Here is the deal, my 164,000 mile 1997 4.6 just took its last breath. I need a new motor, and I need it yesterday. I have looked into the 5.4 swap, but I don’t have time to deal with the little annoyances it comes with since this is a work truck.

My question is, what years of 4.6 will drop in with minimal modifications? I would like to get the PI (99+?) if it doesn't involve much modifications.

Also, I am assuming my truck has the “Romeo” 4.6, but are the others compatible if I can locate one?

Any help would greatly be appreciated. With out my truck, I can’t work... no work = no pay.

 

I am doing the swap my self, so any tips from others who have done this before would help. I have pulled many motors, but this is my first 97+ F-150.

 

JMC and Neal will beable to give you all the info and tips you will need. try a search or email them.

 

Cool, thanks. I'll contact them.

 

FYI, you'll need a 2001 or newer 4.6 to get the "PI" heads.

 

That helps greatly, thank you very much.

You wouldn't happen to know how hard it is to drop it into a 97 truck would you?

 

No idea man, but Neal just pulled his 5.4 and had it all torn down in about 5 hours I believe. He should have a pretty good idea on the general stuff. I don't know who the resident 4.6 guru is. If it were me, I'd get a hold of Crash! and Mike T. Check out got-pressure.com and modulardepot.com as well.

 

you are a God send my man.

 

ANYONE WITH INFO!!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!
can i change a 4.6l "romeo" with a 4.6l "windsor" in my 1997 f-150?

 

yes, although if you get a pi engine you will need a flush.

 

A flush?

 

Yes you can. As long as you have the Flex plate for the engine, the Romeo has 6 bolts and the Windsor has 8, it will fit. There are no external differences between both engines where they bolt to the motor mounts or the tranny. Use the wireing harness from the origonal engine and plug it into the donor engine. The reason for this is that you know that the harness works so you will not be chacing electrical gremlins. Basically you pull the old engine and install the donor engine. It is that simple. If you have any problems that crop up post them here and I will help. Depending on the year of the doner you will encounter diffewrent problems although minor. Your 97 4.6 uses a coil pack ignition and a 2000+ 4.6 uses a COP (coil on plug) ignition. That is why I suggest using your 97 engine harness as it will retain the coil pack ignition with spark plug wires. Most 2000+ engines are Romeo. The 2001+ engines use the Pi heads.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Well I picked up a 2002 Romeo yesterday with 23,000 miles on it. The motor looks to be in great shape. I have encountered one small glitch. Evidently they changed the valve covers somewhere from 1997 to 2002. The passenger side bolts right up, but the drivers side bolt holes don’t line up. I guess Monday I’ll hunt down a 2002 valve cover.

Other than that minor set back, it is going good. I truly appreciate all the help you guys have given me.

 

stupid question but which flex plate my romeo or the windsor? and what is a flush if i do get a 2001 or newer and last but not least salvage yard is trying to sell me a police interceptor from crown vic???? will a car 4.6 windsor work to replace truck romeo????? quick reply needed buying motor in am. time now 2055 eastern

 

I think the guy meant a flash (ecm), not a flush. I would try to stick to a 4.6 F150 block. The 4.6 in the crown vic may have a different cam grind on it to make the peak tourque at a higher RPM, but I'm not positive on that.