4.6 interchangeability

[jrobie79]

So I probably need a new engine for my 2002 4.6....when I go to car-part.com it shows that 2002 4.6's are different than 03-05. I called up a junkyard and told them I was looking for an 02 4.6 - 8th Vin Digit "W" and he said he had only 1; I asked if he had any other 03-05 explorer/mountaineer 4.6's and he said they wouldn't work in my car because whatever he was using to look it up is different.

Can someone confirm this isn't the case? I have all the accessories from my current 4.6 (2002) - intake/throttle body/etc...so I don't see how even the drive by wire 4.6's wouldnt work, correct?

 

[Number4]

You can use any 2002-2005 4.6. You just need to use your engines bolt on's. Even then you could swap over some of the improved design pieces. I'd look for the lowest mileage, close to '05 engine you can find. Then, inspect the timing components and possibly replace the tensioners before installing.

 

[jrobie79]

perfect, found an 05 for 699 with 89k on it

 

[TechGuru]

Since this is along the same lines I thought I'd ask...

Can a 2006-2010 4.0L be put in a 2003 or only 2002-2005?

 

[jrobie79]

SOHC 3v or DOHC 4v or stock 2v

which would you choose if you were going to be swapping motors? Also does anyone have a comprehensive checklist of what's required to put an Aviator engine in? I see the DOHC post, and maybe it's my ADD, but it seems the information is scattered and hard to arrange all required pieces.

I can get an Aviator engine with harness for $500 - I will be replacing the timing chains/guides/tensioners regardless, so that kit is $300, and I've wired many a stereo systems so I'm not too concerned with splicing the COP harness portion, I'm just looking for something I can put into an excel spreadsheet and check off once the part is acquired, so I'm not missing something stupid when I'm balls deep into the swap that is gonna make me wait another week for it to arrive.