97 Expy engine options

[we287gn]

Considering looking at a 97 Expy ,suposedly in good shape with a bad motor.. My 98 F-150 is satrting to get in rough shape body and frame wise.. I have alot of money tied up in the drivetrain I wont get back in a sale or trade..And the used rear I put in a year and a half ago is starting to wear .. Thinking of doing a swap... Wondering if the 4.6 was a popular engine for that year or did they get the 5.4's? Thanks Chris P.

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[glc]

The 4.6 was used in about 30% of 4wd and 45% of 2wd Expys in 1997.

[shifty_85]

the 4.6 is a dog and a half in the expy. i love my 4.6 to death in my pick up but i out run with my 4.6L mod for mod with a 97 expy with a 5.4. so the 4.6 is very very underpowerd in the expy due to the extra weght. do some work to the 4.6 and you will get it to move but a stock 4.6 in an expy ive drove them before i think i can walk faster than that thing at WOT.

just my .02 cents

[glc]

Not everyone places that high a priority on performance. It's just like all of us that are satisfied with our V-6 trucks. I'm certain that there are quite a few satisfied 4.6 Expy owners.

[shifty_85]

yeah i know not everyone wants to go fast but im just saying. if he wants to go fast a 4.6L expy is not the way to go. find a wrecked navi and get the 32 valvue 5.4L

[we287gn]

Thanks for the replies guys..Good stuff to consider...I am still waiting for my wife to find out about this thing...
My main concern after the shape is if its 4wd or not...And she has no clue what motor is in it...so still waiting on that info..

While I dont feel the 4.6 is that bad in my truck, when I am pulling a trailer I wish I had a little more something..At times I wish I had done the 5.4 swap when I did the motor over..
So if the expy is that much more heavier , I can see where your going with this...
I originally was keeping my eyes peeled for a hurt Super crew, kids are getting bigger but really want to keep a bed..4 door pick up would be great..
But considering this expy cause if its clean and solid, then the price is right.. 6-7 bills...
back to the 4.6 in my ex cab
I have felt right along that without touching the motor thisthing would perform a little better with a shift kit or recall, think this 98 is elec controlled rght?
What are some of the best NA mods? cams, exhaust?, tuner stuff???
Not looking to go fast, just gain some pulling power I guess..nothing is modded, I actually gave up a K&N for a paper filter

Thanks guys
Chris

[glc]

If you need to tow, then I probably would not be happy with a 4.6 Expy of any type. The 4.6 just doesn't have enough low end torque.

Your best mod on a 4.6 is gears. Gotta keep those rpm's up to make a 4.6 do anything.

[we287gn]

Interesting.. My f150 has the 3.55's in it now.Running the factory size tires.
Mainly towing project cars around. ocasionally a hoarse trailer..

[glc]

4.10's would wake your truck right up.