Looking to do an engine swap

[wrangler45337]

I have a '99 EB with the 5.4. Well it had a 5.4 until it spun 3 rod bearings and 2 main bearings. I have found a few 5.4's in junkyards but everyone wants way too much for one with twice the miles mine had. I am thinking of doing an engine swap using a 302, 351W, or a 460. I have read on other forums that the 351 will bolt to the 4R100 with some modifications and also read that a 460 will bolt right up to it. Not sure who to believe. Any ideas? I'm not concerned about mileage either.

 

[Stoned06]

Curious as to what they are asking for a 5.4. Is it a longblock or shortblock?

 

[jacks3am]

diesel diesel diesel, or the 302, because of the aftermarket following

 

[wrangler45337]

Most of them at 1500 for a complete pan to intake with 140,000 to over 200,000 miles on them. I have found a few decent mileage ones but they want upwards of 2500 for them.

 

[Stoned06]

You can get a complete remanufactured long block for $3K. Reman shortblocks are about $1200. $1500 for a complete engine does sound a bit high with those miles. Did you see if they would break it down to just the block since you don't need the other stuff?

 

[nvycrmn]

honestly, how much cheaper can you find the other engines? i plan on putting a 460 in when i do my SAS, once i get out of this damn emissions testing state!

 

[tallsville]

@nvy if u dont need another smogtest b4 u leave cali, y wait just do swap now. and enjoy the offroading here b4 u leave.

 

[panda24619]

i agree. but since hes in the nvy dont they test for the state hes from? idk how that works. smog is so DUMB here in cali. mostly cause of LA. no offense talls. but you guys suck! screwing it all up for the rest of us. haha but it also has to do where you live. i know in julian they dont have smog. LUCKY! and ramona only needs to smog the tail end not on a dyno like in the city. but if i were you nvy just do the swap now and hit the desert. roast everyone out there. haha i want to do a 429 swap. you know the boss motor. fords hemi. haha gotta be unique.

 

[nvycrmn]

even though my truck is registered in iowa, in order to get decals for my command, they require that i have a current smog test done. i dont have to abide by CA laws when it comes to that stuff, but if the command requires it, i have to do it. i will have to do one more smog test before i leave, that is the only reason i havent done it yet...that and i havent found a donor motor yet! haha

 

[wrangler45337]

I can find a complete 460 for under $500 that runs. It may be worn out and I will do a rebuild on whatever I do decide on (glad I spent 3 years of schooling in automotive engine reuilding and machining)! My main concern is, no one seems to know if any of the small blocks or big blocks will bolt to the trans. Not really wanting to swap that too, unless I have too.

 

[panda24619]

yeah thats only problem about this trans. if your doing a whole engine swap might as well get a new trans. from wht i herd this trans can barly support 400hp. so if you putting a lot of power in there might as well get a c6 trans. you can usually find one for cheap and rebuild it.

 

[Poispunch]

I'm not sure if anyone is still on this thread, but here's what I was thinking. I was looking around online and saw a 2002 Lightning with less then 80k miles for fairly cheap because it had been hit in the back end. I'm wondering if anyone knows if the engine and trans will slide right into my 1999 Expo or will I be needing to do some modifications?

 

[toms89]

I can find a complete 460 for under $500 that runs. It may be worn out and I will do a rebuild on whatever I do decide on (glad I spent 3 years of schooling in automotive engine reuilding and machining)! My main concern is, no one seems to know if any of the small blocks or big blocks will bolt to the trans. Not really wanting to swap that too, unless I have too.

The most economical solution would to be to rebuild your stock block if you plan to rebuild anyways. If you plan to do a motor swap you may well be the pioneer of this conversion. Not to say they are not out there but I have not seen any. I would stick with a motor that was available on the expy or f150 platform (same generation) so you know it could be done otherwise there could be considerable expense or time fabricating parts to make it work.

 

[toms89]

I'm not sure if anyone is still on this thread, but here's what I was thinking. I was looking around online and saw a 2002 Lightning with less then 80k miles for fairly cheap because it had been hit in the back end. I'm wondering if anyone knows if the engine and trans will slide right into my 1999 Expo or will I be needing to do some modifications?

I just realized this was an old thread...

Yes the lightning drivetrain will fit into the expy. If its 2wd I assume the tranny would also.

 

[toms89]

There would be some wiring differences and you would also need to have your computer reprogrammed unless you swap out the cpu and wiring harness out of the lightning. You will need all the additional supporting hardware from the lightning such as heat exchanger, reservoir, and pump. You will also need to change your fuel pump. The lightnings came with dual pumps. There would be no fabrication required, it all bolts in. There a a few on this site that have done a lightning conversion and many others out there. Just make sure you do your research and do it right.

 

[Wojorider]

In past experience big blocks Dont bolt right on no matter the manufacture. I've read that some may have adapter plates available