buying a 4.6 or 5.4 crate short block
 

97 F150 4.6 is blown. rod bearing is shot. What should I do?

1. replace with a 5.4, would the sensor conections and computer work with this?
2. What mods should I add to the 4.6 /or 5.4 to increase the HP?

Although a 10 year old truck may not be as bad, these days, you take a big chance that something won't work if you don't replace with EXACTLY the same component. At very least, find somebody who has already successfully done what you propose. Believe me, many things change even when there would seem to be no reason for them to be different.

Thank you for the caution MrBSS, that is why I am posting this. Does anybody know the answers to my 2 questions?

Poffutt, I'm confused. Does your girl friends `97 F-150 have a 4.2L V-6 as stated in your other post or is it a 4.6L V-8?

Whatever the case is on the original engine, you would be best to replace it with the same engine. Changing to a different engine, would be a very involved change as the engine computer, wiring harness and other peripheral accessories are different. This I believe is what MrBSS was trying to point out.

As for mods, the best bang for the bucks would be a supercharger. On the more economical side of things, start with a tuner for the computer.

Good luck! :-wink

:-X25

I appreciate what both of you are saying. Thanks! This supercharger...is it kinda like what the Lighting trucks were set up with? If I go with a supercharger..would this require any computer changes? or sensor changes. I think this is a good Idea. Should I get the heads saved 30 thousands or do you think the supercharger is all I need? With a supercharger do you think I should open up the breathing system like headers?

Thanks you guys