I have a 1997 F-150 2WD, 4.6L V-8, 150K. I am trying to make a decision on what to do with the engine. At first I wanted to just take out the 4.6 and throw in a huge big block so I would not have to fool around with supercharging, nos, etc. On the other hand, I was thinking about keeping the 4.6, breakin it down, cleanin it up and rebuilding it with performance parts.

Is the 4.6L a good engine to rebuild/upgrade? Or should I go the other route and make plans to completely replace the 4.6 with a big block?

 

Easiest upgrade is a later model 4.6, as the factory upped the rating several times after '97. You might be able to rebuild yours with later heads/cams etc.

Next up would be changing to a 5.4, as that was a factory option and you can probably find everything you need from a donor truck. Since it's the same engine family, you may be able to use the same cpu and trans.

Now a "big block" conversion would mean doing away with the computer, the stock efi, the trans etc. I assume you are talking 460?

Plus you get to make your own engine mounts and figure out what spring to use to carry the weight. And once you do that, the truck is pretty much yours because no one would buy such a beast for what it's "worth". (Well, maybe someone would....)

Do you want to get your truck back into service, or do you want a toy?

 

This truck will primarily be a toy. If I do take the "big block" route, it will be the 460. Doing away with the computer euipment and all those annoying parts like that is what im leaning towards. Is it possible to turn the 4.6 into something that doesnt require computer equipment and the like?

 

This one is for DOHC

http://www.sullivanperformance.com/Y.../intake4.6.htm

Edelbrock does not list the 4.6. You can google for intakes, maybe another brand makes them for the 4.6.