RI 2013 BS Thread.....
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 4
From: Charlestown, RI
Very minor problems, especially in the '04 and later engines. Like any mod motor, spark plug blowout is a risk. Not very common for the later motors, but it can happen. In case you hadn't already found out, there's plenty of kits made to repair spark plug blowout, and it can be done without removing the heads. The better kits come with inserts that get screwed into an oversize hole (made by a tap supplied with the kit), and then get staked in place. By using grease on the tap, and cleaning the tap often, you can avoid getting chips in the combustion chamber. Intake manifold cracks were a problem as well. Mine was replaced before I bought it, but from what I understand the intakes are plastic, crack, and leak coolant. My replacement manifold is cast aluminum.
Other than that, they're rock solid. My 04 has 253k miles on it. Original engine, no noises, doesn't burn oil. The trans and rear end were rebuilt at 240k though.
Other than that, they're rock solid. My 04 has 253k miles on it. Original engine, no noises, doesn't burn oil. The trans and rear end were rebuilt at 240k though.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
Very minor problems, especially in the '04 and later engines. Like any mod motor, spark plug blowout is a risk. Not very common for the later motors, but it can happen. Intake manifold cracks were a problem as well. Mine was replaced before I bought it, but from what I understand the intakes are plastic, crack, and leak coolant. My replacement manifold is cast aluminum.
Other than that, they're rock solid. My 04 has 253k miles on it. Original engine, no noises, doesn't burn oil. The trans and rear end were rebuilt at 240k though.
Other than that, they're rock solid. My 04 has 253k miles on it. Original engine, no noises, doesn't burn oil. The trans and rear end were rebuilt at 240k though.
I read somewhere that the cracking manifold issue was solved with an aluminum water neck assy at some point.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 4
From: Charlestown, RI
That aluminum water neck may have been something that was factory installed on post 04 cars...
The only module that I can think of that would affect third gear only would be a solenoid. I'm not well versed in the trans area though. In the long run, I think you're right, a 5 speed would be best. Not sure how you're going to handle engine management, but if you swap in the engine harnesses and PCM, tuning for a five speed is as simple as having someone write a tune and turn off the trans function, as well as the secondary O2 sensors.
I'll tell ya, this is my first mod motor vehicle, and I like it a lot. Makes me think about putting a 5.4 in the truck!
The only module that I can think of that would affect third gear only would be a solenoid. I'm not well versed in the trans area though. In the long run, I think you're right, a 5 speed would be best. Not sure how you're going to handle engine management, but if you swap in the engine harnesses and PCM, tuning for a five speed is as simple as having someone write a tune and turn off the trans function, as well as the secondary O2 sensors.
I'll tell ya, this is my first mod motor vehicle, and I like it a lot. Makes me think about putting a 5.4 in the truck!
Thread Starter
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
That aluminum water neck may have been something that was factory installed on post 04 cars...
The only module that I can think of that would affect third gear only would be a solenoid. I'm not well versed in the trans area though. In the long run, I think you're right, a 5 speed would be best. Not sure how you're going to handle engine management, but if you swap in the engine harnesses and PCM, tuning for a five speed is as simple as having someone write a tune and turn off the trans function, as well as the secondary O2 sensors.
I'll tell ya, this is my first mod motor vehicle, and I like it a lot. Makes me think about putting a 5.4 in the truck!
The only module that I can think of that would affect third gear only would be a solenoid. I'm not well versed in the trans area though. In the long run, I think you're right, a 5 speed would be best. Not sure how you're going to handle engine management, but if you swap in the engine harnesses and PCM, tuning for a five speed is as simple as having someone write a tune and turn off the trans function, as well as the secondary O2 sensors.
I'll tell ya, this is my first mod motor vehicle, and I like it a lot. Makes me think about putting a 5.4 in the truck!
I have a 5.4 in my F-250 and my wifes explorer has a 4.6 . They are good engines when taken care of.
Hell most vics do 300k+ as cabs.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
well gang as usual the weather guessers lied. Saturday turned out to be a great day, sunny with a light breeze. Good day for working in the new garage. 
I haven't heard the weather for today, but it looks nice out now, so we shall see what the day brings.
Have a Great Day!
I haven't heard the weather for today, but it looks nice out now, so we shall see what the day brings.
Have a Great Day!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 4
From: Charlestown, RI
Just a light misting occasionally, and some fog down here, which is fine with me! Had a grad party to go to yesterday, so I'm making up for lost time today.
And.... it's a short week! woohoo!
And.... it's a short week! woohoo!
Thread Starter
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
Well gang , the weekend is over and its time to punch the clock again.
Three days of excitement and then we get one day to celebrate the 4th of july.
Have a great week guys.
Three days of excitement and then we get one day to celebrate the 4th of july.
Have a great week guys.
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