Hi everyone I have 2005 Ford F150 STX 4x4 with 4.6L and I am interested in swapping in a 5.4L what all would I need and which 5.4L would be the best to use?

My factory engine still runs good but has 240,000 miles and a ticking/ knocking sound.. thats why I'm looking to replace it with the 5.4.. im wanting more power but don't have much money so trying to go as cheap as possible... i know this subject has been gone over a lot but all the posts I see are from 2015 or before... if possible I'd like to see some updated results... thanks for any help I get..

ELOY

 

The 4.6 is a much better engine than a 5.4.

 

The 4.6 2 valve is a better engine than a 5.4 3 valve, but not a 5.4 2 valve. A 5.4 2 valve will also work with your PCM. The only issue is finding a 5.4 2 valve that's compatible with the rest of your electronics. I'm thinking a 2004+ out of a van would be your best bet, but I have no proof.

 

There ain't a thing wrong with the 5.4s …. but if strapped for cash, a 2005 truck, I'd stay with the 4.6. Yu can buy a truck for what you'll pay out.

 

Do you have a tuner? That will pull some power out of it for cheap.

 

With 240k and noises, I think he's looking to replace the engine anyway.

 

i have a programmer, cold air intake, cat back dual exhaust and i swapped the 3.55 gears to 4.10s so now i am looking to replace my 4.6L with high mileage with an engine that i will get more power from with the upgrades i have already done.

 

my truck is still in good shape it has just been driven a lot and well used. so i am looking to swap it with a 5.4L i am aware of the issues that the 5.4s have but if addressed before instillation they wont be issues. i am just trying to find out which one will be most compatible with my 2005 Ford F150 STX. not really interested in all the negative comments on how bad the 5.4 is or if the 4.6 is better.. my 4.6 has been an amazing engine but i want something with a little more power. Lets be honest every one has their opinion on any given engine at any given time good or bad some say the 5.4 is junk some say its not. all i would like to know is which one would be most compatible with what i have and what might need to change to fit it in....

thank you all for your help

 

this is exactly what i am trying to accomplish. thank you

 

A 5.4 3 valve swap is a lot more complicated than a 5.4 2 valve swap. The 2 valve is more reliable anyway.

 

thats interesting i have read the 3V came in the 2005 f150 so i figured it would be an easier swap to do but ive heard the 2V is better for a few reasons. i just wish i could find one of either.. it really doesn't matter too much to me which one it is just as long as its healthy and runs good and doesn't cost an arm and a leg hahaha.

 

Here are 2 threads for you to read:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ecm-4-6-a.html

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...4-2v-swap.html

That guy did a 5.4 2 valve swap into a 2008 F150 that came with a 4.6. A 3v swap is considerably more difficult, it would need a PCM swap along with some wiring and vacuum work.

Look for a 2004+ 5.4 2v out of a van. The van never got the 3v and it was built through the 2015 model year. You want a 2004+ because it's already set up for the electronic throttle. I *think* the 2004 Super Duty and Expedition still had the 2v with electronic throttle, but they went to the 3v in 2005. 2003 and earlier had mechanical throttle in all vehicles.

 

This is something I've considered doing later on down the road. Doesn't seem like it should be very difficult, so long as 4.6 trans with bolt to the 5.4. I assume the motor mounts are the same, and radiator/front accessories shouldn't be much of an issue either. I've heard the cam phasers are issue prone on the 5.4L. If I did the swap, those would be deleted. I see people saying the PCM would need changing, but if the VVT is deleted, could you re-use the 4.6 pcm and just tune for the 5.4L? The two engines should have the same basic sensors MAF, MAP, knock sensors, cam/crank etc.

 

There's more to it than that, which is why I recommend a late model 2 valve. Basic sensors are not the same.

 

I figured the sensors would be different, but also thought maybe a larger 4.6 TB would fit on the 5.4. Then you could use existing 4.6 air cleaner/MAF assembly and just retune the MAF (or even retrofit a 5.4 MAF on the 4.6 air box then download a 5.4 MAF tune file). The MAP's can't be too much different if you compare them side by side, a 4.6 could probably be made to work on the 5.4 intake or might bolt right up. Cam/crank no idea, would depend on if the 4.6 and 5.4 have the same size crankshaft reluctor wheel. As long as both are equipped with DBW I bet they do.

Just brainstorming, not trying to argue. I've never done a Ford engine swap, but have done a ton of GM engine swaps into all kinds of vehicles. Knowing the major differences between the two engines, and knowing what parts/sensors can actually be re-used would be essential before attempting this.