Do any of you guys know if it could be possible to put 32 valve heads on my 4.6L F150. It's got 16 valves right now, like pretty much every F150.
If I could get a set of 32 heads, could I possibly order them from Jegs or Summit.
I also hear that changing heads on the F150s is a real pain! Am I correct?
One more question, what kind of performance would I really see from switching my heads from 16 to 32 valves.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Find a donor mustang and get everything you need from it. Trying to piece it together will cost you more in the end. The computer in your truck will not be programmed for the different flow characteristics of the heads and intake.

I looked at this conversion but decided I would wait until I found a taco'd Mustang for a good price. They are out there, just have patience. I've seen the wrecked cars for $2500 with a couple of insurance companies. Now go out and price the HEADS? WOW!

At least you end up with alot of the extras that you will need.

Kris

 

I've heard alot of guys thinking about putting Mustang 4.6s in their F150 but would a 32 Valve Mustang motor hook up with the transmissions on these trucks?
Would it even be possible to put a Mustang Computer in these trucks? I mean were talking about putting a car motor and computer in a light duty truck.
I guess this task is nearly impossible. Unless you got the time and money. O well.

 

Chris,

From everything that I can find about the 4.6L, the Transmission will bolt up to the block with no problems. The drivetrain in the Trucks can probably take more abuse than the Mustangs.

The whole character of the truck is going to change by using the 32V vs the 16V configuration. The powerband will be higher in the RPM range vs lower. Not really what you want in a truck. But if you plan on driving your truck more like a sports car (ala Ford Lightning) than the engine would be a load of fun. Ever driven one of the new Ford Cougars, Contours or Mystique? You can drive the car all around town without shifting past 3rd gear. My wifes 1999 Cougar is a blast!

The Computer can be transplanted with out difficulty. It is really a standalone unit. It's purpose in life is to make that engine run. Connect all of the sensors that it expects input from and it will do its job no matter what you put it in. Supply the power and the inputs=running engine.

Oh yeh + Fuel. There would be someone out there that will jump in on that one.

Any engine swap project is HUGE! Nothing is ever really just a bolt on. And If it is a bolt on.......I bet you payed a Butt load of money for it. The 32V heads need the Heads, Intake + Throttle Body, Computer and Harness. It will add up quick.

With all of the money you would be looking to spend on something like this you would come out cheaper with a Supercharger from Vortec, Paxton, Etc... The sound is wild too!

The hotrodd'n dispute is about to begin? I feel it commin!

Kris

 

I would suggest trying to find a wrecked Lincoln Aviator with the 32 valve 4.6. It is already making 302 HP and if you can, get the tranny, computer, and wiring harness. The tranny is a great 5 speed that should be dandy in an F-150.

 

I'd have to agree with Flash on this choice pf powertrain! I think the Mustang pieces will come up quicker and cheaper. Kids (& Adults) tend to drive Mustangs like idiots and make waste of them on a regular basis. I can always find a Mustang in a salvage yard.

I wonder what $$ the Insurance companies put on an Aviator? Still the same engine in a different state of tune.

 

Your right about how people punish mustang motors. I thought Ford only made 32V 4.6s for Mustangs. I'm learnin' somethin' new everyday form this site.
But I mean, I would really like to make my F150 perform better without forcing my engine. Superchargers and things of that nature reduce engine life no matter what you do to them. If I buy a straight motor that can crank out that much power I would take that.
By the way, how much HP does an Aviator motor crank out?

Chris

 

The Lincoln site says 302hp. About the same as the Mustang with the 32V.

The Supercharger will not get your HP as high but the TQ will come in where you can feel it driving the truck. It will handle loads better too. I think it would feel stronger than the 32V because of the instant torque. Not that 32V is going to fell weak.

I know one guy that used a Vortec on his 5.0L and never had any problems with it. I think he ran 6 -7 Psi. Engine didn't run out of breath all the the way to the rev limiter! I know he has 60,000 miles with the supercharger on it. He just has to change the SC belt alot. That could be him being a motorhead too!

