Hello, first post! I bought a 97 e150 for parts for a van project I am doing. Turns out it has a good running 5.4 with only 105k on it. So I have been looking for a clean expedition with a bad engine. Finally found a real clean 99 Eddie Bauer with a rod knock.

So what is going to be involved in getting the 97 engine into the 99? I know the 97 is npi, and the 99 may or may not be? Assuming the 99 is pi, will the 97 engine drop in and everything hook up and run ok?

I would rather not get involved with head swaps unless I have to. But if I put the 99 pi heads and intake on the 97 shortblock, compression goes way up to 10.5 or something? Would probably have to run premium, then?

Any tips or info regarding the swap will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

what's wrong with running premium??

the extra power, will save fuel unless you can't control your right foot

 

I guess nothing. But I want to make this as easy and fast as possible. So if keeping the complete 97 engine in one piece and dropping it in can be done, I would rather do that.

Will all the 99 harnesses hook up to the 97 engine and will it run correctly? The expedition will be at my house in a few hours. There is a chance a 99 expedition is npi?

 

99 5.4 is PI.
I'm sure you can get it in there and get it running.
You may need to swap around some small things but you have both motors to work with.
Not sure how good it will run on a PI computer tune, but it should start anyway.
Naturally it will have a little less power then a PI 5.4

 

I got the van engine out. When I get the expedition engine out I will take some pictures of any differences if anyone is interested. At the very least the drivers side exhaust manifolds need to be swapped and the throttle body elbow.

 

Got some of the expedition taken apart. Noticed the driver side ider pulley is missing.

 

If your talking about the #5 pulley,,it probably never had one. My truck never did.
https://www.f150online.com/forums/19...-diagrams.html

 

OK, cool thanks. Seemed strange as the van engine had it. Anyways, got the intake off the expedition. A few differences. I think I read the pi intake will not bolt on to npi heads, correct?

If, and it is a big if, I decide to put the pi heads and intake on the npi engine........

What would I expect to pay for parts to do it? Gaskets, head bolts, etc. Are the cams the same between pi and npi? I would take the pi heads as they are with 137k and put them on the 97 engine. I would not get them rebuilt. Trying to keep this as cheap as possible. Would i have to be concerned with piston/valve clearance issues?

 

Not sure but I don't think it will.
You can get one off ebay for a reasonable price.

Piston to valve clearances are not a problem,as long as you get the timing set properly.
Look on Summit racing for prices on your gaskets, bolts ect.
http://www.summitracing.com/?target=...h.asp&N=400070

PI and non PI cams are not the same.
Just use the PI cams in the PI heads.

 

Ok thanks. Got the expedition engine ready to come out. Wow, I had no idea it would be such a PITA. Anyways, what the heck do you guys use for lifting points to get the thing out? Was staring at it for a bit, and then it started to rain so I called it quits.

Couple other problems. 2 exhaust manifold studs on one side and one on the other are broke off. Judging the condition of the others, I am guessing that most or all are going to break also. Is there a write up on how to fix this?

How about a write up on timing the cams after a head swap?

Thanks for your help.

 

What are the chances this thing was making all the noise because of the busted off studs. It was loud!! Still had oil pressure according to the dash gauge.

Here is a short vid I made when I got it home last week.

 

That sure sounds like exhaust leaks to me....................

 

It makes me wonder now.... But it was loud! Metal on metal. Start it and loud banging, oil pressure would come up ( i am guessing), it would quiet down a little. Drove it around the block only to see how trans and everything else worked. I was wondering if I would make it back.

Sounds way worse than the video.....

 

For pick points, once the intake manifold is off, use one of the top trans/bell housing bolt holes on the block and the alternator mount, like this...




Just make sure it is not long enough to go into the bell housing. If you offset them like I did, it balances nicely

 

The exhaust manifold bolts are a PITA to deal with.
Look in the (how to) and (exhaust) forums for a write up on fixing them.
Search the (how to) and the (V8) sections for timing the cams.