For those that have received a new motor, which did they replace it with. THe 235 hp or 260 hp. I went to the dealership because of piston slap. They made a couple phone calls and now I have another motor on the way. What am I getting. They said it would be a long block, but they don't know if it has the updated heads. Is the new motor a rebuilt one. Will it be as reliable as an original 5.4 that is knock free.

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT

 

Hi Ford-Tough1,

I have received an "FQR" motor in my 1997 F-150. The original motor had a distinct case of piston slap. The new motor had an oil pan with 6 quarts of oil, heads, and new valve covers. Even a new water pump. Really a substantially complete motor. All it needed was my intake and exhaust manifolds.

Now, I have read on this site that some think the horsepower increase is due solely to changes in intake and exhaust manifolds. While I have observed obvious changes in both, I do wonder if my replacement motor has any upgrades internally (valve size, cam lob, etc). I have a little under 200 miles on the new motor and it definitely has increased low end torque and seems to have a bit more horsepower also. The dealership did a real nice job on the install. I am very pleased and glad Ford made this right for me.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

DirkR
1997 F-150 4x4 5.4L S/C ORP 1999 FQR Motor

 

Thanks DirkR, I believe the performance gains were primarily from the heads. Does any one else know if the motor I will be getting will have any changes, besides slap free.

 

Are you guys getting any warranty adjustments for the motor?

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cphilip
97 F-150 SC Lariat 4.6L (Windsor) automatic, electronic 4X4 w/ every option of ORP except the 17" wheels and the decals, MODs K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TCS 600 hard cover, Bridgstone ATP 265/75 R-16's, Trailmaster VVS shocks.

 

No, I am not going to pay the first penny.

 

Hi cphilip,

Yes, mine was a warranty adjustment. Almost $3k worth of repairs. These repairs are covered under Ford issued service bulletins.

DirkR
1997 F-150 4x4 5.4L S/C ORP

 

They should give you a 260 horse motor. The 235hp one arent even in production anymore.

 

I guess what I really was wanting to know is are they going to extend the mileage under warranty as your odometer will turn over 36K before the new engine is actually at its 36K. At least for your engine?

 

Can't speak with certainty about the warranty
that people are getting on replacement motors
that are still under warranty but my replacement motor carries a 12 month 12,000
mile waranty, would guess that is is the same across the board, if you get it replaced at
30,000 miles it would be covered until 42,000
miles for example.

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97 F-150,XLT,4X4,Supercab,bright Red,5.4,3.55 LS,LT265/75/16 Bridgestone Dueller A/T tires,Downey SST soft tonneau cover,56,000 miles with piston-slap motor about to be replaced.

[This message has been edited by kcdan (edited 10-15-1999).]

 

fast46triton, that is true but would they give me a rebuilt 235 hp.

 

Hi cphilip,

KCDan is correct. My replacement motor has a 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty.

Ford-Tough1,

I am really wondering about whether I received a rebuilt 235 hp version or if it is a 260 hp equivalent. For the first time ever, I climbed a hill on the way home last night with the cruise control on traveling at 65 mph. The truck climbed the hill without downshifting once. This has NEVER happened before, and I have traveled this way many times. The truck would lose speed, then downshift at about 63 mph. This time, it held at 65 mph. Either a really healthy motor or something is different.

Regards,

DirkR
1997 F-150 4x4 5.4L S/C ORP 1999 FQR Motor http://home.att.net/~c.p.a./fordtrk.html

 

If I remember correctly the '98 motors horsepower increase came from redesigned heads and intake. Therefore, the FQR motors don't necessarily have to be the 265 version. They could rebuild the '97 model heads and since they didn't replace the intake on mine I wouldn't be getting the benefit of that either.

With that said however, my truck runs better than it has in a while. Don't know why, but it sure is smokin' now.

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR), Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter and Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd. Rigged the fog lights too.

 

Kkirt,

When you say the 98's power increase, do you mean from the 235hp to the 260hp version? The increase was in 99'.

 

I think the '98's went up to 250 then to 265 in '99. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

5.4L in 98 was only 235 hp....for 99 models..it went up to 260 hp.

The 2000's have 265 hp (so I have been told from 2 dealers). The book still says the 2000's have 260 hp.