My 5.4L 3v Adrenalin engine swap

*stylin99* · 02-14-2009, 11:57 AM

Well, it's just beginning to take shape, but I'm looking for a 5.4L 3v engine from recent F150's or Expeditions to swap out the 4.6L in my '08 Adrenalin.

I think it's a direct drop in with a few minor issues of course. I'll have to check the hood clearance and front pulley setup.

I plan to throw some cams in, upgrade the throttle body/MAF/intake tube and get a good tune before its all finished. Should make for a nice torquey Adrenalin!

THREAD UPDATES- 4-6-10
-- new 5.4 3v engine and Whipple are installed and purring like a kitten.
-- sorting out the transmission and converter tuning issues
-- fuel system and new custom exhaust system being installed as I type this update
-- Dyno tuning coming in next few weeks

gbb · 02-14-2009, 01:46 PM

Sounds like a sweet swap. The 4.6 is a good motor buy pretty anemic.

Have you thought about a 32V Navigator motor?

*stylin99* · 02-14-2009, 02:49 PM

Yea, but the 5.4 3v is a more direct swap so I can keep the variable cam timing and 3v heads similar to what's already in the car. That way I won't have to modify the wiring harness or computer. The ECU doesn't care what the displacement is, so it will think it's the same engine.

I looked under the hood today and don't see any real obstructions that the 5.4 might cause other than the intake height. Might have to do an aftermarket intake to fit under the hood, not sure yet.

UIN2IT · 02-14-2009, 04:36 PM

Deffinetly interested in this! Let us know how it goes!

C&L makes a nice Intake for the 2005+ Mustnag that might work for ya! The Runner length on our STA's are taller than the mustang so if you are talking about a shorter intake manifold then the mustang one should work!

*stylin99* · 02-14-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UIN2IT

Deffinetly interested in this! Let us know how it goes!

C&L makes a nice Intake for the 2005+ Mustnag that might work for ya! The Runner length on our STA's are taller than the mustang so if you are talking about a shorter intake manifold then the mustang one should work!

Thanks, I'll definitely be updating the throttle body/MAF/intake tubing.

The problem with the 5.4 is that the deck height is taller which separates the intake ports further apart than a 4.6. I can either get the adapter plates to match a 4.6 intake or I'll have to use a truck 5.4 intake. I'm not sure how much higher a 5.4 stock intake is over the existing explorer intake. It can't be that much taller... this thing on the explorer is huge!

Anyway, for awhile I contemplated trying to use a Mustang supercharger and modifying it to work on the stock 4.6 (there are no kits for one), but I'd have to spend over $5000 in parts alone, plus any custom stuff because of the different engine bay design.

So I just decided to find me a 5.4 from a wreck, and then sell off the nearly new 4.6 (only 9000 miles) to recoup some costs. It gives me a better base to start with.

Stock 4.6 explorer: 292 hp / 315 tq
Stock 5.4 F150: 300 hp/ 365 tq

If I throw in some mild 3v cams, and get better airflow going to the intake, with a nice tune, the truck should be a nice little torque monster and still be daily-driver friendly.

That's the plan anyway! If anybody knows of a 5.4L 3v on the east coast, let me know, I'm looking to purchase one asap.

Infinity08 · 02-15-2009, 01:20 AM

Hey, Stylin, if you need to, go for the WMS intake tube. It is low profile, and a straight shot into the TB.

http://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/05hvi.htm

I had that one on my '06 GT.

Richie18 · 02-15-2009, 12:44 PM

This sounds like a great idea. Hope it turns out for you.

*TarHeel085* · 02-15-2009, 01:38 PM

Theres a couple 3v's in the charlotte are for around $1800 or so. www.car-parts.com

*stylin99* · 02-15-2009, 05:08 PM

Thanks. That's a bit high. I'm sure I can find one for cheaper than that if I wait it out.

adrnlnrush · 02-15-2009, 05:20 PM

I was talking about this to someone yesterday, but I was actually thinking Ford should have used the 5.4 3V in the Adrenalin from the start. Sounds like a good idea but I'm not willing to give the warranty away.

The mustang looks good by the way.

beermoney · 02-15-2009, 07:38 PM

i dont think the 6 speed transmission will not live long with that much torque. it will be difficult and costly to swap tranmissions as the 6 speed is internally controled the other is computor controled.

Richie18 · 02-15-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adrnlnrush

I was talking about this to someone yesterday, but I was actually thinking Ford should have used the 5.4 3V in the Adrenalin from the start. Sounds like a good idea but I'm not willing to give the warranty away.

The mustang looks good by the way.

They were going to put the supercharged 4.6L (Mustang) Terminator engine in the Adrenalin, which if you recall made 390HP/ 390 Ft-lbs.

*TarHeel085* · 02-15-2009, 08:57 PM

that was the original plan, but obviously it got scrapped, damn penny pinchers at Ford

http://www.diseno-art.com/encycloped...drenaline.html

*Sams01XplrSprt* · 02-16-2009, 02:16 PM

nice adrenalin and stang u got there

psycareyo · 02-17-2009, 10:39 AM

It would probably easier to supercharge the exisiting engine and upgrade to a lower gear ratio. Hell...even upgrading to a lower grear ratio alone would give you more torque.

The Supercharger is like $6200 and it's about $1500 to swap the gears out on a 2wd. You will gain a hell of a lot more power here than just swapping out for a 5.4L.

Unless they build a vehicle similar to the STA with a 3.5L EcoBoost dual turbo V6, I'll be supercharging mine eventually. I'm just a littlse hesitant right now because $6200 supercharger + $3000 gearing is $9,000 of upgrades. I don't owe much more than that on the damn thing lol.

psycareyo · 02-17-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beermoney

i dont think the 6 speed transmission will not live long with that much torque. it will be difficult and costly to swap tranmissions as the 6 speed is internally controled the other is computor controled.

I don't agree that it can't handle the power.

I hate it though. I much prefer the 5 speed that I had in my 05 F150 5.4L

psycareyo · 02-17-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stylin99

Thanks, I'll definitely be updating the throttle body/MAF/intake tubing.

The problem with the 5.4 is that the deck height is taller which separates the intake ports further apart than a 4.6. I can either get the adapter plates to match a 4.6 intake or I'll have to use a truck 5.4 intake. I'm not sure how much higher a 5.4 stock intake is over the existing explorer intake. It can't be that much taller... this thing on the explorer is huge!

Anyway, for awhile I contemplated trying to use a Mustang supercharger and modifying it to work on the stock 4.6 (there are no kits for one), but I'd have to spend over $5000 in parts alone, plus any custom stuff because of the different engine bay design.

So I just decided to find me a 5.4 from a wreck, and then sell off the nearly new 4.6 (only 9000 miles) to recoup some costs. It gives me a better base to start with.

Stock 4.6 explorer: 292 hp / 315 tq
Stock 5.4 F150: 300 hp/ 365 tq

If I throw in some mild 3v cams, and get better airflow going to the intake, with a nice tune, the truck should be a nice little torque monster and still be daily-driver friendly.

That's the plan anyway! If anybody knows of a 5.4L 3v on the east coast, let me know, I'm looking to purchase one asap.

Actually BBR makes a kit specifically for the gen2 ST Adrenalin

http://www.blowbyracing.com/20ad400hpsus.html

Infinity08 · 02-18-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psycareyo

Actually BBR advertises a kit specifically for the gen2 ST Adrenalin

http://www.blowbyracing.com/20ad400hpsus.html

Unless things have really changed, they're shadier than a 100 year old elm tree.

gbb · 03-21-2009, 11:58 AM

Anything moving on this swap? It is very interesting.

BigV · 03-22-2009, 09:36 AM

I'm wondering if you could swap out an eaton m112 from the 03-04 cobras should bolt right up. If this is possible I would go that route just not sure if it works on our 4.6. On all the cobra forums they are selling used blowers injectors pumps heat exchangers since we usually upgrade. A used eaton goes for 300 bucks pretty cheap. I would bet you could swap a cobras system for less than 5000. The biggest PITA would be the intercooler you have to run all the piping and I'm sure there would be some custom fabrication. I would at least check into it can't hurt.

