I HAD a link saved in my browser for a really great step-by-step someone here did a while back swapping a 2002 4.6 into a 1997 F-150, but using the site's search feature, I can't find it. Any help?

 

They are basically the same thing. Your 97 is a pre PI motor and the 02 is a PI motor. Swap over yor oil pan unless it's the same on the 02. Make sure that the 02 has a truck intake. You will not want to use a pre-PI intake on a PI motor. I recomend you keep your 97 ignition system, it's much more reliable than the COP's. I have a 97 myself and installed a 4.6 04 Aviator DOHC after changing out the orig. pistons and rods.. It's almost done, a LOT of work!! I kept my ignition system and added a Jacobs DIS box.

Lowflyingbird

 

COOL!! THANK YOU!!

BTW--The motor I'm looking at came out of a 2002 F-150, so I should be covered