I have a '97 4.6L Windsor (6) with 280,000 miles. Misfiring on cyl 8 (308 code). Mechanic said very low compression on 8. He says with that many miles he doesn't think it would be cost effective to repair, and he says bearings would soon go.

So...

I found a
'97 Windsor with 202k for $300. (F150)
'03 Windsor with 140k for $550. (F150)
'97 from a Lincoln with 100k for 275.

I know the '97 would work, but is 202k miles too many to use as a "new" engine?
Will the '97 Lincoln engine work or would i spend too much on the labor during the swap?

I am not a mechanic.
Thanks

 

Honestly if you are going to do a engine swap matter wise get the 5.4

 

The 5.4 swap will create other issues that will need to be resolved during install. I'm not sure, but I bet the Lincoln swap would be an issue, too.

When you buy a used motor, the general rule is the lower the mileage, the higher the price. Go to Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and search for your motor. I've bought 2 5.4s recently off that site. Had both of them shipped from far and distant lands. One was $1225, 113k miles, 90 day warranty, and the other was $1025, 54k miles, 1 year warranty. The yards I dealt with, respectively, are Nordstrom's Auto Home and Certified Auto Recyclers They'll ship the motor directly to your mechanic, and you don't have to worry about core charges. AND, these 2 yards in particular don't use torches to remove their engines. Everything is unbolted and pulled properly. Nordstrom's run tests and documents if possible to give you a good idea of what you're getting.

Labor is going to be expensive any way you go. Getting a modular motor out of a 150 isn't the easiest thing to do. It's not the hardest, but it'll make you earn it for sure...