What are the differences between a 1997 5.4L and a 2011 5.4L?

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Bowesmobile

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Like the title says. What are the differences between a 1997 5.4L and a 2011 5.4L. I have the chance to buy a low mileage 5.4L from a 2011 and replace the ailing motor in my 1997 4.6L. The swap is easy enough and this motor comes minus the intake and exhaust headers. So those items I can hopefully buy from another year truck if that will make the swap easier. I'm concerned that they went to a 3v set-up on the 5.4L and I'll need to buy cam phaser lockouts for it and a ton of other one off items to make the engine work. So let me know! Thanks!
 

FordandPolaris

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I think the main difference is the cam phasers. Real nightmare in my opinion and would keep me from ever buying a 3v 5.4L. But if the price is right, what the heck, it's the same block so as long as you have the correct computer to run it and a wiring harness to plug everything in, no reason it would not work.

Oh but my guess is that the flex plate/torque converter would need to be replaced and the computer retuned if you plan on using the 4 speed trans in the 97.
 
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01yellerCobra

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Put the lock outs in the phasers and you'll be ok. I've seen some guys use freeze plugs to seal the holes in the valve cover. You'll probably need a tune to get the 5.4 to run it's best.

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