4.6L Head swap?

[flamingX]

I have just bought an '03 V8 XLT that seems to have some ticking coming from one of the heads, I'm thinking rocker arm. I will be scrapping my '02 F-150, also with the 4.6.

According to Wikipedia the SOHC modular engine in the Expo and the Triton in the Effie are both one in the same but depending on which factory built it the heads are different.

Has anybody attempted this swap? or know if both came from the same engine plant? I assume they are, (it's not like I'm trying to swap one from a Mustang)
I could count the valve cover bolts, but I wont be getting the Expo til next weekend.

My plan (if they will swap) is to rebuild the ones off the Effie, re-cam them and give them (along with the intake) a port and polish then slap them onto the Expo so that I wont be without a vehicle for the duration of the machining process.

 

[jayton]

The Explorer uses Romeo heads. The Triton engines use Windsor heads. Your best bet is heads from 01-04 Mustang GT, as they are the exact same. You can be safe by counting the valve cover bolts. Check out these links for info on 4.6L and which models had engines from which factory:
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2238/rebuilding_the_ford_46l_sohc_engine.aspx
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/3541/rebuilding_the_ford_46l.aspx

 

[flamingX]

Thanks for the reply, You had me worried for a while but according to what I read on the links you gave me, after '01 the Windsor was only in the Supercrew F-150s, mine is Extenda-cab, which along with the Expos, had the Romeo. The only difference between the two, is the Expo motor has an aluminum block and the Effie is iron. The front cover is also different, but only the location of one bolt (into the block)

The heads are supposed to be the same but I will try to check the stampings on both sets once I get the Expo home before tearing into either of them.

Effie
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Controls/ImageViewer/ImageViewer.aspx
Expo
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Controls/ImageViewer/ImageViewer.aspx

 

[DallasGT01]

you can use the heads from the f150 but its just a rocker.. why not just replace them? if you swap heads you will need to use the valve covers from the f150 and the 2 top bolts on the front timing cover...

 

[flamingX]

you can use the heads from the f150 but its just a rocker.. why not just replace them? if you swap heads you will need to use the valve covers from the f150 and the 2 top bolts on the front timing cover...

Ultimately the plan is to rebuild the heads with new (more aggressive) cam and roller rockers, then give them and the intake a port and polish.

I figure if the ones off the Effie will work then I'll pull them off, do the work to them while driving the EX (the tick doesn't seem bad, I'm almost thinking it's just normal sound of the SOHC 'cause it sounds no different then any other one I've heard) so I will only have it off the road for a day.

 

[DallasGT01]

the stock rockers work perfect... just take the heads off or order a set from cushman motorsports... he has some of the best heads out there..

 

[rocco123]

U may also want to check out ticking isnt a plug ready to blow out.

 

[HiImBrian]

I just swapped ported heads, stage 1 cams, etc and a Bullitt intake into my ex. MMR (Modular Mustang Racing) has all the parts and info you'll need..

Also check your timing chain guides while you have the front cover off. That could be your tick.