4.6 To 5.4 Swap

If this describes you, below is a guide on how you can make this change. The result will be added torque and a happier you.

• First things first, you need to think about the cost. The best way to go is to find a recycled 5.4, which should cost you one thousand dollars or thereabout. There will be other costs, so the less you spend on this, the smaller your budget will be. Also, do not skimp in the name of saving cash on your 4.6 to 5.4 swap mustang. It will end badly.
• Secondly, you will need to be cautious in this 2005 f150 4.6 to 5.4 swap; else, you will increase the costs. If you are not sure about your DIY skills or think you have messed up, seek help. The good news is that this swap is pretty easy, and doable for a DIY-er. Plus, the process is fun, more so when you have a pal keeping you occupied with countless stories. 

With the confidence needed and budget underway, you can get started on this relatively straightforward process.

What do you need?

You should have an engine hoist, air tools, a torque wrench, a welder, and a set of sockets and wrenches. You can also have a lift, which is not necessary, but it will make the processes much more manageable. Where you cannot get a friend, maybe have some cases of beer to keep you occupied. It will take a while. Be sure not to drink so much that you end up damaging the car or hurting yourself.

For the parts, you should be careful such that you do not end up with parts that cannot fit or work together. Find out what will work for your 2010 f150 4.6 to 5.4 swap, and try and get a dressed long block. ‘Why,’ you ask? Well, it makes the process easier, and that is the goal in this case. You will need a 5.4 intake manifold, but you can always make do with a JPC manifold. For the intake manifold, you can choose to get some aftermarket fuel rails. You will not need them, but they go a long way in ensuring the success of this swap. If you do not have to buy something, it helps to save that cash for future costs. A good example would be the stock water pump. In this case, you can reuse what you have in place, as it will work just as well.

You will need an eight-bolt flywheel, engine support brackets; an oil pick up tube, UDPs, and CMDPs. O-ring fittings will be necessary on the fuel, as well as prothane motor mounts.

When dealing with a V6, in the case of 2008 f150 4.6 to 5.4 swap, you will need some extra things.

They include

an oil filter, evap lines, driveshaft bolts, a water pump, an H pipe, an alternator, exhaust manifolds, injectors, and an airbox. Additionally, you will need a clutch, driveshaft, engine harness, rear end, and ECU and a start-up tune .

The Process

At this point, you have everything you will need for the 4.6 to 5.4 swap crown vic, and you can lay the items out. Ensure that you are ready because it will be hard to take breaks during some of these steps.

• First, you need to remove the motor which you wish to swap. It is quite a simple process. You start by discharging the AC before draining all the fluids. From here, you remove the hoses and harness before dismounting the trans and motor mounts. You can then lift the motor and remove it. Some people prefer to take off the intake manifold when removing the motor, as this makes the removal easy. Try it and see how it works for you. From here, connect one of the alternator studs to the engine leveler. Do the same with one of the upper transmission bolts.
• At this point, you do not have a motor in the car. Remember where I stated that a dress long block would be the better option? Let’s assume you went with this purchase. Remove the water pump pulley and crank pulley on the 5.4. You will also need to remove the fan clutch on the motor. From here, replace the water pump with that on the old motor before installing your UDPs. Proceed to install the engine support brackets on the dress long block, taking note of the labels. Install the stock belt followed by the alternator and finish off with the stock oil filter.
• Now we are at the third step, which should be pretty straightforward. Start by removing the flywheel and follow through with uninstalling the clutch assembly. From here, install the new pilot bearing as well as the eight-bolt flywheel. Finish off with installing the stock clutch.
• Step four involves installing the CMDPs, fuel rails, and the manifold before setting the passenger side header. Do not work on the driver’s side header until you have the motor in the car. At this point, your work is almost over. Note that you are making a 4.6l to 5.4l swap, and some modifications will be necessary.
• Step five involves these changes that will be necessary for the motor to work. First off, you will need to ground down the driver side header as this will clear the steering rack. Secondly, you will need to alter the stock, given that the water necks are different. Ensure that you weld the same in the right position to ensure that the hose fits. You will also need to cut and widen the H-pipe so that you can make room for the 5.4, as it is quite broad. The wiring for the motors is not all that different, save for the knock sensors. Here, it will depend on the make of your car. In some cases, you can swap the sensors and use what you did with the old motor. But for a V6, you have to work on some soldering.
• Now you have come to the last step. Put your motor in place and connect the transmission and harness before loading the new start-up tune. Your motor is now ready to go.

When it comes to a 5.4 to 4.6 transmission swap or an explorer 4.6 to 5.4 swap, all you need is some DIY experience. Be sure to make the necessary modifications to ensure that the replacement works as it should. And be ready to experience increased torque that will have you feeling like a mechanic in the making. Take care, and good luck!