Engine Swap
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Engine Swap
I just bought a 2007 F-150 Reg Cab STX about 3 weeks ago. It has the 4.6 engine in it and I'm just not happy with it. I'm considering swapping out the engine for a larger one with more hp and torque. I'm thinking maybe a 351. My brother is a "know it all mechanic" that he doesn't think its possible. I've read a bit about these engines but have not found anything conclusive about whether or not the swap can be done. Can anyone help me out with this? Give me a yes or no or at least point me to somewhere I could read about a possible swap for this truck. Thanks.
-E
-E
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Texas
i would think it would be easier and cheaper just go out and buy a crappy *** dodge after all their giving free hemi's away for crying out loud
.... I love my 4.6 i dont know why your not happy not even a comparsion to my 88 I-6 but then again i dont race my trucks so i can't even relate to your situation
.... I love my 4.6 i dont know why your not happy not even a comparsion to my 88 I-6 but then again i dont race my trucks so i can't even relate to your situation
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
Yes, it's possible, but you'd be better off and cheaper to just buy a truck with the 5.4 3v in it.
You'll need a donor truck. At a minimum: 5.4 motor, wiring harness, all the sensors (new, used will cause you problems), motor mounts, transmission, driveshaft, and more stuff I can't think of right now. A donor truck will make it easier, but you'll still spend $1-2,000 out of pocket to pick up stuff during the install.
I wouldn't even consider a 351 install. You'd have to find a 1996 that is MAF controlled and not SD controlled (look at Bronco's and F-150 Supercab XLT's). The fabrication alone would give you nightmares. Then you will need all the stuff I listed above to make it work.
A swap of this magnitude will probably take at least 2 weeks if everything goes your way. And we all know how that works. A better bet for more power is to get a Supercharger. Instant power that is safe and cheaper than a swap. Another option is nitrous...but that leads to other problems down the roads
So, in summary, I say to ditch the truck for a 5.4 if you truly can't stand it.
You'll need a donor truck. At a minimum: 5.4 motor, wiring harness, all the sensors (new, used will cause you problems), motor mounts, transmission, driveshaft, and more stuff I can't think of right now. A donor truck will make it easier, but you'll still spend $1-2,000 out of pocket to pick up stuff during the install.
I wouldn't even consider a 351 install. You'd have to find a 1996 that is MAF controlled and not SD controlled (look at Bronco's and F-150 Supercab XLT's). The fabrication alone would give you nightmares. Then you will need all the stuff I listed above to make it work.
A swap of this magnitude will probably take at least 2 weeks if everything goes your way. And we all know how that works. A better bet for more power is to get a Supercharger. Instant power that is safe and cheaper than a swap. Another option is nitrous...but that leads to other problems down the roads
So, in summary, I say to ditch the truck for a 5.4 if you truly can't stand it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: NOR CAL
You could try and find a built 5.4. For a lightning or HD, or maybe one of the new roush trucks. "It won't be cheap but if you through enough cash at it; it will come."
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove, PA
5.4 3V all the way....plenty of power there...and if thats not enough for you then put the roush super charger in it...450 HP....500 HP now that they are giving the smaller SC pulley....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Gettysburg, Pa
Wow...talk about voiding your warranty!!! I definately wouldn't go "hacking up" a brand NEW truck. Not to be a smarta$$ but did you test drive this truck, or do any research on these trucks before you make the purchase? I read on these board for months before I bought my 5.4 that a lot of guys weren't too happy with the 4.6.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,466
Likes: 2,798
You will lose far less money trading it for a 5.4 equipped truck than fooling around with an engine swap.
Or, with $4 gas just around the corner, you could learn to love the mouse motor and drive it like grandpa....
Or, with $4 gas just around the corner, you could learn to love the mouse motor and drive it like grandpa....
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Hrmm...
How 'bout accepting that it's a truck, not a mustang, and live with it?
Honestly....will it not achieve the speed limit during day to day driving? Can you not clear an intersection safely? Will it not haul whatever you put in it?
I've never driven the 4.6; I went from my '03s V6 to my '07s 5.4, and I love the extra power, but the V6 did just fine. Keep in mind, all that extra acceleration you're looking for comes at the expense of gas mileage.
I rarely ever stomp on the pedal. I have NO NEED to burn that much gas to get up to speed, although it can be fun once and awhile.
By the way...I'm the much stereotyped testosterone-crazed 21 year old...and even I don't need a race truck!
ON EDIT: I just looked up the figures. The 5.8 was rated at 210 HP. Your 4.6 is rated at 248. Bad move. You'd be much slower, and probably get 1/3rd less gas mileage.
How 'bout accepting that it's a truck, not a mustang, and live with it?
Honestly....will it not achieve the speed limit during day to day driving? Can you not clear an intersection safely? Will it not haul whatever you put in it?
I've never driven the 4.6; I went from my '03s V6 to my '07s 5.4, and I love the extra power, but the V6 did just fine. Keep in mind, all that extra acceleration you're looking for comes at the expense of gas mileage.
I rarely ever stomp on the pedal. I have NO NEED to burn that much gas to get up to speed, although it can be fun once and awhile.
By the way...I'm the much stereotyped testosterone-crazed 21 year old...and even I don't need a race truck!
ON EDIT: I just looked up the figures. The 5.8 was rated at 210 HP. Your 4.6 is rated at 248. Bad move. You'd be much slower, and probably get 1/3rd less gas mileage.
Last edited by Tom; May 14, 2007 at 12:46 PM.