5.4L Lightning swap
10-08-2006, 06:43 AM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 75
5.4L Lightning swap
hey all,
ive been doing a lot of research lately about doing a built 4.6 setup but ive recently come across a way i can get my hands on a lightning shortblock and s/c for relatively cheap. ive been doing some research but i havent really come across anyone who has done this swap. ive heard that the 5.4 SOHC swap is pretty money with the exception of the intake manifold issues. My questions are:
1) Can i use the PI heads from my 4.6?? Will they be a direct swap to the lightning block?
2) Are the lightning heads better than PP PI heads? Should i just get the lightning long block?
2) Does the wiring harness from my 4.6 work? Will i just need to get a tune?
3) If i have to use a lighting lower manifold for the s/c, what kind of clearance issues will i have with my hood? Would i have to get like a 3" cowl so it will fit?
4) With the lightning putting down numbers like 380/450 will my stock tranny hold up at all? Would it even bolt up the the 5.4? I believe its the T-45, i have a 2000 GT 5spd. Even if it does bolt up could it even handle that much torque?
5) With the forged pistons and crank of the lightning, what kind of rwhp would this motor be able to handle? My goals are low 11s with about 475rwhp.
6) Does anyone know what kind of numbers you can achieve with a pulley swap?
7) Do you think this is a cost-effective way to reach my goal of 11s @ 475rwhp? I know im gonna need a lot of suspension mods and all the supporting goodies, but im just concerned with the "do-ability" of this swap.
Ill be looking into doing cams and full exhaust (even though ive heard LTs on a 5.4 is a difficult task) as well.
Ive got a zex wet kit now which im hoping to incorporate into this 5.4 setup. Or maybe ill sell it to offset the cost of the lightning block.
Sorry for so many questions but im trying to get as much information as possible because im putting my car up for the winter and ive got a buddy whos building up his 5.0. I can get all the labor for free but ive got to do it this winter. Ill be looking to get this shortblock around xmas.
Thanks in advance!!!
ive been doing a lot of research lately about doing a built 4.6 setup but ive recently come across a way i can get my hands on a lightning shortblock and s/c for relatively cheap. ive been doing some research but i havent really come across anyone who has done this swap. ive heard that the 5.4 SOHC swap is pretty money with the exception of the intake manifold issues. My questions are:
1) Can i use the PI heads from my 4.6?? Will they be a direct swap to the lightning block?
2) Are the lightning heads better than PP PI heads? Should i just get the lightning long block?
2) Does the wiring harness from my 4.6 work? Will i just need to get a tune?
3) If i have to use a lighting lower manifold for the s/c, what kind of clearance issues will i have with my hood? Would i have to get like a 3" cowl so it will fit?
4) With the lightning putting down numbers like 380/450 will my stock tranny hold up at all? Would it even bolt up the the 5.4? I believe its the T-45, i have a 2000 GT 5spd. Even if it does bolt up could it even handle that much torque?
5) With the forged pistons and crank of the lightning, what kind of rwhp would this motor be able to handle? My goals are low 11s with about 475rwhp.
6) Does anyone know what kind of numbers you can achieve with a pulley swap?
7) Do you think this is a cost-effective way to reach my goal of 11s @ 475rwhp? I know im gonna need a lot of suspension mods and all the supporting goodies, but im just concerned with the "do-ability" of this swap.
Ill be looking into doing cams and full exhaust (even though ive heard LTs on a 5.4 is a difficult task) as well.
Ive got a zex wet kit now which im hoping to incorporate into this 5.4 setup. Or maybe ill sell it to offset the cost of the lightning block.
Sorry for so many questions but im trying to get as much information as possible because im putting my car up for the winter and ive got a buddy whos building up his 5.0. I can get all the labor for free but ive got to do it this winter. Ill be looking to get this shortblock around xmas.
Thanks in advance!!!
10-08-2006, 10:42 AM
#2
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,178
RE: 5.4L Lightning swap
I am far from being an expert on this swap but am sure it has been done. Heads interchange but the 5.4 uses the same valves anyways which is part of the problem. .8 liters more with the same runners and valve sizes, small! Have you done a search? You should find some answers there. Most will say not to bother and to just use the 4.6 w/SC. Hey why stop with the 5.4, Ford is tinkering with the V10 for the mustang and have 2 versions with aluminum blocks. The 390c.i. version makes 605HP! Email me and I will forward you the articles. marksweet@webtv.net
10-08-2006, 01:45 PM
#3
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 2,489
RE: 5.4L Lightning swap
its been done...your heads are the same as a lightning...the one major issue is the height of the 5.4 and blower combo...even a 4" hood isn't tall enough! BUT getting a engine/blower in your car that can make 400/400 easily is worth the hassle...
10-08-2006, 07:02 PM
#4
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 75
RE: 5.4L Lightning swap
Most will say not to bother and to just use the 4.6 w/SC.
I can get my heads p&p for 500 bucks so Ill have pretty much a lightning longblock for ~ 3000.
thats cheaper than putting a s/c on my 4.6, plus i dont have forged internals...thats why this swap seemed like such a good one.
ive seen that the height of the 5.4 w/ blower is an issue, but ive noticed that the main part that sticks up is the throttle body/intake.
it would be tight as hell if i could get like a custom hood that acts as a ram air and still covers the blower...that would be badass.
prolly not worth the headache
