I have a 1996, F150, 5 speed manual, that’s in good shape, except the engine is full of water, due to a blown head gasket. Previous owner stated he rebuilt engine, but it appears he wasn’t much of a mechanic.

What are my options for replacing the engine? It doesn’t really matter to me if it’s a junkyard, rebuilt, reman, or crate engine. Just looking for something to drop in and drive. Not looking for performance engine, but would consider 5.0 if it would bolt up to the bell housing.

Im not in a rush and will probably install it myself. It’s not worth much, just sitting.

Thanks,
John

 

The title says '98 while you have '96 in the body of your post, there was no V6 in '96 but there was in '98.

In either case the easiest swap is going to be with another copy of the exact same engine the truck has now, anything else is exponentially more difficult with machanical, wiring, and PCM changes necessary.

 

A 5.0 would bolt to the 4.2 transmission bellhousing, but we’ll be watching along as the swap progresses. Even an Exploder 5.0 setup will take work to wire in and you’ll be studying wiring schematics to meld things together.

Like mentioned above, another 97-00(?) 4.2 will go right in.

 

My bad. Yes, it’s a 1998.

I guess I’ll look for a reman engine. I wouldn’t take a chance on junkyard engine as old as ‘97-‘00.

I was hoping someone had done a quick and easy swap with a salvage engine from a newer model.

Thanks, again
John

 

From what I read 97-08 are the same long blocks with the exception of the stuff bolted to them. So expand your search to newer trucks and vans.