option for making it a bolt on job, using the original intake. Am I correct that by using the intake adaptors, to put my current NPI intake on a PI longblock, the swap will be bolt in? would there be any computer mods necessary?

I realize this has been covered a lot, but most of its mustangs and crown vics, and the few F-150 swaps I've found deal with Romeo engines. I don't know how relevant mustang, crown vic and romeo information would be to me, seeing as there are so many variations on the 4.6L. I'd just like to find some info more specific to an F-150 with a Windsor 4.6L NPI.

I'm skilled mechanically, I just don't know much about ford mod motors. Most of my experience is with the old Ford and Chevy Small Blocks.

Is it even worth the hassle of changing to a PI vs. NPI engine for a daily driver? Most of the mileage (64 miles to work & back, 5-6 days a week.) this truck sees is freeway driving, with about 1/2 being on cruise control.

Any thoughts and/or help would be appreciated.

Thanks guys!

 

You can use a PI harness for the sparkplugs or use a conversion harness to get rid of the plug wires.

Adapter plates are always a bad idea and its a cheap and crappy option IMO. If you want it to work and work well then use the PI intake and make the rest of the sensors work. I read that only a few sensors are different and it shouldnt be too much trouble to switch over your existing sensors to the PI intake or "make it work".

The difference between Romeo and Windsor blocks are the main caps and some of the bolt sizes and valves covers. Nothing that wont cause an issue for you as long as you switch over the longblock.

 

Easiest way is to use your stock harness and just keep the 2 coils and plug wires setup with the PI engine. When I did this w/ a 5.4L I only had to do 1 temp sensor and extend a few sensor wires on the heads using my stock harness with the COP's.

 

Your not really going to gain that much.
Why not just put a 5.4 in if your going to the trouble?

 

This I agree with. While going from a NPI to PI 4.6 is an increase, going from NPI 4.6 to PI 5.4 is even better. However it depends on his budget and his uses. If he just wants alittle more power out of what he has and cost is a concern then the PI 4.6 is the best option.

 

This is a limited edition truck and I'm trying to keep things pretty much stock (Bolt-ons or easily reversible mods). The added power is what I'd like, but it is not essential for my uses. I was thinking that I could maybe slide in a Windsor PI sorta 'under the radar' without it being too obvious. The NPI vs PI is an option that I'm exploring along with others.

MOST more than likely, it will go back totally stock, as it has served quite well for many years and miles. I'm not really interested in a 'hot rod' type truck (Though they ARE fun!). This is my daily drive for a 64 mile commute to work and back, and I'm interested mainly in the economy (MPGs) and reliability. I occasionally tow a car hauler and the extra power would be nice then, but otherwise is not needed.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments.