Engine Swaps

Intel486 · 01-09-04, 10:55

I have a 4.6l engine in my truck and am going to be building a new one w/ forged parts, headwork, cams, etc. I'll be building the longblock out of the truck and then switching the engines out.

Has anyone ever done an engine swap and what can I expect? Mainly what I'm looking for are those little hidden costs and problems that can pop up at the last minute.

RezzasVTEC · 01-09-04, 11:08

So, first of all, do you know the engine code of 1: the engine currently in there, and 2: the engine you plan to swap in???? If you can give me these, I'm sure I can help...i've helped swap out about 10 domestic engines, and about 50 imports! In the mean time, I'll be looking OL for your engine codes

Intel486 · 01-09-04, 04:15

What engine code are you referring to? The code that's on the computer? I've got that written down I can look up.

I'm swapping a stock 4.6l out for a forged 4.6l engine.

The engine I'm buidling is going to have a forged bottom end, lower compression, built on a mustang GT block, will have the heads from my truck w/ stainless steel parts and P&P, and a supercharger.

mmeans · 01-09-04, 04:46

The supercharger will give you more fits that the motor swap. The most difficult task will be fitting the trans to the block. Don't forget to make sure the torque converter is properly seated. I believe it is 3 seperate 'clicks' to fully seat a lock out converter.

Most of the other stuff is cake, just tedious. If you have not poked around engines much just label stuff and big bolts/nuts with a label. I just throw all the stuff in my can of card cleaner and pull out what I need later.

The electronics and cables all have specific keys on the connectors so no real worries there. If you do snap an ear off a connector, no biggie just use a small zip tie to keep them together.

Get at least a haynes manual and read over it a few time. It's a little general but going over the steps and visualizing it does help. That's a little tip courtesy of Phil Jackson ( Lakers/Bulls ) and a number of student of Zen.

Should be a walk in the park with a cherry picker, a chain and maybe a helper. It'll just be a little more greasy than an average walk in the park.

Michael Means

rjstaaf · 01-09-04, 05:55

I would seriously consider visiting the forums over at Stangnet.com especially the 4.6 SOHC forum.
Another good site would be modulardepot.com. Engine swaps are fairly common place with those guys and I am willing to bet you will find lots of valuable first hand knowledge that they will be more than willing to share. Also, one of our newer members tjm01 has done several buildups on the 4.6 in his Mustang and would be a great source of information.

tjm01 · 01-09-04, 07:24

A mod motor swap is very straightforward. I've never done one on an F150 but I've pulled my mustang motor 8 times. :scared

Actually it's out right now.

Hidden costs.

There are no real costs associated with the swap.

Fuel disconnect tool.
Make sure you have a good hoist.
If you can get an engine tilt mechanism that will help.
A tranny jack would be nice.
An extra set of hands is always helpful.

Of course you will need all the fluids and associated filters.

Take your time. If you have a digital camera I would recommend taking pictures of things before you disconnect them. I would also recommed a label maker for all the connections. Ziplock bags for misc bolts (label them though).

I would also recommend electrical cleaner for all your connections when you put it back together. Spray some to clean out any crap and use the dielectric (sp?) grease for proper connections.

Intel486 · 01-09-04, 07:45

Thanks for the tips.

tjm01, do you know of good bearings and head gaskets for the 4.6l? Possibly a thicker head gasket to help me lower compression.

tjm01 · 01-09-04, 08:03

I would actually go with a deeper dish piston.

Ford head gaskets work very well. I have them in my motor.

I'm running federal mogul bearings.

What type of blower are you going to have?

Intel486 · 01-12-04, 11:48

Quote:

Originally posted by tjm01
I would actually go with a deeper dish piston.

Ford head gaskets work very well. I have them in my motor.

I'm running federal mogul bearings.

What type of blower are you going to have?

So far the deepest dish piston I've found is an 18cc and that'll just keep me at a 9.0:1 compression w/ the PI heads. There is something in the head that can be ground out to give some more room. I talked to fox lake about it and they said they can do it but it won't get me down to an 8.5:1 like I want.

I'll probably be going witht he ATI Procharger.

I've heard the Ford head gaskets were good from other people. Guess I'll be going with them for gaskets.