97-04 Engine Swap, out the top or bottom?
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Harrisonburg, VA
97-04 Engine Swap, out the top or bottom?
All,
I am getting ready to replace the 4.6 engine in my `01 F150. I've done a lot of engine changes. In most cars, it's been out the top, but I've done a few Mustangs where we dropped it out the bottom (using a lift).
Looking at my truck, it seems it might be easiest to drop it out the bottom. Problem is I don't have access to a lift right away, so I'm wondering how tough it is to take out from the top with a hoist?
Is there room to take out the engine/transmission as an assembly?
In your experience, what all have you had to remove (Radiator, accessories, etc) to take it out the top?
Thanks a bunch!!
Peter
I am getting ready to replace the 4.6 engine in my `01 F150. I've done a lot of engine changes. In most cars, it's been out the top, but I've done a few Mustangs where we dropped it out the bottom (using a lift).
Looking at my truck, it seems it might be easiest to drop it out the bottom. Problem is I don't have access to a lift right away, so I'm wondering how tough it is to take out from the top with a hoist?
Is there room to take out the engine/transmission as an assembly?
In your experience, what all have you had to remove (Radiator, accessories, etc) to take it out the top?
Thanks a bunch!!
Peter
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
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I took my 4.6 out from the top. Had to remove the radiator and fan. Of course the hood was removed but all the accessories were left on.
I left the intake manifold on when I took out the 4.6. When I installed the 5.4 I left the intake off and installed it after the engine was in place, this made it easier to "wiggle" it back in place.
I only took out the engine but with a good engine hoist I think you could pull the trans out at the same time.
Good luck
I left the intake manifold on when I took out the 4.6. When I installed the 5.4 I left the intake off and installed it after the engine was in place, this made it easier to "wiggle" it back in place.
I only took out the engine but with a good engine hoist I think you could pull the trans out at the same time.
Good luck
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New User
Joined: May 2008
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From: Harrisonburg, VA
lonerangerinaz, I tried PMing you but I don't think I have enough posts yet to enable that feature...
I would like to learn more about your 4.6 to 5.4 swap if you don't mind sharing. I searched for a thread on it by you but didn't turn up anything - do you have any documentation that I might read?
Right now I have a 4.6 Romeo engine in my 01 F150. Something went south while towing up a long hill and now I have 0 compression in #3. I've done lots of engine swaps but none on a Ford truck, so I don't know all the ins and outs of what transmission bolts to what engine, etc.
I'm really interested in putting in a 5.4. I'd love to get a 3v 5.4 in there but I don't know if I want the truck to be down for a month while I figure out all of that mess :-).
PM me if you don't mind with some info or a link to some info?
Thanks a ton,
Peter
I would like to learn more about your 4.6 to 5.4 swap if you don't mind sharing. I searched for a thread on it by you but didn't turn up anything - do you have any documentation that I might read?
Right now I have a 4.6 Romeo engine in my 01 F150. Something went south while towing up a long hill and now I have 0 compression in #3. I've done lots of engine swaps but none on a Ford truck, so I don't know all the ins and outs of what transmission bolts to what engine, etc.
I'm really interested in putting in a 5.4. I'd love to get a 3v 5.4 in there but I don't know if I want the truck to be down for a month while I figure out all of that mess :-).
PM me if you don't mind with some info or a link to some info?
Thanks a ton,
Peter
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
If you do a search in the 97-2003 forum you'll find out a lot about this engine swap.
If you stick to a pre 2003 5.4 it's a pretty simple swap. The transmission is a non issue. It will bolt right up, the only thing you have to make sure is that the flywheel has the same number of bolts.
You need to use your old ignition system so you have to find a way to mount the coil packs to the front of the engine because the 5.4 doesn't use them. Again not a problem.
The 5.4 is wider so the exhaust is a little different. I used the 4.6 exhaust manifolds and since I already had dual exhaust they bolted right up. If you don't have dual exhaust then you have to do some work where the pipes come together to spread them apart.
The throttle linkage is also different but with a little imagination it can be done. I used parts from the 4.6 and 5.4 donor engine. Together I had everything I needed.
The only thing you can't do yourself is tune the engine after your done. You have to get a custom tune so the ECM will run the engine at it's peak potential.
It took me about a week to get everything sorted out but it was more than worth it. If your going to change engines the 5.4 is the only way to go.
If you stick to a pre 2003 5.4 it's a pretty simple swap. The transmission is a non issue. It will bolt right up, the only thing you have to make sure is that the flywheel has the same number of bolts.
You need to use your old ignition system so you have to find a way to mount the coil packs to the front of the engine because the 5.4 doesn't use them. Again not a problem.
The 5.4 is wider so the exhaust is a little different. I used the 4.6 exhaust manifolds and since I already had dual exhaust they bolted right up. If you don't have dual exhaust then you have to do some work where the pipes come together to spread them apart.
The throttle linkage is also different but with a little imagination it can be done. I used parts from the 4.6 and 5.4 donor engine. Together I had everything I needed.
The only thing you can't do yourself is tune the engine after your done. You have to get a custom tune so the ECM will run the engine at it's peak potential.
It took me about a week to get everything sorted out but it was more than worth it. If your going to change engines the 5.4 is the only way to go.
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