You could also by a wrecked cobras 4.6 they are about 5000.00 thats complete with supercharger and trans.

02-14-2009, 11:57 AM	#1
stylin99 Elite Explorer Gastonia, NC '08 5.0 Coyote Adrenalin Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 179 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	My 5.4L 3v Adrenalin engine swap Well, it's just beginning to take shape, but I'm looking for a 5.4L 3v engine from recent F150's or Expeditions to swap out the 4.6L in my '08 Adrenalin. I think it's a direct drop in with a few minor issues of course. I'll have to check the hood clearance and front pulley setup. I plan to throw some cams in, upgrade the throttle body/MAF/intake tube and get a good tune before its all finished. Should make for a nice torquey Adrenalin! THREAD UPDATES- 4-6-10 -- new 5.4 3v engine and Whipple are installed and purring like a kitten. -- sorting out the transmission and converter tuning issues -- fuel system and new custom exhaust system being installed as I type this update -- Dyno tuning coming in next few weeks __________________ '08 Adrenalin, red 5.0L Coyote engine swap with manual 6spd trans '99 Mustang GT, Supercharged w/nitrous, 829 rwhp Last edited by stylin99; 12-28-2010 at 02:51 PM.

02-14-2009, 01:46 PM	#2
gbb Wannabe Elite Explorer Texas 2008 Sport Trac Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Vehicle Specs	Nice! Sounds like a sweet swap. The 4.6 is a good motor buy pretty anemic. Have you thought about a 32V Navigator motor?

02-14-2009, 02:49 PM	#3
stylin99 Elite Explorer Gastonia, NC '08 5.0 Coyote Adrenalin Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 179 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Yea, but the 5.4 3v is a more direct swap so I can keep the variable cam timing and 3v heads similar to what's already in the car. That way I won't have to modify the wiring harness or computer. The ECU doesn't care what the displacement is, so it will think it's the same engine. I looked under the hood today and don't see any real obstructions that the 5.4 might cause other than the intake height. Might have to do an aftermarket intake to fit under the hood, not sure yet. __________________ '08 Adrenalin, red 5.0L Coyote engine swap with manual 6spd trans '99 Mustang GT, Supercharged w/nitrous, 829 rwhp

02-14-2009, 04:36 PM	#4
UIN2IT Wannabe Elite Explorer Tampa, FL 2008 Adrenalin Sport-trac Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 140 Vehicle Specs	Deffinetly interested in this! Let us know how it goes! C&L makes a nice Intake for the 2005+ Mustnag that might work for ya! The Runner length on our STA's are taller than the mustang so if you are talking about a shorter intake manifold then the mustang one should work! __________________ 2008 Adrenalin V8 Tuned by Justin Starkey @ VMPTuining 266rwhp / 278rwtq Mods: 22" "Sport" rims \| %20 Tint \| ROUSH exhaust Tip \| Custom emblems \| Steeda Bed-hook Plates \| 1.5" Drop Springs Perf: Nocturnal Perf Intake w/MAF \| FM 50series muffler \| Hi-flow cat's \| 4pc Pulley set \| Zabteck TB \| SCT Xcal3 tuned

02-15-2009, 01:20 AM	#6
Infinity08 Wannabe Elite Explorer Charlestown, IN '08 Sport Trac LTD Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 555 Vehicle Specs	Hey, Stylin, if you need to, go for the WMS intake tube. It is low profile, and a straight shot into the TB. http://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/05hvi.htm I had that one on my '06 GT. __________________ 2002 Mounty 4.6 AWD stock

02-15-2009, 12:44 PM	#7
Richie18 Wannabe Elite Explorer 2009 STA White Suede Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 143 Vehicle Specs	This sounds like a great idea. Hope it turns out for you.

02-15-2009, 01:38 PM	#8
TarHeel085 And den Raleigh, NC '99 Sport 4wd Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 4,180 Vehicle Specs	Theres a couple 3v's in the charlotte are for around $1800 or so. www.car-parts.com __________________ Curtis My truck 3link D30 SAS. DONE '99 Saab 9-5 2.3T http://www.eastcoastgearsupply.com

02-15-2009, 05:08 PM	#9
stylin99 Elite Explorer Gastonia, NC '08 5.0 Coyote Adrenalin Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 179 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks. That's a bit high. I'm sure I can find one for cheaper than that if I wait it out.

