Hey All!
My 1997 4x4 Stepside needs a new motor, my 4.6 L is about to throw a rod. I would like to know if a 5.4 L will bolt up to my drive train or will I need major modifications. Also I am thinking of buying a "Crate" Longblock. I have thought of putting a Lightning motor in it as well if I could. Any Ideas?
Thanks!

 

Yes both the 4.6 and 5.4 have the same bolt and dowel patern so any transmission that mounts to a 4.6 will mount to a 5.4

If you want to use the COPs on the 5.4 you will have to use a different wiring harness and perhaps the computer too.

You can make the 5.4 work with your '97 4.6 wiring harness and computer though. You will have to remove the COPs and you will have to use sparkplug wires and your Coil Packs. You may have to fabricate mounts for the Coil Packs as I don't know if they will bolt up to the 5.4 front cover or not.

Do a search, there is a thread by someone who did a 4.6 to 5.4 swap a month or so ago. He had lots of good information that I think you could use.

You can also use any newer 4.6 engine in your truck by also removing the COPs, and using your wire harness, sparkplug wires and Coil Packs.

I posted a thread about my engine swap a few weeks ago. I replaced my '97 with a '04 engine.

Good Luck
Doug

P.S. It really isn't much more involved than installing the same engine. You have a few extra things to do get it ready to install, but if you can handle replacing the engine, you can handle the extra things.

 

from what I've read on this board, the conversion seems pretty involved. If you are a registered member, try the search function at the top of the page at about one o'clock. It will direct you to a wealth of knowledge.

 

check out www.madenterprise.com