4.6 to 5.4 swap? BILL....HELP!!!
 

I've lost compression in one of my cylinders recently and I'm going through a self debate of whether to swap from 4.6 to 5.4 or just to replace with a different 4.6 all together. This is the second time in 2 years this has happened to me and it's not cheap. I want the extra power of the 5.4 because I'm power hungry and I know it can be done but is it worth the extra work and $$$ to make everything connect right (exhaust collectors, wiring, and computer tuned to be a 5.4, etc)? Can you do that Bill?


On another note, the truck is lifted with 35" tires and has 4.56 gears. I'm considering going down to 4.11's ... what's your input?


I want everyones opinion on both things please....I'm desperate and need to act soon.

I'm not trying to be a smartass, but wouldn't a new truck actually make more sense? I don't know the age of your truck, but the mods you are considering are not cheap and, you're still left with some older, "closer to failure", components.

- Jack

Robby,

Jack brings up a good point. What year is your truck? Depending on just how much you have invested, it might make more sense to just hunt down a 5.4L. However, if the 5.4L conversion is the route you decide to take, a LOT is going to depend on what year the truck is. Switching form a 2V 4.6L to a 2V 5.4L isn't all that bad. Switching from a 2V 4.6L to a 3V 5.4L opens up a whole world of problems.

Let me know what we're working with here and we'll see what advice we can offer.

Take care.

Jack and Bill,

My truck is an '02 Screw w/165k miles. I would love to get into a new truck but I don't have that option or being able to afford a payment every month, so upgrading was something I really wanted to consider. I'm staying with the 5.4 2v family because I hear it is much much easier than going to 3v. I hear that I have to have a 5.4 tune for it to run right. Does that mean that I can plug in a tuner meant for a 5.4 or does it go beyond that? I need to act on what I'm going to do in the next day or so, so I am counting on you guys to help me decide on the 5.4 or the 4.6.

Thanks
Rob

If you have a 4.6L 2V then stick with that. The only gains with the 5.4L 2V is a little bit of hp and some more torque.(Can't find the #'s right now)
But if you do have some extra cash and can find a new or used 5.4 2V then do go ahead with that option. Make sure to get the related components with the motor. A salvage yard may be your best friend.

I'm going with the 5.4 for sure.....I found a mechanic that says he can change the motor from a 2V to a 3V and will guarantee all his work. He's an engine builder for a local stock car team in my area and I hear he is good.

Wow! Take a great big deep breath and cross your fingers! I'll be interested in how it turns out. I know it CAN be done, and if you've got the right guy, you're all set. :thumbsup:

- Jack

I hope he knows his Fords. Just being curious, what are the major hiccups with going from 2V to 3V?

I don't have a clue. Bill does, and I suspect Lars might too. And, I'm sure there are others on here that know something about this "mod". ;) Maybe they'll chime in here and give you some thoughts.

- Jack

I think I'm on hdforum's no wait it PHP.
TBW-throttle by wire.
Different PCM.
Stick with the 5.4 2V and avoid the "plug" problem or find an 08' with brown COP boots= good plugs.
Jeeez trying to recall the differences.
I will be back with more.