I would agree with you about the forced induction stuff and lifespan, but I think how you use the equipment matters more. I can kill a built race engine pretty quickly if I put my foot to it. It will take it for a while, but eventually something has to give. Just keep things reasonable.

The engine swap would be a big job for only 300HP and expensive! But fun if your into that kind of stuff!

Kris

 

I would look into turbocharging. No belts, no moving accessories around. The comparison in the latest HotRod compared a turbo, cetrfical blower(vortec/paxton type) and a roots blower(similiar to a lightning or Harley Davidson blower). The turbo made more torque and horsepower thru out the entire rpm band.
You will gain alot more power from a turbo at an rpm range that will be more suitable for a truck. The 32V heads don't make good power until about 3500 rpm. that will give you a rpm power band from 3500 to 5000. Not where you want truck power to be. A turbo with about 8lbs of boost will give great power increases and will not harm the engine as long as the fuel curve is correct. I have had many 87/88 Turbo Coupe T-Birds with well over 150,000 miles on them and they run great. No oil consumption, good oil pressure. So they must be ok if an old Pinto motor with a turbo will last that long , I'm sure a 4.6L or 5.4L would dojust as well.
Jimmy

 

I too have heard that turbos are much more efficient than superchargers. What I am looking for however is performance not towing power. But I am becoming increasingly interested in a turbo the main question is where can I find a turbo for an F150. I can only find SCs for F150s.
And another question, what do you think about a twin turbo?
How much more performance would you get out of a twin turbo?

Chris

 

Chris,

 

OOPS Sorry about that,
It sounds like you want to go kind of exotic! Twin Turbos do not always give you more performance. Most of the time twins are used to help the turbos spool up quicker. Better for a street engine. All out performance is usually done with a larger Single turbo. The problem with smaller turbos is they become ineffieicent at a certain Turbo RPM. You can keep spinning them faster but it doesn't mean you are getting good boost from them. A larger compressor can move alot more air at a slower speed. Problem is, it takes longer to spin it up! So you loose on the low end. That is why you are starting to see guys building Chevy 383s with a large single turbo. You still have the torque from the large stroke and then keep building power until the turbo and induction can't move anymore air.

I love turbos! The only problem is they can be to complex for the street. Oiling system, Cooling.... They are raise the underhood temperature alot. Think about the two cast iron heat sinks that you just place under the hood! F-150 have alot of plastic under the hood to, so that is something to think about.

For bolt on performance I would go with a centrifical supercharger like a Vortec, Powerdyne, Paxton.... It would be alot easier too work on the front and top of the engine than the side of the engine and redo the exhaust. Turbos like to have a very free flowing exhaust.

The Paxton Novi is good for at least 60 -70HP just bolting it on. Then you can start increasing boost and fuel and make even more power.

The Vortech is good for 284HP and 377lbs of torque.

Just my 2 cents. The superchargers are alot easier performance than turbos. The two kits above are true bolt ons.

Kris

 

So, basically a supercharger is easier to maintain than a turbo but still not as efficient as a turbo. Hmmm...
Sounds like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Which companies make turbos for F150s?
I also hear that the Procharger Centrifugal Supercharger offers the most power because its intercooler is the best on the market.
Are turbos and superchargers basically the same price?

 

Oh yeah, I forgot, if I get a turbo or a SC I'm going to have to get larger ingectors right?

 

I think you can stay with your stock injectors up with the basic kits. If you want to go for more performance I think the injectors will be near 100% duty cycle and won't be able to keep up. It would be a good idea to upgrade to the next Lbs size, if you are running the engine hard. Your engine won't last long normally aspirated or forced if the fuel system cant keep up. You can find Mustang fuel injectors at resonable prices. If you buy used have them tested and cleaned professionally, the price is resonable when you hand them just a box of injectors to put on the bench.
I think my Porsche injectors cleaning cost me $28 for 4 injectors. If I had taken the car in it was $140. Labor to remove and replace? Ouch?

Kris