Hi, my name is kevin i am 18 years old. I have been trying to find out more about my truck and how it runs. I do know that I would like to rebuild my engine and make some modifications to it. Only thing is I have no one to help me get there. So, I am here asking for some simple advice, where could I get if at all possible a rebuilding kit for a 1999 V8 5.4 L Triton. Also, would it be hard to rebuild it myself. I am a very quick learner and I am willing to hear any advice as long as you are not being rude about it. Thank you

P.S. Money is not an issue and neither is space or time.

 

Kevin, good 1st step is to educate yourself , which you're attempting to do.

Over hauling a modular engine is not a really a task for the novice/ less experienced. Not trying to rain on your enthusiasm, just there are certain realities that come to surface with certain age groups.

start by; Keeping a open mind and willingness to learn ( I Applaud your effort so far).
Finding a automotive machine shop in your area...one that has rebuilt a ford modular engine ,5.4 or 4.6 . ( this maybe a challenge because it is a lot easier to swap in a good engine than to rebuild them, usually because of time restraints). Or at least strong engine rebuild reputation...explain your plans to them and start asking questions & taking notes.

There are lots of books out there that explain rebuilding or overhauling a ford modular engine...so a visit to Barns and Noble could be enlightening too. or look on Amazon for these books or videos.

As for the rebuild "kit"....it largely depends on what you are going for in the rebuild....an all out fire breather for the drag strip or for off roading , or, just a bit better than average performance on a daily driver. There are lot of "online" stores that can offer all kinds of parts, you just have to know what you need 1st, or you end up ordering stuff that wont necessary work well with each other and waste a bunch of money, & end up getting frustrated and disappointed.

Some of the better Online stores do have a "tech Line" that can be helpful, just keep in mind most online stores are geared to sell parts weather you need them or not. By knowing what you need before you start ordering you'll be better equipt to sift through the BS.

In the event that you do get parts that aren't needed or sub-quality need to return items, It is important find out what return policies are too before you order.

If time & money truly is not a real constraint...enroll into a local tech school that offers automotive mechanic courses

 

Thank you for being honest with me. I kind of figured that it would be a more difficult challenge to rebuild an engine. I do understand there is realities that comes with this but I would really like to say that I am the one who made the truck the way it is.

I will defiantly look into some books at Books a Million and try to find one that will help. Also I havent even thought about a tech class thank you for that option.

The one thing I am looking for is somewhere between a fire breathing drag truck and a better than every day driver. So lets say that i would want to get it to a fire breathing drag truck. What would i be looking for in the truck. Are we talking aftermarket engine parts and suspension? Again thank you for your time.

 

You might also check in the archives of all the hot rodding magazines. There must be a build up article on a modular, or a project car that details the modular build.

Ford replaced most of the good engines with the modulars a few years ago, so there should be lot of good data to sift through. Pay attention to anything modified in the bearings and oiling system.

It will end up being a package of some sort, depending on what you want to accomplish. Increasing H.P./RPM's will take a cam change, probably con rods, headers to match, larger throttle body, possibly a different intake, etc.. Rarely can you just overhaul the original engine with mostly original replacement parts, and add just one thing ( like a cam change, or throttle body, or just headers ) and expect to get even modest gains in power ( or power curve ).

I'd check with Roush first, then maybe Holbrook Racing Engines if they are still around. They do or used to do lots of modified street engines.

Dave

 

That is what I was thinking. That I would have to change everything about the truck engine to get the kind of power I am looking for. I am open for suggestions to see what I could do to get the most power possible (while maintaining it a street legal truck). Thank you Dave.

 

Learn about the internal configuration of this motor first, then get rebuilding docs to see what is done so you have a base to start from.
Next, the motor is controlled completly by computer.
You need to learn how the various input sensors feed data to the computer then how the computer outputs commands to operate fuel, ignition timing and other functoions.
After awhile you will see the complexity of the whole operation.
Then you are better prepared to look as building a modified motor that has to take into account all these functions and changes that need to be made so the final result is accomplished.
Boiled down, you are re-engineering a complex operating system so better know what your trying to do and have the resources to carry through to completion.
A good place to start is the Motorcraft website. Down load the OBDII overview for your year. It will be close to 100 pages. It will explain most all the codes and functions. A bit deep for most but you need to know the general knowledge.
Good luck.

 

I have moved this to the 5.4L forum since it is engine related. Good luck on your build.