I have a 1997 Expy eb with the 5.4 2v.

I'm really not satisfied with the power it has, and wanted something to boost up my HP. I was thinking about buying a supercharger/turbocharger, but after all is said and done that would be a mighty spendy adventure itself.

A good friend recommended maybe my cure would be to put in a new engine, and in one of my old threads it was thought of as an option too. My main questions are:
When looking up ford crate engines what size can I go up to? Any companyies to recomend, or to stay away from.

At what power level would I look into having to work on the rest of the drivetrain? I would just have to facture that into the cost.

I am going to check local craigs list and work with a buddy too but any info on doing a swap out is good, and this is the best resource I have ever seen for Ford trucks. Any info you guys could give me would help me I'm sure.

 

whats your budget? about how much more hp/tq are you looking for? the gt500 supercharged 5.4 will fit in it. lightning swap. v10 swap. you'll need to get a custom tune no matter what you do, or dyno tune or get a whole different pcm. or you could go with a 99+ 5.4 2v with the pi(performance improved) heads. or 5.4 3v and customize a few things to make it work. it all depends on what your wanting to do, budget, and what your looking for as far as performance goes.

you can also go with the little mods like:
pi head swap
e-fans
tuner(wont make a huge difference with the npi heads)
gears
pullies
exhaust
cai

 

Ahh, just put a big block in it and go have fun

 

Hey thank you for the alternative ideas! I didn't know I could do a PI head swap to get the extra juice out of it. I could expect an extra 30 out of that correct? This engine is rebuilt so I will check on that.

As for budget, I haven't really decided but nothing crazy. I would be inclined to spend a decent amount, especially if I could squeeze out some better mileage. I'm getting 13 right now. I was thinking in the realm of 2-6k cash(cost of forced induction kit), and then if I sold mine for anything I could reinvest that. I was hoping for mid 300 hp, maybe up to 400 being a reaistic expectation for my budget. I get worried about getting to much more as I would guess I would have to put a lot more time/money into drivetrain. I'm really excited to have a project like this to work on, and I really do love my little expy.

It has cold air, exhaust (I don't think it was done well though and may have a leak I just noticed) but not headers, and E fan. As for Gear, I think I have the biggest it could come with.

 

why not find a used procharger or vortech kit and use it on your current motor?


keep the boost to around 12# with injectors, MAF, fuel pump and tune and then see where you are at

 

if only they made a big block that would bolt right in.

it'll give you about an extra 25hp and i cant remember how much torque. i think like 15 ftlbs?

your more than likely gonna need some boost for that goal. i would listen to tarajerame, he'll get you headed in the right direction.

long tube headers help alot too. i read that e-fans happen to be one of the best bang for the buck. and as far as gears go, find out what you currently have(should have a tag on rear end that says the ratio or just give us the axle code on the door jam sticker). if you have 3.55's, i would put a set of 4.10:1 ratio gears in it(front and rear if 4x4).

 

Not entering this thread to butt heads, but I don't think 4.10 gears would improve his fuel economy issue, sounds like it would just make it worse.

 

from other threads on here, most members actually claim that they increased in fuel mileage around town and on the highway, driving easy and staying close to the speed limit. i cant say if its true or not or if driving habits changed alot but thats just what they claim.

 

I have thought about the a scharger. You had been a great help before in looking into it!

I have been thinking about that. Just hesitant to go that route yet. I get nervous living in MN with the cold. I have been thinking about the STS turbo for a long time now actually. I think that would be pretty damn trick.

 

Town travel , OK, I can see that,

Good luck with your upgrades Dem Beats.. snag some pics and share
the outcome when completed!!!

 

I beleive my code is for the 4.10:1

H6

 

Supercharge it! Your vehicle tips the scales a tad over 6000 lbs. BTW H6 is for a 3.73:1 Limited slip.

.

 

She's a big girl! Thank you for clarifying that. I must have looked it up wrong when I googled the axl codes previously.


A side question then for FI, would it be in my benefit to upgrade any engine parts prior to trying something with FI. Such as PI heads or headers? I wouldn't imagine exhause could help too much with an FI type system but could some top engine work help out? Maybe as something in preperation before I decide what route to go. Turbo system or supercharger and what brand etc.