Vigilante
Well-Known Member
Ok. So I am at the point where I would like to get to work putting a new motor into my Expy. Its a 1999 4.6L.
I remember doing reading on this before and finding that the pre 2000 I believe did not have the PI heads, thereby making them less valuable motors.
My 1999 is at 165k miles and is showing signs of its age and how rough it is used, so I really would like to build myself an engine I know won't let me down. I've read thousands of posts on the topic of 4.6 vs 5.4 and I feel very indifferent about either engine since the performance seems largely the same. I just want to build something that won't corrode from the inside out, like the Modular motors are famous for.
So here are some of my questions. At this point, I am taking all consideration as to what should be done. I have a very tight budget and I am committed to putting in this new motor. However, if it breaks the bank, it means I have to sell the rig! And I would much rather not do that!
So, am I better off buying a pulled motor from a wrecker and dropping it in as is? Or is it worth the time and effort to replace potentially worn out parts so it wouldn't have to be done later?
Is one motor particularly cheaper than the other?
Does either engine have a 5spd option I could "drop-in"?
Since my 1999 is a 4.6 4spd, I know if I went with 4.6 I wouldn't have to change computer, transmission, etc. And that is appealing to me since it seems like it would be the cheaper way to go. I find 5.4s available quite often but am concerned about having to go through other potential changes like computer, harness(?), transmission. I am technical, very, but have never done an engine swap on something like this before. So again, your input would be much appreciated!
I remember doing reading on this before and finding that the pre 2000 I believe did not have the PI heads, thereby making them less valuable motors.
My 1999 is at 165k miles and is showing signs of its age and how rough it is used, so I really would like to build myself an engine I know won't let me down. I've read thousands of posts on the topic of 4.6 vs 5.4 and I feel very indifferent about either engine since the performance seems largely the same. I just want to build something that won't corrode from the inside out, like the Modular motors are famous for.
So here are some of my questions. At this point, I am taking all consideration as to what should be done. I have a very tight budget and I am committed to putting in this new motor. However, if it breaks the bank, it means I have to sell the rig! And I would much rather not do that!
So, am I better off buying a pulled motor from a wrecker and dropping it in as is? Or is it worth the time and effort to replace potentially worn out parts so it wouldn't have to be done later?
Is one motor particularly cheaper than the other?
Does either engine have a 5spd option I could "drop-in"?
Since my 1999 is a 4.6 4spd, I know if I went with 4.6 I wouldn't have to change computer, transmission, etc. And that is appealing to me since it seems like it would be the cheaper way to go. I find 5.4s available quite often but am concerned about having to go through other potential changes like computer, harness(?), transmission. I am technical, very, but have never done an engine swap on something like this before. So again, your input would be much appreciated!
