I've got a '97 F150 4x4 with the 4.6L and 4R70W tranny. This is several years down the road...but I was wondering if I could put a Ford Racing 392ci Crate Motor in it? Im pretty sure it would need new motor mounts, and obviously a different tranny or some kind of adapter. The computer would probably have to be changed or taken out completely (going from '97 to '67 ).

Other than that....would the swap be possible, or what? If not...will a late model EFI 351W work with a computer update?

430HP and 450ft-lbs does sound nice!

 

Anything is possible. A 96 truck would be much easier to work with though. No messing with crossmembers and remote oil filters, the tranny would already work, the computer would work with an RPM airgap EFI intake...

Things got really complicated with the MOD motors. I actually don't know if the bellhousing is different between the two, I've heard they are the same, I've heard they have 8 bolts instead of 6.... I need to get to a junkyard and take a look. People rarely just pick the motor or tranny out, they usually take both.

 

Are you looking for an emissions legal swap? The 351W/392 would not be an emissions legal swap as far as I know. Matts72 is right it would be alot easier to use an older truck (96 and older) for the 392. Maybe you should look into doing a 5.4L or V10 swap, they would be easier to swap in crossmember and emissions wise.

 

The 4.6/5.4 share a common bellhousing. It doesn't match the traditional small block ford stuff (300, 302, 351W, etc).

However, if you were to measure your 4.6L with a tape measure, you'll quickly see that it's *bigger* than a 351W and about the size of a 460cid (BBF).

So if you want to replace your tranny, the EFI stuff, and do some fabrication, knock yourself out. Many things will fit in that space.

 

Thanks for the replies!

I would have never thought that the V10 would fit in there.

The main reason I dont really want to do the 5.4 swap...is because I want something with around 450-500HP. I know I could get that out of either of those motors...but it would probably cost almost as much as a new crate motor with the numbers already there.


Emissions wouldn't matter much. It wont be a daily driver when this happens...probably just a weekend hot-rod or every-other-day quick trip ride. Besides...what If I bought a 60-70's truck? Emissions wouldnt matter then...

I chose this swap for the "wow" factor when I open up the hood for others to see the 6.4 (~392). Definately something different than the usual 4.2/4.6/5.4.

The biggest problem that I can see would be the computer/EFI and the tranny. I might have to scratch the '97 stuff and get the computer and all electronics off a '96 or earlier that had the 351W in it.

Im studying to become a Mechanical Engineer...so hopefully I will be able to whip up some plans for a x-member, mounts, ect...

I've seen a 514ci FE in a '98-'99 F150 before (on 48" Goodyear Terra's and Rockwell's) so I know this is possible.

Any other thoughts?

 

Check that: It was a '98 F150 with a 472 Big-Block (bored out 460) and C-6 tranny. FourWheeler Magazine, April 2002.

Article:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/featuredv...578/index.html

I guess Im gunna go with a C-6 then. (Why not...they are behind 1800 HP monster trucks )

 

You're welcome on the replies! If the emissions aren't a concern, then go crazy with it. I don't have first hand knowledge about how the x member would work with 351W in a '97 or newer truck, but if someone already put in a 460, you should definitely be able to drop in a 351W. I personally like the 351W/392. I guess I never told you about my project, I'm in the process of removing an old blown 6.9L Diesel and dropping in a 351W stroked to 392 in my 84 F250 ext. cab 4X4. The engine is not the crate motor, don't have enough cash for that, at least not right now. I had a friend of mine drop in a stroker crank and redo the stock E7 heads with larger valves and put in a mild cam, then I'm topping it off with Mustang fuel injection. I'm hoping for approx. 300HP and as much torque as I can get (400ftlb.?!?!). I guess I'll have to wait and see when I get the swap completed, maybe I can find some place with a dyno that can handle the F250 and see what the power is at the wheels. Does the article on the 460 '98 have any info on the X member clearance or issues? By the way you could still use an overdrive (E4OD or AOD) tranny if you'd like, but if it is pretty much an off road, non highway driver then the C6 would be a good choice.

 

Thats why this wont be started for another couple of years. Once I get my degree, I should be making the money to afford some of these expensive toys.

I just looked at the engines again. The 460 (466ci) from ford is $1000 less and has 130 more HP and 100 ft-lbs more than the 392. I didnt think the 460 would fit, until I remembered that article. I dont know about the clearance issues that guy had with his...but he had all the stock x-members taken out and replaced with custom extra-heavy duty units. Thats probably what I will have to do as well.

I have decided on the C6 tranny. I can get a close ratio C6 for $900 that is built to handle 700HP, or the $1200 wide-ratio one which would be good for the highway...not that Im going to be on the highway much, if at all.


I guess I will have to get in touch with a few hot-rod/custom shops around, or Kirk Dabney of Overkill Racing up in Indianna. Thats who built the truck Im going by.


Good luck on your build-up!