5.4l engine swap questions

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 1, 2015 | 09:01 PM

tsw902

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 147

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

5.4l engine swap questions

Ok so recently I flooded my 2000 xlt. Long story short, she sucked water and ended up throwing a rod through the oil pan and cylinder wall (just my luck)...

So we've gotten the truck back from insurance and they totaled it. We kept the truck and plan on putting a new engine in it with the payoff. Were also gonna buy a 2003 xlt extended cab with a bad motor for 300$ (not bad, it needs work though)

My main question is, can I swap a 2v 5.4l v8 for a 3v 5.4 (and vise verses), without having to change computers and all?

I know the 3v blow plugs and all. But I would like to get the little boost of performance the 3v offers. (I can get a remanufactured 3v with improved plug holes).

Feb 1, 2015 | 09:12 PM

Toxic2

New User

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

from what i gather you are better off sticking with a 2v..too much hassel to put a 3v in place of a 2v..and yes you need to swap all electrical and computer

Feb 1, 2015 | 09:24 PM

tsw902

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 147

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toxic2

from what i gather you are better off sticking with a 2v..too much hassel to put a 3v in place of a 2v..and yes you need to swap all electrical and computer

Really? That sucks. Would the harness from a 2v work with a 3v? I can get computers at a decent price.

Feb 2, 2015 | 01:46 AM

Mike189677

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 1,841

Likes: 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsw902

Actually it's the early 2 valves that had problems blowing plugs they added more threads to the heads at some point in 02. The 3 valves had a problem with the plugs breaking off in the head when your trying to change them. They were 2 piece design originally then updated to a one piece plug midway through 08. If you wanted a performance boost you could swap in a 2 valve v10 and it would out perform a 3 valve 5.4. you would still need a computer,wiring, harness, a v10 radiator and either a v10 transmission or have your trans upgraded to the v10 specs. You would be best served to find a donor truck that was wrecked that way you have every thing you need right there. Or you could just put gears in you truck after you put a new or rebuilt 5.4 in it. 4.30's seem to be the sweet spot to stock size tires.