Engine choice for 98 Expedition Eddie Bauer

[jruppert]

I am looking at a 98 Expedition Eddie Bauer that is originally from Arizona. The Expy has 212k on it. The issue with the truck is a spark plug that came out and was repaired by owner. He is unsure how long the repair will last. I am able to pick it up for $1500. I am seriously considering it seeings that I live in Michigan and the current selection of Exby's are in the $3500 range and up.

So this brings me to the question of what I want to do with the engine. I would like to at least upgrade to the PI setup but with 212k I think it should be rebuilt which will add to the cost. Then I thought about going with a Navigator engine (DOHC). I have found a few of these for around $1500. After doing a few searches, I came across the Lightning setup.

Anyone have any opinions as to what I should do? I am capable of doing any of these swaps. It just really comes down to cost and benefits. If I were to stick with the 2v 5.4 I would want to go with some ported PI heads to make it worth while.

I did find a listing on ebay for a Lightning engine and blower with 70k. It says it has a chewed up/melted plug. I would feel it needs a rebuild but its currently at $1000. This is a complete engine. Would this be cost effective?

Thanks

 

[tonydiv]

You can get a decent remanufactured long block for just over $2k.
You would be hard pressed to rebuild it yourself for that kind of money.

Picking up a used motor is a total crap shoot. If you're a gambiling kind of person, you may want to roll the dice.

When the time comes, I'll be picking up a performance rebuilt motor for roughly $3200. 375hp and a 3yr / 36,000 mile warranty.

 

[jruppert]

I understand where you are coming from. That is why I was unsure as to what I should do. I would almost rather have a 5.4 dohc but again I wouldnt mind sticking with a 5.4 2v with a set of ported heads. Decisions Decisions

Are Partriot heads as bad as what people claim?

 

[ecqm8000]

It is hard to argue with boost, if ultimate power is what you are after. Reliability, low grade (cheap) fuel, I'd go with the 5.4. I intend on towing with my Expedition, but for a long haul or heavy load I'll take the Diesel.

 

[panda24619]

those are both 5.4. the difference is the heads. i wanted the dohc 5.4. ive seen one in a mustang and that car flew. he did no mods to it but exhaust and intake and i wish i remembered the eta but it was fast. it was on pass time on speed.

 

[jruppert]

So it sounds like maybe I will stick with the idea of going to a 5.4 DOHC. I am debating if I should rebuild it or find a lower mileage one and drop it in. Anyone know of what the best bang for buck improvement I can do to a 5.4 DOHC while its out? I hear the dohc has less torque off the line than a 5.4 PI. Maybe this can be corrected with a tune?

 

[tmajikman]

I think you also have to run 93 octane with the 5.4 dohc because of the higher compression, which will add up quickly, just a thought.

 

[jruppert]

I have not found any information regarding the exhaust when swapping over to a DOHC. I am unsure if the exhaust manifolds are the same between 2v and 4v. Also, I would imagine the mid pipe would need to be swapped from a navigator?

 

[panda24619]

the only thing i know thats hard to do is the wiring. cause you have to tune the computer. and i dont think you need to run 91/93 octane. i could be wrong. but i think the navis that had that engine ran off 89. but dont take my word for that. and if you can get a lower mileage one. but if your going to get a junkyard motor and you have the ability to take everything apart take off the valve covers and look at that and if you see sludge or damage dont take that one. but i think there are supercharger kits for the dohc too.

 

[tonydiv]

If you're going to get a boneyard DOHC motor, be sure to get the wiring harness and ecu with it. If not, you'll be chasing down problems for ages.