what do ya think?

I don't have the money to buy a new truck!
I don't really want to buy a new truck!
I kinda like the one I got, but I want more power!
I think it would be fun to do!

Assuming I get a complete engine (including computer) is it a direct swap?
can I interchange the a/c, oilpump, radiator, basically the external components?
what about engine mount points?
what about the transmission?

I think that would be too much fun.
what do ya'll think?

mearnh



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1999 Reg cab flare side
4.2L V-6 w/3.08 rear end
Toreador Red

Bone stock for now,
air silencer removed...don't know that this helped any.
tinted windows...don't make it go any faster.
K&N filter...maybe it breaths better, I can't tell.

 

It can be done. I remember reading a magazine years ago and someone did that to a 97' reg cab short bed. I don't remember much of what they did to do the swap, but it was a slightly worked over cobra engine that put the truck in mid 14's for the 1/4. I think it was really expensive to do also, like more then a few grand.

 

Anything is possible.

I am sure the engine would be easy to install, most likely the motor mounts would be in the same place as the v6. The tranny would be the problem. If I were to undertake the project, I would get an engine and tranny from a cobra and swap that in. then you would have to make or move the current tranny crossmember and most likely get a custom length drive shaft. For the shifter, wow! hopefully that would work out.

personally the 4v engines are like $4-6k in price, so you would be better off getting a new truck with a v8 then installing a supercharger.

 

I have possible access to a 94' cobra engine for a lot less that $4K.
Its got over 100K miles but I was planning on rebuilding it before the swap.

I was wondering about the transmission.
That could be an interesting problem.

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1999 Reg cab flare side
4.2L V-6 w/3.08 rear end
Toreador Red

Bone stock for now,
air silencer removed...don't know that this helped any.
tinted windows...don't make it go any faster.
K&N filter...maybe it breaths better, I can't tell.

 

Just so you know, 94 Cobra's had the 5.0, not the 4.6L. It was rated at 240 HP where the 4.6 was rated at 305 HP. I've never seen a 4.6 DOHC motor for less than 8 grand, but I haven't been looking hard. Wasn't the 351 offered in the new-gen F250's (non-superduty)? If so, this is your answer. Ford would have all of your mounts and wiring already engineered for you. Big cubes, cheap parts, massive power. Go with a Ford stroker 351 and you are talking LOTSO power. There are tons of hipo parts for these engines, plus you can work on it yourself without all of the OHC special tools. You will need to do some custom EFI stuff, but that's jsut part of the game if you want to swap EFI engines.

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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.

1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17

My Home Page

 

One other thing to consider is state laws on engine swapping. Some state require you to put in an engine the same year or newer as the car. So you'd have to have a 99+ engine to put in. Back when I had my ranger I wanted to put in 2.3 turbo to replace the 2.3 and someone told me it may not be allowed, and to check with my state. But I got my 150 before I checked so a turbo ranger plan was cancelled.

But if your just looking for some more power, I'd say try things like chip, elec fan, exhaust/intake, and change your rearend gear ratio. The 3.08 you have is more of an economical thing, better gas mileage, slower acceleration. If you step up to a 3.55 or 3.73 your truck will feel like it has a new engine in it.

But the cobra swap can be done, and best of luck if you do try it. I wouldn't mind having one those engines either, heck I'd be happy if I could just get those 4v heads and swap them onto my 4.6.

[This message has been edited by captainoblivious (edited 10-10-2000).]

 

well, thats pretty much all it is now, is a thought, but It would very a very interesting swap.

You hit the nail on the head when you said that the 3.08 is a economic thing, the fact is, my 98' extended cab F-150 4.6L V-8 got better gas millage then my current truck. Strange but true. My dad just got a 2000 lariat F-150 extended cab and the sticker shows gas milliage at 18, which is better than what I'm getting now.

I definatly need to switch to a 3.55.

------------------
1999 Reg cab flare side
4.2L V-6 w/3.08 rear end
Toreador Red

Bone stock for now,
air silencer removed...don't know that this helped any.
tinted windows...don't make it go any faster.
K&N filter...maybe it breaths better, I can't tell.

 

96+ cobras are the ones with the DOHC. like mentioned, the 93-95 cobras had the 5.0 with the GT40 heads, 1.7rrs, slightly different cam, and cobra intake.

 

I stand corrected.
5.0 is right.
I think my hands got ahead of my brain.

------------------
1999 Reg cab flare side
4.2L V-6 w/3.08 rear end
Toreador Red

Bone stock for now,
air silencer removed...don't know that this helped any.
tinted windows...don't make it go any faster.
K&N filter...maybe it breaths better, I can't tell.