Her is a good question. Will a later model 4.6l engine work in my 97 F150. What are the diffferences between the two . Later model meaning 2004. If not what years can I use. I may be needing a new engine and trans soon. Also what is involved with putting in a 5.4L

 

pstmn1,

There are 3 ways that you can do it. Run the new engine like a 97 or like a 2004 or convert to a COP ignition.
Your 97 has coil packs, the 04 uses a COP (coil on Plug) ignition. If you chose the first option you simply install the engine and use your existing wire harness and coils and plug wires. There will be a few control issues but no biggy. Your 97 uses intake manifold runner control. This is a flap in the intake manifold that is computer controlled that directs the incoming air to increase torque at low rpms. The new engine will not have that. If you choose to run it like a 2004 you will need a complete wire harness, engine, tranny and cab and new PCM. The 2004s use a completely different engine management protocol. If you choose to convert to a COP ignition you will still need a new PCM, and engine wire harness. The different year 4.6 engines are a direct bolt up to your tranny and use the same motor mounts. If you are wanting to install a 5.4 the same issues exsist except that the there is no coil pack 5.4 engine harnesses. You would have to adapt your 4.6 harness to fit on the 5.4. You will have to lengthen the IAC and oil sending unit wires to fit. You will need a vacuum harness as the 5.4 uses a totally different one. If you use your PCM and run the 5.4 as a coil pack ignition you will need to have the PCM calibrated for the extra displacement. I had Mike Troyer take care of that for me. You will need to modify your exhaust system as the 5.4 sits higher in the engine compartment so the 4.6 system will not bolt up to it. The exhaust manifolds are different.

FYI
4.6 engines

1997-99 engines use Coil pack ignitions with plug wires.
2000 - 2003 use COP ignitions
1997 - 2000 engines have intake manifold runner control.
2000-2003 engines have PI heads.
Romeo engines have 6 bolt crank
Windsor engines have 8 bolt crank
2004 engines use different engine management system. PCM’s will not plug in to older styles.

5.4 engines
All engines use COP ignition.
1997-98 have intake manifold runner control.
1999 - 2003 have PI heads
All engines have 8 bolt cranks
2004 engines use different engine management system. PCM’s will not plug in to older styles.

Common to both
Bell housing bolt pattern
Water pump
Power steering pump
A/C compressor
motor mounts
oil pan
injectors
coils
O2 sensors

If I can think of anything else I will post.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

PS. buy a good shop manual, it will make the swap a lot easier.

 

Thanks JMC , I am begining to think, if I wanted a 5.4 I should have bought one initially. As for the 4.6, I appreciate the info, more than likely I will end up swapping in another 4.6.

 

Romeo vs windsor, Is that like cleveland vs windsor? What is the difference between the two? Big block small block?

 

Can I pop in a 4.6 from a crown vic or mustang as long as it is the 6 bolt crank variety?

 

Romeo is built in Michigan and Windsor is built in Canada

 

pstmn1,

The Romeo vs Windsor difference is not like the Clevland vs Windsor of old. The 4.6, weather it be Romeo or Windsor use the same block. Windsor uses an 8 bolt crank and Romeo uses a 6 bolt. The Windsor uses individual camshaft caps and Romeo uses two girdles. The Windsor cam cover has more bolts holding it to the head than the Romeo. Windsor cam gears are pressed on Romeo's are bolted on. The timing chain guides are different.
Windsor has a full floating piston pin and Romeo uses a pressed in pin. Windsor has bigger connecting rods. Windsor main bearing caps are use cross mounting bolts while Romeo uses screws. Aside from that they are the same.

JMC

 

Well JMC my head is spinning right now. From all this info, I take it I can either use a Romeo motor with the my wiring harness or get a windsor and swap out the wiring harness. Thanks

 

The cheapest soluition is to set another 4.6. The next would be to get a 5.4 and convert it to run coil packs and have a chip programed to run the 5.4 using your 4.6 PCM and wire harness.

JMC

 

Well, I don't know many good mechanics around here, and I don't think my mechanical ability is sufficient to swap in a 5.4 and do all the conversions necessary. I will probably go with another 4.6. One other question, I have read about PI heads and non PI. What is the difference and do they come on 4.6 engines. What would be the best year engine to get if I wanted a little more power from the 4.6 using my original wiring and stuff.

 

2001 was the 1st year for PI heads on the truck 4.6.

JMC

 

Double post