Swapping out a 1998 4.6L for a remanufactured 1999 5.4 (PI Head version) in my 1998 F-150. The remanufactured engine came without an Intake manifold and I am learning that it is impossible to find a 1999 upper intake either aftermarket or from Ford (they stopped selling. I am finding that the 2000 year versions of the upper intake is available. Can I simply use the 2000 version sionce these engines are supposed to be the same across 1999-2001 or will that get me in trouble with the bolt ons?

In my searches I also find that Motor blue sells a 4.6L to 5.4L Intake Adapter Plate (http://www.rpmoutlet.com/musv120.htm). Would it be a better option to simply pick up the adapter plate and use the intake off the 1998 4.6L??

Any input is greatly appreciated?

 

Well the adapter plates are $360.00. I would call the company that remanufactured your 5.4 engine and find out if they can provide you with an intake or help you contact someone that can provide one. They may sell the takeoffs to other companies. Also try a scrap yard. Seems like you should be able to find a used one somewhere. If all else fails call Motor Blue and get info on the plates. If they are compatible with your 4.6 intake,5.4 heads then go that route. A far as hookups go you can retrofit most of those with a little ingenuity.

 

The 99 intake iis on its way to being a collectors item. Junk yard or the plastic Doorman intakes can be made to work.

 

Try junk yards? Craigslist for parting out trucks... It's a long shot. 99 would be preferred. If not, buy a new 00+ intake. Just make sure you get the gasket for that year. What about throttle body and elbow?

 

Guarantee you can find one here
http://www.car-part.com

Search near you or if you don't mind having one shipped.

Just make sure it is aluminum and have them show you a picture of the underside of the runners to confirm it is a PI intake.

You need to find a complete one, upper and lower intake manifold. The lowers do not match the lowers on 00+ and are specific to the 99.

 

Thanks for the updates all. In a panic I ordered the Dorman for the year 2000 model. Mostly because it was the only one I could find. Ended up being a mistake. I received it today and it does not have most of the mounting points for the bolt-ons. Since it is plastic I fear that the mounting points it does provide would not support the weight of any mounting plate I would have to rig to accept the bolt-ons. Just hoping I can return it at this point. I will probably end up gong with the 4.6 to 5.4 adapter point now. I have had zero luck finding a used intake in a junk yard, on ebay or anywhere else. By the time I buy a new one from Ford, I might as well pay the bucks for the adapter and not worry about rigging mount points for the bolt ons . My recommendation to anyone doing a 4.6 to 5.4 swap would be not to attempt if you don't have an old 5.4 sitting right next to it for parts. I did a lot of research on line before doing this and other than the swap notes did not find much other variances. What I am finding is that very little is the same and very few of the parts from the 4.6 fit. So far this list includes the timing chain cover, the timing chain cover studs and bolts (ford wants $40 each for 5 of the studs so I made my own), the upper and lower intake manifolds, the flywheel, the alternator mount, the torque converter, the headers, the exhaust, the mount point for most of the manifold bolt-ons, and who knows what's left to discover. :-) Fun and challenging project though, although knowing I could obtain the parts I need would relieve some of the stress.
Thanks Again!

 

I'm not sure why that intake does not fit? All PI 5.4L have the same heads from 99+. I am currently running my 99 intake on my 00 engine with no issues. A 2000 5.4 composite intake should fit right onto a 99 PI 5.4L. If not, then there is a mix up somewhere. And why would you adapt a non PI intake onto PI heads.... working backwards if you ask me. There are a few things you have to change over. Heater hoses being one.

I gave you that link to a place where you can find one locally or order one. Good luck.

Maybe I misread it. missing mounting points for what? They change a few things like the coolant crossover etc... but those can all be adapted. You may need different length heater hoses. What other bolt ons are you referring too?

 

I'm running a 99 intake on an 03 engine myself. I cant imagine why you couldnt use a newer intake. might have to dig up some stuff off newer. Let me know I might have what you need in my garage.

 

mounting points? I installed the engine with out the intake on the engine and thats the way to do it. do I missunderstand? Get the right intake! the plastic one is CORRECT. Make it work!

 

Forgive my ignorance, but what makes the 99 intake so special? Would it be an upgrade for a newer 5.4L?

 

99 was the first year of the PI heads for the 5.4L. It has an aluminum intake manifold. From 00+ they used a composite intake manifold. Some of the composites were prone to cracking which lead to leaks and needing replaced. So 99 is the only PI intake that is aluminum. Another reason they are favored is because they can be ported to match your intake and throttle body. Not that they will out flow a composite intake. More so because they won't fail. Another thing I see pop up sometimes is people tend to strip the inserts on the composite intakes for the cop bolts, fuel rail bolts and whatever else. The little grommets tend to slip loose if you over tighten them.