I have a 1998 F150 with a 4.6 windsor with 297,000 miles and it just threw a rod. I want to put a low mile used engine in. I am finding more romeo engines then windsor and I am told that the romeo engines put out more HP. What is the diffence in the two and what all do I have to change? thanks in advanced.

 

The romeo and the windsor make exactly the same hp. Theres a difference between the number of bolts on the flywheel (flex plate), one of the engines has pressed on cam gears, while the other has bolt on. Theres a couple other small changes, but the engines are interchangeable as far as i know. As long as you get a flexplate with the new engine, it should drop right in.

 

Did the thrown rod destroy the block? I've read that many early (pre-'99) Windsor 4.6 blocks are especially strong, made in Italy by the same foundry that casts Ferrari aluminum motors. This was before the Windsor aluminum factory was running full tilt. If you've got an Italian block it might just be worthwhile rebuilding if possible.

I suspect it would be easier to replace a Windsor w/another Windsor. Be sure its a light truck Windsor too, there are several passenger car variants.

 

Your suspection is correct as if in reference to the flex plate. Other than that its indifferent.

 

You're confusing the aluminum blocks from the Teksid factory with the Iron blocks. There were no iron blocks cast at the Teksid factory,and the aluminum blocks that were cast there were ONLY used on the '93-'98 4V 4.6L's found in the Mustang Cobra and the Lincoln Mark VIII.
JL

 

the block has a thumb size hole just above the oil filter. I have thought about a 4.6 police interceptor engine and transmission out of a crown vic. I know I will need to change the wire harness and cpu. I figure I would also have to change exhaust manifold and oil pan. I wonder if I would have to put my intake on as well. Around here the crown vic engines are fairly cheap and are easy to come by. thanks for everyones input.

 

There's no mechanical difference between the Vic Romeo modular and the Truck Romeo modular. Just put all of your front drive accessories and top end on it,and it's a simple swap.
JL