Is this Mounty worth $450? Lots of pics

[Number4]

Preface: I bought a 2000 Navi (wrecked) for $400 a few months back. I'm planning on "dropping" it's 5.4 DOHC into and '02-'03 Ex or Monty. So I've been looking for a V8 with a 'bad' engine, thus cheap.

So this 2003 Mountaineer Premier 4.6l AWD with 204k miles pops up on CL the other day for $900.
Said they did a leak down test and Cyl. 1,2,3,5,7 and 8 are all 160-175. Cyl. 4 is at 110 and 6 is at 115.
Also note: no oil on dipstick, intake leaking, coils soaked in coolant.

So I went to look at it.

Again, I'd like to salvage the engine if possible (not in this case I suppose) or part it out/sell for scrap.

The Monty needs:

• a new front bumper and header panel (part grill and headlights mount to.)
• New hood (just being picky)
• Both upper control arms (surprise surprise right)
• New tires soon (it's a used car)
• Passenger rear was rubbed by something, but no real damage. Just needs buffed and a new reflector.
• Drivers seat is trashed, I can get this at a wrecker for $45.
• Passenger mirror glass is busted.
• Odd stain on carpet in third row. Bleach?
• Second and third row seats are perfect, front passenger seat needs cleaned.
• Bezel around radio needs replaced ($20)
• Drivers window controls panel isn't seated.
• All metal in car is clean, undercarriage of car is really clean, no rust on either.
• Looks like someone used Armor All or something on the interior plastic and some parts have white marks now. Should clean off.
• Rear hitch has some odd rust, can clean up or just get another.
• Headlights are yellowed, $40 online each.
• Needs hood shocks
• Rear storage compartment latch is busted and jack is missing

That's most of the bad. Owner says the trans is good.

 

[Number4]

More pictures

 

[Number4]

Even more picutres

 

[Number4]

Some more pics

 

[Tyleryac]

I think it is worth it for $450. It has a lot of potential.

 

[Number4]

I think it is worth it for $450. It has a lot of potential.

You're not helping, you are supposed to be the voice of reason and say "no." lol

 

[2000StreetRod]

wider & taller

As I recall the 5.4L block is wider and taller than the 4.6L block. The 4.6L DOHC is a tight fit in a 3rd Gen Explorer/Mountaineer with rear wheel drive. I've been watching for a 2002/2003 Explorer with rear wheel drive and a shot V8 for about 6 months to install a 4.6L DOHC in. I suggest you determine if a 5.4L DOHC will fit in a AWD 3rd Gen. See '02 limited 4.0 to 4.6 dohc swap

 

[Tyleryac]

You're not helping, you are supposed to be the voice of reason and say "no." lol

Compared to "The Timing Chain Strikes Back" this seems to be a walk in the park to me haha!

 

[Number4]

[MENTION=111113]2000StreetRod[/MENTION], I know of 2 5.4's that have been installed so far, both SOHC though. Are you suggesting that the DOHC might be the issue? I'll measure real quick.

 

[Number4]

So the 4.6 is 26 5/8" wide and the 5.4 is 28 1/4". I'm guessing that the SOHC and DOHC are both the same width? Just different on the inside (between the heads) width.

Looks to be enough room on both sides.

 

[drdoom]

It's worth 450 (D4 axles , but is it worth putting that much into a high mileage '03? What would it be worth then I wonder, 3500 or so?

 

[Number4]

I'm playing with it. Or junking it if it doesn't go well. No intention of selling later for a profit. Unless the 5.4 goes well.

 

[drdoom]

Sounds good Number4. I do like project trucks, I have a big shop here and would love to have one too, but it's not happening until I get back to work.

 

[2000StreetRod]

short block width?

So the 4.6 is 26 5/8" wide and the 5.4 is 28 1/4". I'm guessing that the SOHC and DOHC are both the same width? Just different on the inside (between the heads) width.

Looks to be enough room on both sides.

Are those the short block widths? I think the DOHC heads are wider than the SOHC heads.
Below is a 2003 Mach 1 DOHC 4.6L.

And here's a 2002 Mustang SOHC 4.6L.

I suspect that the same is true for the 5.4L DOHC vs SOHC. The engine exhaust manifolds may interfere with the steering configuration. The engine in a 2001 Navigator looks considerably taller than the 4.6L DOHC.

Will you be able to close the stock hood?

 

[drdoom]

The engine exhaust manifolds may interfere with the steering configuration.

Meh, that much engine he can just drift!

