Porting/Balancing 4.6L
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Porting/Balancing 4.6L
I'm getting the 4.6L engine replaced on my 2000 Expedition 4x4. My question is this:
Is it worth it to have the heads ported ($400) and the pistons, etc., balanced ($250) on the new engine?
Thanks.
Bruce.
Is it worth it to have the heads ported ($400) and the pistons, etc., balanced ($250) on the new engine?
Thanks.
Bruce.
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From: Central Mass.
Originally Posted by bjmusico
I'm getting the 4.6L engine replaced on my 2000 Expedition 4x4. My question is this:
Is it worth it to have the heads ported ($400) and the pistons, etc., balanced ($250) on the new engine?
Thanks.
Bruce.
Is it worth it to have the heads ported ($400) and the pistons, etc., balanced ($250) on the new engine?
Thanks.
Bruce.
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Porting/Balancing
It appears to be a bit too much work to swap out to the 5.4L, even though it will bolt up (computer, etc.). I looked into putting in the Navigator 5.4, Expedition 5.4, or the Mustang 4.6, but the swaps were discouraged by the several mechanics I talked to. If I were doing it myself and could affort to have the truck down, that's the route I'd probably take. Unfortunately, it's our family's main vehicle and I need to get it up and running ASAP.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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From: Central Mass.
Originally Posted by bjmusico
It appears to be a bit too much work to swap out to the 5.4L, even though it will bolt up (computer, etc.). I looked into putting in the Navigator 5.4, Expedition 5.4, or the Mustang 4.6, but the swaps were discouraged by the several mechanics I talked to. If I were doing it myself and could affort to have the truck down, that's the route I'd probably take. Unfortunately, it's our family's main vehicle and I need to get it up and running ASAP.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Engine Replace
The engine is a reman from a local shop that does alot of engine replacements, including the local police cars. They balance and port all the police "pursuit" cars that have the 4.6. The heads that will be ported are off the reman engine that will be put into my truck. I'm going out Monday to talk with the tech in person, ask a few questions, and make sure I trust them before I take the truck over. The shop was recommended by my neighbor's mechanic. Both the mechanic who recommended them and the tech at the shop seem very knowledgeable on the modular engines (the tech at the shop has a 4.6 in his Lincoln).
I'd love to put a 5.4 in, for a couple exta dollars. I'll double check to see if the 5.4 swap would be simple, but the info I've gotten is that it will need a different PCM and other electrical components. Off-hand, I'm not even sure if the 5.4 uses a coil-over-plug setup, like my 4.6.
Thanks for the input.
Bruce.
I'd love to put a 5.4 in, for a couple exta dollars. I'll double check to see if the 5.4 swap would be simple, but the info I've gotten is that it will need a different PCM and other electrical components. Off-hand, I'm not even sure if the 5.4 uses a coil-over-plug setup, like my 4.6.
Thanks for the input.
Bruce.
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Engine Replacement
Looked a bit more and found additional info on the 4.6 vs. 5.4. Since I'm getting a longblock replacement, if I wanted to put a 5.4 in it looks like I'd need the intake and exhaust Y-pipe, as well as a new PCM and additional wiring. This would be O.K. if I had a donor 5.4 and a couple extra $$ to get it put in. Also, I believe past 5.4's use a beefier tranny/rear differential, though the 4.6 drivetrain could probably handle the swap.
After weighing the options, it seems that the simplest (and quickest) solution for me is to just get the 4.6 reman engine put in. I still need to decide if balancing and porting is worth the $$. If I port, then I have some room for improvement if I upgrade the intake/exhaust in the future.
After weighing the options, it seems that the simplest (and quickest) solution for me is to just get the 4.6 reman engine put in. I still need to decide if balancing and porting is worth the $$. If I port, then I have some room for improvement if I upgrade the intake/exhaust in the future.
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From: Washington State
Porting only really shows net gains at real high operating RPM.
Getting the long block balanced is a great idea to me. Balanced engines are the most efficient.
Heck, for $650...I'd do both. The porting gains may not be real evident but if you mod later, I would think that the porting could make them work better.
Getting the long block balanced is a great idea to me. Balanced engines are the most efficient.
Heck, for $650...I'd do both. The porting gains may not be real evident but if you mod later, I would think that the porting could make them work better.
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Balancing/Porting
That was my thought. The $250 for balancing definitely seemed like a good idea, and the mechanic who would be doing it has it done on his car's 4.6. He didn't try to "sell" me, and only mentioned it after I asked him what else could be done when they put the engine in.
I wasn't sure what gains I'd get from the porting, but I may do a couple performance mods next year. The truck will be paid off and my wife will get a different car, so it'll be all mine. My wife drives like a f-in maniac, so I don't want to do too much while she'll be behind the wheel. As for gas mileage, that's pretty much shot already, so a couple miles/gallon doesn't really matter. I just wanted to make sure that I wouldn't lose low RPM torque/horsepower by porting. I don't tow very often, and my trailer is light, but I still don't want to have to crank the RPM's to get decent response during normal driving.
Thanks.
I wasn't sure what gains I'd get from the porting, but I may do a couple performance mods next year. The truck will be paid off and my wife will get a different car, so it'll be all mine. My wife drives like a f-in maniac, so I don't want to do too much while she'll be behind the wheel. As for gas mileage, that's pretty much shot already, so a couple miles/gallon doesn't really matter. I just wanted to make sure that I wouldn't lose low RPM torque/horsepower by porting. I don't tow very often, and my trailer is light, but I still don't want to have to crank the RPM's to get decent response during normal driving.
Thanks.
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From: Central Mass.
http://www.powerandperformancenews.c...&Store_Code=CC Get this comp cam and you'll have more power than the 5.4 
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Performance Cam
Definitely something to think about if I get the porting done. Cam swap isn't too bad, as long as it drops right in with no other mods. The driver side is a bit tougher due to more stuff in the way to get the valve cover off.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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