This is why the 5.4L and 6.8L use the same bore/stroke, rods, pistons etc. It is the same design with 2 more cylinders. The design is basically the same, just one block and head is cast with extra cylinders. The 4.6 is also very similiar, it just uses a shorter stroke.

 

That makes sense. Here's an interesting link that also sheds some light on the subject. I was thinking somewhat of it when I posted above, but I hadn't looked at the page in several years. http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb40228.htm

You'll notice that these paragraphs appear:

"The V6 that was originally intended to be part of the modular program never did get built, but there are several engines in the V8 family, including one 4.6L DOHC and two SOHC motors, along with the 5.4L V8 and the 6.8L V10 that are all part of this 'modular' family.

"Although the idea of a standardized, modular engine looked good on paper, it hasn’t worked out quite as well in the real world, because there have been many changes that have created lots of variations over the last 10 years."

According to them, the Duratec isn't the modular V-6 at all...

It looks like the page hasn't been updated in several years, so I'm sure there are things to add/change. Otherwise, it's very interesting reading!

Thanks for this great thread, guys!

 

Something else that I noted in the article: no mention of the Continental or Mark VIII with the 4.6's. Ties into the other thread going on about the INTECH/ 5.4 mod:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=421595
I think the Continental is mentioned probably because it's a front drive platform, so it's a rogue design. I'm unsure of the Mark VIII, it's still an older platfrom (looks like a 91-97 Thunderbird/Cougar platform).

-Kerry

 

Yes it is the 89-97 T-bird/Cougar platform. I have used the springs and struts from a 89 Cougar to replace the leaking air bags on a 93 Mark VIII.
Taurus supension parts work on the Continental.