Can't help you on performance modifications but can tell you that you should seriously consider putting the engine back in with the transmission attached.

I pulled my engine and left the transmission in place a few years ago and it was a major PITA to get the engine and transmission lined back up and back in the original location for the motor mounts.

Also, make darn sure your torque converter is fully seated BEFORE you try to mate the engine to the transmission. Ask me how I know...

If I never do this again - it will be too soon for me (and that was 5 years ago).

 

Other parts were here a week or two ago. All the rest of the parts are on their way. Went with flat top pistons instead of cams. Planning on doing the tranny swap this long weekend.

 

Couldn't get the Flat Top Forged Pistons, they were on backorder everywhere. Went with Comp Cams Instead. Truck is now here at home to swap in the new tranny this weekend.

 

Man I am pretty much going through the same thing. An engine and tranny swap I'm doing the 5.4 and a 4r70w

 

Motor Mounts, Timing Chain Guides are here. Motorcraft Plugs, ACCEL COP's, Comp Cams Cam Gears, Melling Oil Pump, Trick flow timing chains and crank gears were here last thursday.

 

Why would you use accel COPs?
There junk!

 

I'll admit it was a pain during my swap. But having to pull the trans would take way longer. I think from the time we started lowing my engine into the bay to the time the trans was mounted and engine was no more than 45 mins. It would take at least an extra 2 hours to pull the trans. And you need the head clearance for it. Plus, the engine is already a tight fit, so I'm not sure how well that would even work unless you were pulling the cab or front core support. If I had to do it again, Id do it the same way. Take some precautions and make sure the TC bolts are fairly close to lined up with the flex plate before it goes in. Make sure there is a jack under the trans to lift the bell housing to the angle the engine is coming in at and it is not that big of a deal. I could definitely see where it could be a problem for some though. I honestly spent more time trying to mount the damn starter than I did lining up the trans and dropping the engine in.

 

Seriously? I sure hope not.
Starter is a real pain. To get out anyways...

 

Yes, seriously.
You would be just as well off with a cheep ebay set.
A lot of guys have had problems with accel COPs.

 

Well I sure hope they wont cause me any problems...

 

Manley Intake Valves
Manley Piston Rings
Block Heater
Comp Cams
All Here.

Got flat top forged pistons after all. Keith Black Premium Performance Pistons.
Should be here withing the next couple of days.
Almost Ready for reassembly.

 

So I am pretty sure that the main cap bolts and pins and head to block bolts need to be replaced as they are only one time use. Is this true?

 

Yes. Main and head bolts are always a must. They stretch due to the torque sequence.

 

Hopefully it all goes well Ryan

 

Thanks toyz. And it is going fairly well now, but classes are done on the fifteenth. So I hope we will be able to finish by then.