longblock swap
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 69
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From: ny
longblock swap
i have a 01 f250 5.4 with 137k, spit 3 plugs,put in inserts,no problem, spit 4th plug,previous owner put in 3/4-16 insert,head now NG,can get low mileage motors, but don't want a 4 thread, puke out the plug motor,,does anyone know FOR SURE ,if a later(2003 up) 2 valve motor,is the same, if i strip it down to a longblock, and use all of my intake,exhaust,front drive,etc....also i've heard i have to lift the cab to change motor, is because oil pan hits crossmember, or can i just pull off the front clip and come straight out the front?
Elder User
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You can buy a set of new fully asembled PI heads from Ford Racing, and they have all of the running updates Ford has made over the years including 8-threads.
That would be cheaper than a longblock and you'll have a fresh valve-train to go with it. It would be a good opportunity to replace timing chains, chain guides and tensioners too.
That would be cheaper than a longblock and you'll have a fresh valve-train to go with it. It would be a good opportunity to replace timing chains, chain guides and tensioners too.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 69
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From: ny
i think i might have a head gasket problem in there, there is burn marks running up the side of the insert, thinking water and or antifreeze getting into cylinder creating blow torch effect. also you have to have a perfect finish on both surfaces for the viton head gaskets.i'm going to yank the heads first , but i need a way out in case the block is f'd up. thanks for replying. Rick
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Montreal
It is very tight, but yes the engine can be pulled with the cab on. Need the boom as close to the top of the block as you can get it so that you can get it under the cowl and still have the oil pan clear the crossmember. I removed everything infront of the engine when I did mine, bumper, rad, rad support, etc. it was well worth it.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
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Long swaps in these trucks aren't too difficult. As was already said, remove the radiator, fan, shroud etc., pull the hood and it comes out pretty easily.
You can use a trans jack and a 2x4 to hold the trans in place with the engine out.
You can use a trans jack and a 2x4 to hold the trans in place with the engine out.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: ny
thanks for the input everyone. as far as the ford racing heads go , they will fit, but you need to use the cam gears and valve covers from a romeo block, (super dutys use a windsor block) , the commputer will except the GT cams. i spoke to a tech at ford racing. he also said because the block is cast iron, there should be no issues with gasket sealing as on the aluminum block, and the bottom end of these motors have seen 200k-300k with no problem if they are serviced properly.mine has seen nothing but synthetic oil since it was born, so i might be out of the woods with these heads(plus another 35hp) which this truck has always needed! Rick
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
thanks for the input everyone. as far as the ford racing heads go , they will fit, but you need to use the cam gears and valve covers from a romeo block, (super dutys use a windsor block) , the commputer will except the GT cams. i spoke to a tech at ford racing. he also said because the block is cast iron, there should be no issues with gasket sealing as on the aluminum block, and the bottom end of these motors have seen 200k-300k with no problem if they are serviced properly.mine has seen nothing but synthetic oil since it was born, so i might be out of the woods with these heads(plus another 35hp) which this truck has always needed! Rick
JL
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: ny
they are FMSM6050P46 & FMSM6049P46 ford racing heads with GT cams, complete for $395.00 each. a real bargain, considering a good set of 5.0 heads are $1200.00.....and that 35hp was a conservative number from the ford racing tech. with injectors,coils, and a non restrtictive air intake, probably looking at 45- 50 hp.. i would think the tech knows what he is talking about. Rick
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
they are FMSM6050P46 & FMSM6049P46 ford racing heads with GT cams, complete for $395.00 each. a real bargain, considering a good set of 5.0 heads are $1200.00.....and that 35hp was a conservative number from the ford racing tech. with injectors,coils, and a non restrtictive air intake, probably looking at 45- 50 hp.. i would think the tech knows what he is talking about. Rick
Yes,$395 is a good deal for a completely assembled OEM head,but don't think that you're
gonna gain 35hp just by swapping those heads on. The bad thing is-even if you were swapping them for a set of NPI heads-on a truck engine with the truck intake-you're never get that kind of power gain.
JL
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: ny
i checked with Sean Hyland (did 4.6 for altered ego,on muscle car tv), he confirmed what ford tech told me. the cam profile is different. he is getting me exact specs , and will call me back. where are you getting your info from?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
ALL modular PI head engines use the identical same camshaft profile. There are manufacturing tolerances that will have 2-3 degrees difference more or less on the duration and the lift, but they are ALL the same spec. Doesn't matter if it's a Mustang GT, F150, Crown Vic, Explorer,etc,etc...They're ALL the same.
JL
Elder User
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As has already been said, a PI cam is a PI cam regarding lobe profiles. The only differences are press on gears for Windsors and bolt-on gears for Romeos.
The Ford Racing heads are an excellent deal, as they are brand new production pieces that are fully assembled and ready to drop in AND they have received all of the running production upgrades (valve guides and 8 spark plug threads primarily).
Make sure you change out the timing chain/guide/tensioner setup while you are in there and you'll have an engine ready to go another couple hundred thousand miles.
The Ford Racing heads are an excellent deal, as they are brand new production pieces that are fully assembled and ready to drop in AND they have received all of the running production upgrades (valve guides and 8 spark plug threads primarily).
Make sure you change out the timing chain/guide/tensioner setup while you are in there and you'll have an engine ready to go another couple hundred thousand miles.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
JL