Good morning.

I have a 1998 F150 with the 4.6 and think its going to be time for a rebuild soon. This is my only mode of transportation and is a daily driver, please keep that in mind. Reliability and MPG is top priority- its in cold weather too.

I can do everything my self except removal and installation of the engine. This is because I am limited on money, space and time. Also, the rad support is gone so it will be replaced with the engine- it will be out (grill and all) during removal and installation to hopefully make it easier and faster.

I want a direct swap- since I have to pay labor for installation.

I am going to start looking for a used 2001-2003 4.6 so I get the PI goodies (was told the newer engine with those heads would drop right in). I will swap over my coil packs and plug wires (they're new too) to save time.

If money allows I want to get a mild set of comp cams, cylinders bored and honed if needed, Fuel injectors, Port and polish heads/ intake, and a set of convex pistons to bump up the compression ratio slightly. Would love to get some long tubes but heard they leak in the cold up here and money won't allow it. Depends if anything is wrong with the internals.

I will definitely put on all new gaskets, rings, and crankshaft bearings.

Questions:
1) What else should I do with the engine on the stand
2) can I assemble the whole engine- top end to then have it put in the truck
3) Any cheep power adders that keep reliability and MPG
4) Any tips/ tricks/ suggestions
5) What else should I replace internally
6) how Does my plan sound

I also have to buy a Crown Vic for under 1000 so I can drive while my truck is out of commission- Dang work lol. Cheaper car I get the more for the engine.

Thanks for all the help in advance. Have a budget of about $3000- including the $800 I need to drop for the 01-03 engine. Plan on running synthetic with new engine. Recommend me some parts.

 

\Also- when not just driving city/ highway I am towing so I don't want to destroy my torque. prefer more tq then hp

 

Anybody??? Im still shopping around for prices. Scrap yards in my area want $1500 and ford want $1800 to install it. I know I can get cheaper engine if I go outside my area. Going to try and see what a local shop will install it for.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

I think that most guys here would tell you to save the money on rebuilding the 4.6 and just install a 5.4 especially since you will be towing. A 5.4 will bolt right in with a few changes like ECM and engine wire harness. You will end up with more torque than the 4.6 will give you and you should have some money left over. Hopefully someone will chime in with their ideas on this and help you out. Good luck.

 

x2 on the 5.4 option. Also I wouldnt bump up the compression any more on an already PI 4.6 they have a tendency to ping. If you do stick with a 4.6 maybe go with gears, like, 3.90? Are you 4x4? What year is that crown vic cause it may have an engine you I could use . I wouldnt run full synthetic either stick with a blend like the motorcraft Im sure you've been using . Cams, LTs, gears, tuner, e-fans would make a world of difference in that 4.6.

 

i would say do the 5.4 swap as well, but if you do that, you would also have to change the torque converter since the torque multiplication is different for the 4.6 and 5.4 converters.

 

If I was doing this my self I would deffinatley through a 5.4 in but because I don't have the facilities I have to rely on a shop. They might not know how and it just complicates things with them.

Is a non pi and pi torque converter any different?

Also, haven't bought a Crown Vic yet. Just looking because their big, cheap, reliable and somewhat familiar to my truck. Aiming for an 2004 though, no newer because I don't prefer drive by wire.

My truck has 373 000kms and runs/ drives great. just want to be prepared. love the truck as is so I just want to make some basic improvements if I am under it, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

I wouldn't bother with pistons unless yours are shot. Cams will make a world of difference though.