I have a 2004 Heritage XLT 4X4 w/ the 4.6L V8. Good engine, no big complaints. I just wish I had more horsepower, more mpg, keep up w/ my friends.

I have recently put a lift on it and 35" MTR's on 16X10 wheels. Little loss of HP there w/o a doubt.

My question is what exactly would have to be done to swap this thing out for a 5.4L and how hard would it actually be?

I'm pretty good when it comes to lifts, tires, rims, any accessories, but w/ engines I'm a noob!

Thanks for any input.
SilverNCSU

 

I had the same issue, needed more power after I put the 35's on the truck. I researched the issue for a couple months but after you consider the cost of a 5.4 with computer and wiring harness, and the fact that you will most likely have to switch out the gauge cluster and do mods to the ehaust as well I decided to go with a supercharger. I bought a used Kenne Belle from the classified section of this site and so far I am really happy. I can toast my buddys 5.4 anytime, any gear and I get better milage, so long as your foot is out of it. The other nice thing is you really dont need to change anything else if your happy with the power. I have heard that the superchip will add another 30 HP to my engine when I add it also... check out the Sig...

 

While I would never poo-poo the idea of adding a blower, I would also consider changing the gearing to get your motor rpm where is should be. By adding the taller tires you decreases your effective gear ratio. Changing them to 4.10's or 4.56's should help out in the acceleration part.
Jes

 

Thanks for the info guys. I did a little searching, and came across several companies on ebay selling superchargers for $2500-4000. Wooo...$$$

Then I saw this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33741

Not too sure about the claims of this thing. Reading through the feedback left from buyers, the majority have good things to say. A couple said it was a scam. Any input?

Thanks,
SilverNCSU

 

lmfao. good one silver.

 

What he's basicly selling is a Heater Fan that's been set-up to have a 3" intake and outflow. Basicly a cheep Turbocharger that's driven by a elec. motor instead of your exhaust.

With 2.1 psi boost it would help some but you'd generaly get more from a Turbocharger.

They claim a double digit increase in Horse Power. Now that I do not believe. That would mean you're pushing 420 HP out of a Stock '97 4.6 I highly doubt that is possible.

He also states you get a K&N style filter. I'd be more impressed by a K&N quality filter. Since K&N's cost about $50 I'd hate to get a crap filter and have to lay out more so it can breath.

You may want to start out by trying a good Air Filter if you're not already running one.

A K&N Stock syle filter or a Fram AirHog, will make a noticeable difference by them selves.

 

I want to make a correction to my 1st reply to you, I meant to say do the gears 1st, if you supercharge your truck now without doing the gears you will blow up your tranny fairly quick since you will have no gearing to get the truck moving. The suggestions I got when doing gears was to go with a 4.56 if I was going to leave the engine alone or 4.10's if I was going to supercharge it. I chose to go with a supercharger and the 4.10's and the performace is great. I did not notice a signifigant loss of MPG (currently 10 - 15 depending on how heavy my foot is ) If you decide you want the supercharger option just be patient and search the classifieds on this board, I ended up getting a terrific deal I paid 1700.00 for a nice used Kenne Belle that had everything included. keep us posted on your descision.

Oh ya, Stay away from the Gimmics, its a scam .... a heater fan does not equal a turbo....

~Mike

 

Don't forget, the 5.4 comes with the bigger rear end (11" vs. 9") and just swapping a 5.4 in requires much more than just the motor swap. Generally speaking, you're asking for trouble.

 

Silver,

Start with gears. 4.56:1 with 35s will get you back to where you started and then some too. It should give you somewhere near a 3.92:1 compaired to stock. This mod should run you between $1000.00 and $1500.00 US. If you want to swap a motor you should get a new one, or as close to new as you can afford. I picked up a 99 5.4 for $800.00 CDN, 50¢ US.
I believe that ford stopped making 2 valve 5.4s in 2003. Except for the Superduty but the intake will make for more mods to be done. So count on at least t 4-5K for the motor.
If you have a Romeo engine then the Flex plate is different. Six bolts Romeo4.6 and 8 bolts for the Windsor 5.4 After you get that taken care of you will have to get a custom chip burned, no need for a new PCM. This will add power and cost about the same as a new PCM.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Generally get more from a turbocharger? Come on, if it was as easy as an electric motor, REPUTABLE vendors would carry them.

Technically, a 10 horsepower increase is "double-digit" and I'd be willing to bet this is the type of gain they are claiming.

I have also read of people installing these tthings and then later on the plastic blades crack and are sucked into the intake.

Best advice you can get regarding those things...

 

Thanks for the input guys. I was pretty sure that thing was a scam for a piece of sh**. Was just curious of how it was actually increasing anything on anyone's truck.

I'm looking around for some 4.56:1 gears and I talked w/ Troyer performance about a micro tuner. I'll probably just go that route for now. I'm pretty sure w/ the right gears and a tuner I might be able to hang w/ or smoke my friend's 5.4. Hopefully!

Supercharger sounds good. Guess I'll keep looking for deals in the classifieds and other places. Can't exactly afford a brand new one. $$$

Thanks again guys for the input.
SilverNCSU