 

[Number4]

I think it's a dealer selling. Or a person that buys and sells. For a person with a bad engine in need of someone to buy it, the guy is getting pissy. It's been detailed too. No evidence of someone driving it. Just seems like they're hiding something. It needed to be 'gone this weekend' so I'll see what happens next week. His CL add got flagged and removed. I'll call the shop where it's at tomorrow to see what they say.

 

[2000StreetRod]

which PCM?

If you install a 2000 Navigator 5.4L 32 valve into a 2002/2003 Explorer/Mountaineer which PCM would you use? The Navigator probably has a larger diameter MAF sensor and higher flow injectors than the 4.6L vehicle. If you use your Explorer/Mountaineer PCM you will probably need a custom tune. If you try to use the Navigator PCM it may not support the wiring configuration of your Explorer/Mountaineer. Some of the modules in the 3rd Gen have digital instead of analog interfaces (i.e. speedometer). I think at some year Ford started embedding the VIN in modules that communicate via a digital bus. What PCM did the 5.4L conversions you're aware of use?

 

[seanddrisc]

450 monty

Id buy it good fixer upper

 

[Number4]

If you install a 2000 Navigator 5.4L 32 valve into a 2002/2003 Explorer/Mountaineer which PCM would you use? The Navigator probably has a larger diameter MAF sensor and higher flow injectors than the 4.6L vehicle. If you use your Explorer/Mountaineer PCM you will probably need a custom tune. If you try to use the Navigator PCM it may not support the wiring configuration of your Explorer/Mountaineer. Some of the modules in the 3rd Gen have digital instead of analog interfaces (i.e. speedometer). I think at some year Ford started embedding the VIN in modules that communicate via a digital bus. What PCM did the 5.4L conversions you're aware of use?

My plan for now, assuming it'll fit, is to get the flex plate for an '08 F350 (fits other models too, possibly 08 Nav and Expo, don't remember) and install the Navigator engine whole. That is, I'll use its components. Figure out the exhaust. I don't know how well it'll drive, I plan to tow it over to Mo's Speed Shop here in Atlanta. It'll need a custom tune for sure. Should be able to use the 03 Mounty's PCM.

At this point, it'll have to be babied until I can get an upgraded converter, or I'll just toast the transmission.

LSXkilr put in a SOHC and I believe he used the stock PCM. Though his Ex is an '04. I wanted an '03 for the cable driven TB which the Navigator also uses.

stylin99 put a 5.4 3v in an '08 adrenalin before he put in a coyote engine and six speed manual trans. A little above my pay grade in ability.

Finally, GottaBigBlock put in a SOHC as well, supposedly coletrain777 went and saw it in person, but without pictures it's just hearsay.

Just Google '5.4 Explorer' and they'll come up.

I still have some more research to do, but a lot of the sensors are the same, I'll look into the specs on those that aren't. But the tune may fix this anyway.

I have the entire Navigator, so I've got all its parts available. I could take its computer, harness, cluster, engine and trans but that would require customizing the dash and a new driveline. Custom driveline would probably cost more than what I've spent on the Nav and the Mounty.

Im not doing any racing, just want a cool and unique vehicle. Who knows what I'll do to it down the road, assuming it all works out.

I paid $400 for the Nav at auction. I can get 1000 to 1500 for its engine, 400 for its trans plus a lot of misc parts and finally scrap. Get well more than what I paid.

Looks like I'm getting the Mounty on Friday. I talked to the mechanic where it's at. He said it has a bad head gasket and over heats. But aside from the cosmetic bumper damage, the cars good, especially for what I'm wanting to do. Lady who's selling bought it new. It is however 2wd, so no AWD tire action.

In all honesty, I don't know when I'm going to start this, like you, I'm gathering parts. I still need to put my '94 Explorers engine back in. Having [MENTION=17822]Turdle[/MENTION] powder coat some parts for that. Need the garage space that the '94 is occupying.


I don't plan to post anything until it's completed or completely failed. I hate those long threads that span years with everyone bumping. Especially the expectation from everyone at that point.

In the mean time, I think I'll pull the heads off the '03 Mounty and see if I can't fix it.

I'm mechanically inclined and have the support of this forum and YouTube, but I'm certainly not a Technician let alone a professional mechanic.

 

[Number4]

Id buy it good fixer upper

Plan is to pick it up Friday. I'm going to try and fix the head gasket (if that's it) and make it a regular driver. Paint or replace the bumper. Will know more once I remove it.

I figure, for $400 (dropped $50 woohoo) a can't really lose. I should be able to recover it worse case.
[MENTION=111113]2000StreetRod[/MENTION], on the hood, we'll find out. I have two extra hoods as it is now, may make a cowl hood.

On a side note, I thought reverse cowls were to let hot air out. Didn't realize it was a low pressure zone for taking fresh air in.