[bigjoedo]

Gents:

I wondered if anyone has had experience with engine swaps in later model Ford F-150 trucks. I have a 1998 with a 4.2 liter V-6 engine and 5 speed manual trans. I would like to put either a 5.0 liter or the newer 4.6 liter V-8. I do home remodeling and pull a trailer with all my tools and supplies and the
V-6 just doesn't cut the mustard. A V-8 should give a more power and torque. I don't want to go to a 5.4 liter because of the rising gas prices.

My question is: How difficult would this be to do, considering the truck has a computer and the new engine likely will have a computer controlled engine as well ? We do not have emissions tests in our area. Thanks in advance for the help.


Joe

[segge]

The 98 F-150 came with the 4.6 L v8 as one of the options so i think that would be easy to swap in. If the motor mounts are different then you should be able to buy them pretty easily.

Btw the 4.6L v8 only has 20-30 more hp then the v6. Not sure about tq tho.

[Max Keith]

As has already been stated, the 4.6 was an optional engine in your truck, so doing the swap should present no major problems.
I would recommend that you look around at the Ford Specialist Companies, and see what goodies are available for your 4.2. It could save you a lot of money and time in the long run. Granted you may not possibly be able to garner as much peak power from your 4.2 as you can the 4.6, but then I get the notion you arent trying to build a 9 second 1/4 miler out of your truck, and you arent after the inth in horsepower.
Noting from the previous posting on this thread that the 4.6 doesnt put out that much more HP than does your 4.2, and Im inclined to believe the torque differences are even less.
Something to consider, given the same state of tune, and displacement, a 6 cylinder will produce 30-40% more torque than will an 8 cylinder.
Just food for thought.

[4 Jaw Chuck]

You would be better off selling your truck and getting one with the size motor you want, a swap of this magnitude is full of dangers, imagine the wiring harness issues!

This is one of those swaps better done with a checkbook and change of title. Sounds to me like you need the 300 inline 6 not a V8, these are much better work trucks with the big inline six.