Engine swap on expedition

[chiliman10]

Hey guys, I am new to this forum. I am purchasing a 2003 Expedition dirt cheap because the car doesnt run. This is probably a bad idea, but I am really good with cars so I am not concerned to much.

The is a 2wd 2003 Expe with a 4.6
Question, what engines go in its place, because I am beginning to get confused about all this information about some having aluminum blocks, and then some using windsor plant built motors and such. I am asking for the VIN prior to purchase to confirm everything, but any insights would be appreciated. In addition, can different engines be swapped in its place?

 

[stamp11127]

Easiest is to stay with the 4.6 as it is a simple bolt in replacement. I'm not 100% sure but I think the 5.4 uses a different engine harness than the 4.6.

What is wrong with the 4.6?

 

[chiliman10]

Hey thanks for the reply.

Im not sure what is wrong with the motor, but as a what if situation I am trying to figure out what motor goes in it. Is this the 4.6 that you find in the trucks from 97-03, or is it a different 4.6 altogether. I have heard about some being aluminum block instead of iron block as well. When you look for replacement engines on car-part.com they come up very expensive oddly enough, and then when you search for a 2002 f150 engine, they come up pretty cheap. I am just trying to understand what engine can go in that expedition on a what if basis, and what the differences are.

 

[bedrck46]

sending you a PM

 

[stamp11127]

If your not going to rebuild it yourself best route is a crate motor from a reliable source. Don't know if Ford still offers them but they had a great warranty on their crate motors. It may seem expensive to go that route but I ask myself how many times do I want to pull the motor and/or trans. just to possibly save a few bucks with a junk yard motor that you don't know the history of.
I used to rebuild the engines as needed when I was younger. Now that I'm older and grumpier - I mean wiser, I say screw it. Too damn much work unless it is your hobby and you have the time to do it correctly. But if you screw up, the warranty is on you. It is a lot easier and to unbolt them from a pallet....

 

[toms89]

Easiest is to stay with the 4.6 as it is a simple bolt in replacement. I'm not 100% sure but I think the 5.4 uses a different engine harness than the 4.6.

What is wrong with the 4.6?

Not enough torque !?

 

[chiliman10]

Hey everybody I appreciate the insight thus far. However, can you all help me with the original question. I am really looking to replace with a salvage yard motor. Can you use one from a 2001-02 truck? Can you use one from a 2001-02 expedition? Can you use a Windsor 4.6 in place of a romeo? Can you use an iron block motor instead of aluminum?

 

[toms89]

Hey everybody I appreciate the insight thus far. However, can you all help me with the original question. I am really looking to replace with a salvage yard motor. Can you use one from a 2001-02 truck? Can you use one from a 2001-02 expedition? Can you use a Windsor 4.6 in place of a romeo? Can you use an iron block motor instead of aluminum?

As I understand it..

Romeo, windsor, aluminum block does not really matter. Same bolt patterns, bore spacing, etc... They are essentially the same in function. PI windsor heads vs romeo vary slightly in that the romeo has cam girdles and they use different valve covers. Otherwise they are both interchangeable as are the blocks. If you are purchasing a complete long block you are good to go regardless just make sure you purchase a 99 or later 2v with PI heads.

If you decide to go with 5.4 there may be some differences that would have to be addressed.

 

[chiliman10]

Thanks so much for the reply! I have go first figure out the problem with the motor, but then I'll be on the right trsck. Thanks sgain!