Hi guys, first of I am familiar with the search function lol. I have gotten a ton of great information from this site already. I am planning on doing a ground up engine build for my 5.4 1997 f150. I'm just looking for tips on a good starting point. This will be a project that'll take me some time so I will be purchasing a block to build so I can still use the truck the way it is as its my daily driver until the new engine is completely built and ready to install. So my main question is on selecting a block. Any sources you guys recommend? Should I stick with the 5.4 or is there another size that would bolt right up without too much modification that would be a better option? I had the automatic transmission rebuilt about 500 miles ago so I plan on leaving that the way it is. And if I'm going 5.4 will any 97-03 block work? Sorry for the dumb question and I'm completely prepared to get some crap for it lol. Once I have my starting point all figured out ill be able to figure out where to go from there via searches. Thanks a lot guys!

 

Any 97-03 block will work. There are a couple different sets of heads though. You want the PI heads (Power Improved) which your 97 does not have. The PI heads will also require the matching PI intake manifold.

The 6.8 V10 will bolt it, but it requires A LOT of electrical modification and some mechanical modification and the transmission you just had rebuilt will probably not hold up.

Why not just buy a reman unless you're building for power?

 

That's exactly what I needed to know, thanks! And there's nothing, major wrong with the engine in it now. I will be building it for power, nothing crazy just an upgrade from stock. And also I really need a project lol. I inhereted the truck so I can afford to put some unjustified money into it haha.

 

Are you planning for boost or bottle, or just higher compression and hotter cams?

 

I do have some money I can spend on it but I think ill stay away from boost or bottle for the time being.