i was told that the block in my truck was vin code L...first, is that true? second we looked up the 97-03 reg f-150 and there was an option for them to have the 5.4 vin code L...the pistons and rods were the same for my truck and the reg trucks...so could i get a reg f-150 block with the stock internals, bolt my stuff up to it and be good to go? also where on the block can i check to make sure its a vin code L block?

 

The block and the heads are the same. 'L' is on all the 5.4s and it stands for liters. As for the Engine Tag, its on the valve cover:



This is off a '02 engine I bought, notice the 54L on the sticker to the left.

 

i know L stands for liter but i also know there was different codes for the blocks...like vin W and vin code L.

 

8th digit in vin
2=4.2l
3=5.4l supercharged
L=5.4l non supercharged
6=4.6l windsor
w=4.6l romeo
m=bi fuel
z=natural gas
mitch

 

so now the other question...that mechanic told me the part numbers were the same for the piston heads and rods. b/c for 97-03 there was an option for a 5.4 vin l so is right? can i get one of those reg engine and take all the top end off and replace it with mine and be good to go? i know with boost you want a lower compression...which i thought is what the piston heads established, thats y i find it hard to believe the reg motor has the same piston and rod

 

best have your man re check part # pistons are different
mitch

 

think i might try someone else and see what comes up

 

The Lightning's engine code is 3 not L, period.