02-15-2009, 05:20 PM	#10
adrnlnrush Wannabe Elite Explorer Winter Garden, FL 08 Adrenalin Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 120 Vehicle Specs	I was talking about this to someone yesterday, but I was actually thinking Ford should have used the 5.4 3V in the Adrenalin from the start. Sounds like a good idea but I'm not willing to give the warranty away. The mustang looks good by the way. __________________ 08 White Suede ADRENALIN 4.6L 6 Speed Auto http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3112747 "Can't" means "Don't want to" Last edited by adrnlnrush; 02-15-2009 at 05:39 PM.

02-15-2009, 07:38 PM	#11
beermoney Wannabe Elite Explorer grandy, nc 2007 sport trac V8 4X4 Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 14 Vehicle Specs	5.4 i dont think the 6 speed transmission will not live long with that much torque. it will be difficult and costly to swap tranmissions as the 6 speed is internally controled the other is computor controled.

02-15-2009, 08:57 PM	#13
TarHeel085 And den Raleigh, NC '99 Sport 4wd Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 4,180 Vehicle Specs	that was the original plan, but obviously it got scrapped, damn penny pinchers at Ford http://www.diseno-art.com/encycloped...drenaline.html __________________ Curtis My truck 3link D30 SAS. DONE '99 Saab 9-5 2.3T http://www.eastcoastgearsupply.com

02-16-2009, 02:16 PM	#14
Sams01XplrSprt Southern Cali Explorer Newport Beach California & Bay Area California 2001 Sport (sold) Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 15,633 Vehicle Specs	nice adrenalin and stang u got there __________________ 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 sohc engine. Mods include: dual 40 series flowmasters & high flow k&n air filter & removed silencer & yellow fog lights (sold for $1,800) as of 2-26-12

02-17-2009, 10:39 AM	#15
psycareyo Wannabe Elite Explorer Plattsburgh, NY 2010 STA Supercharged Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 202 Vehicle Specs	It would probably easier to supercharge the exisiting engine and upgrade to a lower gear ratio. Hell...even upgrading to a lower grear ratio alone would give you more torque. The Supercharger is like $6200 and it's about $1500 to swap the gears out on a 2wd. You will gain a hell of a lot more power here than just swapping out for a 5.4L. Unless they build a vehicle similar to the STA with a 3.5L EcoBoost dual turbo V6, I'll be supercharging mine eventually. I'm just a littlse hesitant right now because $6200 supercharger + $3000 gearing is $9,000 of upgrades. I don't owe much more than that on the damn thing lol. __________________ 2010 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin 4.6L V8 AWD SOS COP 31850, Magnaflow 14236, DMH E-Cutout, SCT Xcal3 ECM Brenspeed Dyno Tune & TCM Tune By Torrie @ Unleashed, Saleen VI.5 Supercharger Conversion by Brenspeed 400RWHP 386RWTQ!

03-21-2009, 11:58 AM	#19
gbb Wannabe Elite Explorer Texas 2008 Sport Trac Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Vehicle Specs	Anything moving on this swap? It is very interesting.

03-22-2009, 09:36 AM	#20
BigV Wannabe Elite Explorer Dirty Jerzey 2008 Adrenalin Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 345 Vehicle Specs	I'm wondering if you could swap out an eaton m112 from the 03-04 cobras should bolt right up. If this is possible I would go that route just not sure if it works on our 4.6. On all the cobra forums they are selling used blowers injectors pumps heat exchangers since we usually upgrade. A used eaton goes for 300 bucks pretty cheap. I would bet you could swap a cobras system for less than 5000. The biggest PITA would be the intercooler you have to run all the piping and I'm sure there would be some custom fabrication. I would at least check into it can't hurt. You could also by a wrecked cobras 4.6 they are about 5000.00 thats complete with supercharger and trans.