i got a 97 5.4 and want to put a turbo on it and was told you cant just add a turbo to it. so what do i have to do to add one? thanks

 

Your going to have to upgrade everything inside the motor and tranny to handle the power. It would be easier to list things you dont need to change. Just to give you an idea. PSIMotorsports in TX charges about 10 THOUSAND for a turbo kit.

Wayne

 

k thanks but that didnt help me if i got to do the work so be it. so what like better retainers valves lifters cam pistons?

 

I know when it comes to Mustangs with the 4.6 2v motor that 400 rwhp is a good rule of thumb of how high you can go with stock internals whether it be by blower or turbo.

If I had to guess the 5.4 would be a little more maybe in the 430-450 rwhp range.

First you need to make sure your truck is up on general maintenance.

Main concern after that is making sure you can give your truck enough fuel. So bigger injectors and possibly a BAP (Boost-A-Pump) or even a bigger fuel pump all together, at the least a Lightning MAF, and a degree colder spark plugs.

And then at the least to give the tranny a little more strength do the J-mod or get a shift kit like Trans-Go installed.

And then of course to make sure you don't have any detonation, get a good professional tune.

Easiest thing to do though would be just to do a full Lightning swap but it's your truck so do what you wanna do man.

 

The rule of thumb is 450RWHP on the 5.4Ls. Since you have a 97 that means you dont even have PI heads. So to start a list:
Built Long Block with Upgraded Rods, Pistons, Heads, Valves, Valve Springs, Valve Guides, Cams, etc...

Your also going to need to upgrade the Tranny, Fuel System, Exhaust, MAF, Intake, etc...

You also need to fab up all you intake and exhaust piping cause they dont make a kit.

Like i said the my first post it would be easier to say what doesnt need to be changed. Block, Crank, Timing Chain Cover, Oil Pan

As it was said it would be ALOT easier and cheaper to do a Lightning blower swap but im not even sure if thats possible since you dont have PI heads.

Wayne

 

i got 30lb injectors and a shift kit. is there nothing i have to do the internals? i didnt see you mention anything about them. like better retainers, swap the hydraulic lifters for better ones, low compression pistons? the engine only has 80k and very well maintained . im just worried about puting to much power to the engine and something going in it! thanks again.....

 

30lb injectors arent going to cut it. Your going to need at least 42lb maybe even 60lb or 80lb or 105lb all depends on how much power you wanna make.

I did mention things like retainers and pistons, those are included in the built long block i listed above.

Wayne

 

sry we must have posted them at the same time!!! about how much for the lightning blower kit?

 

It can be done from $2000 on up. But as i said in the postS above it might not even be possible cause you dont have PI heads!

Wayne

 

ya for 2000$ im better to go with the turbo its 500$ for a kit with T04E Turbocharger
External Cast Steel Wastegate WG
Type-S Blow Off Valve Kit
Flange Pipe
Adjustable Boost Controller
Manifold Wrap
Programmable LED Turbo Timer
Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator
Braided Oil Feed Line
T3/ T4 5-Bolt Flange
Lightweight Aluminum Intercooler
Set of Aluminum Piping....................and just buy the other what 1500$ of parts.cus i can do the labor. this engine i bought from a millionaire in a very nice expedition everything was done up inside and out. and it flew i had 23in rims and i beat a gmc Denali w/chip. i wound up crashing it. but he said it had 350 hp it had 30lb injectors on it when i got it and the valve covers were painted couldnt tell if the heads were off cus it was a new engine!!! guess the only way is to pull it back out and check. ohhh man i just put it in like two days ago!!! took it out and it realy flys with what i put on it. but there are some gm/dodge/harley s**t talkers that i want to smoke not beat smoke....on the drag strip of course!!!!hahaha

 

Well looks like you already know all the answer you the questions you asked! Have fun, be sure you post up once its all done!

Wayne

 

 

That 1500 would barely and I mean barely cover the crank, pistons, rods, and bearings. I can tell you this right now, cheap and FI 5.4's don't go together. It always comes out as a vented block. If you want to do a Lightning conversion, Z7What is the person to talk to. If you want to go the turbo route PSI is a top notch company and have put out some very fast turbo Lightnings. Just remember the key to going fast. The faster you want to go, the more it will cost you.

 

no you did i asked two ?s what i needed to do? and how much it would cost? and you answered them.thanks
pistons 300$ rods 300$ cams + lifters 350$ valve spring upgrade kit 200$ and the crankshaft is forged from the factory so why would i have to change that?

 

Just remember a rule of thumb!

CHEAP

FAST

RELIABLE

YOU CAN ONLY HAVE 2!

Wayne