I'm having a remanufactured 4.6L long block installed in my '97 4x4. Talked to the installer today, and he said everything looked great except that the bolts that hold the coil packs (this truck is brand new to me, so not sure if this is right terminology) to the heads don't fit. They are the wrong size and/or threaded differently.

He was going to the local Ford dealership to get different bolts and try to determine if there were any other differences in the heads that we should both be aware of... but I was hoping one of you guys might know.

Does anybody know what the cause might be?? Just trying to determine if I should be concerned or not... (unfortunately the truck is about 3hrs from me so I don't have any serial numbers, pictures, etc...)

Thanks!
Jason

 

After doing some more research late last night, I think he meant the small retaining screws (not bolts).

Were different size screws used on earlier/later model heads?

If not, I'm guessing that either the reman'd heads were drilled/tapped larger or the screws and/or heads are crossed threaded (at least the ones they tried...).

Not so worried about the screws, more curious if this might identify other compatability issues - i.e. they used different heads than they should have.

Thanks again for looking!
Jason

 

OK, now the local dealer is saying that these are the "wrong" heads... Still trying to get the installer to give me the casting numbers, but don't have any real details yet.

Anybody have a clue what the issue might be??

Thanks Again!
Jason

 

Just pure speculation here but ......... maybe the heads are the newer "PI" power improved heads whereas yours are the older non-PI heads so the have different provisons for mounting?

I dont know if would make a difference but there's also the possibility that one is a Romeo motor and the other is a Windsor?

Yet another possibility is that the motor is a newer coil on plug setup and your truck has the two coil packs for all 8 cylinders type of ignition?

Sorry I cant be more helpful but that's all I can guess at this time.

Good luck.

 

OK, finally have casting numbers: (but still don't have a clue!)

Original Heads:
RF-F65E-6090-D20A
New Heads:
RF-F5AE-6090-B22A (B might be an 8?)

Original Block:
F65E-6015
New Block:
F75E-801

Installer says the new short block is identical to original, but that the heads are totally different.

In addition to the coil pack bolt issue, he also said that the valve covers are different - old are 6-bolt and new are 5-bolt - or vise versa can't remember. (I asked if the intake/exhaust manifolds fit and he tentatively said no... Not sure if he really knows.)

Does anyone know what it going on/how to identify what I have here?? If so, is it possible to make what I have work?? I need to call the engine manufacturer but would like to have an idea about what I've got first.

Thanks!
Jason

 

The F75E block is Windsor only casting. The F65E block is a Romeo only casting unless marked F65E-BB, in which case, it's a Windsor.

The different heads would likely be because the new Windsor probably has PI heads vs. the standard "non-PI" heads of your 97.

edit- There are several differences between the heads of a Windsor and a Romeo regardless of PI/non-PI. Pick up a manual (ie: Haynes), and you'll see what I mean.

 

Talked to the engine manuf... Said that their book shows F75E block is for 99-2000 truck and that the F5AE heads are for car applications. They admitted they totally screwed up.

Their book shows F65E is valid Windsor code for both block and heads for '97-98, and that's how my original engine is stamped. (VIN code is definitely a "6" and installer confirmed 8-bolt flywheel.)

Tritonpwr - I was feeling pretty good yesterday - but concerned now that it doesn't match what you listed. Any ideas why?

Thanks!
Jason

 

Edit - It must be an F65E-BB even though the installer didn't mention it.

He did say that it has "W" stamped on the block and I just read on a Babcox article that is another identifying mark for the Windsor blocks.

Hopefully I will FINALLY be squared away by the end of this week!

Thanks!
Jason