Engine swap 4.6L to 5.4L

Tiny
LACEY VASQUEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD F-150
  • 5.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
I had a 2002 4.6 4wd, swapped the 4.6 to a 5.4. I guess the computer is still thinking it's a 4.6, since the firing order is not the same what do I do to reset the computer so that it fire in the correct order? Or is the order the same? What else would you need to adjust when swapping these two engines? Thanks
Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 AT 2:13 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The firing order is the same for both engines. There should be no issue with the firing order at all. Blow is the firing order for both engines and a picture of the cylinder identification.

V8 Firing Order: 1 3 7 2 6 5 4 8

As far as the ECM, it needs to be flashed by someone with the proper scan tool. Then that update will tell the ECM you have a 5.4 engine.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 AT 2:42 AM
Tiny
LACEY VASQUEZ
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  • 8 POSTS
Sorry, I didn't include that it was v6 now it's v8 and my Chilton book tells me the order is different between the v6 and v8. Make more sense?
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
MOTOR MASTER
  • MECHANIC
  • 279 POSTS
Hello my name is Dave.

You'll need a V-8 ECU and wiring harness to make that work. It doesn't actually matter if it's a 4.6 or 5.4 the computer doesn't need the displacement to function properly, I've done a LOT of conversions from 4.6 to 5.4 on these trucks, even put a 04 5.4 out of a Super Duty into a 99 that has coil packs, just had to make mounts for the packs. In your case you will want to make sure you get a compatible harness that has the same ABS module since it's a pain to take the harness apart and separate the ABS wiring from the ECU wiring. Shouldn't be too hard to find at your local self service salvage yard. And please believe me when I say either harness/ECU will work. I've had this debate with a few people but I've done a lot of them mix-matching years and never have a problem, even pass emissions. Also understand your transmission from the 4.6 won't bolt up to the V8. Please keep us to date on your progress. We look forward to hearing back from you and thank you for using 2CarPros!
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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 5:04 AM
Tiny
LACEY VASQUEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I am getting the harness/ECU from the donor truck thankfully. Saves me some money, will get the transmission from pick-n-pull. Thanks you make it sound not so complicated. Was getting worried for a minute, but I got it now will update y'all on how it goes.
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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 5:55 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I think Dave meant the transmission from the 4.2 wont bolt up to the
v8.

Roy
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Thursday, July 29th, 2021 AT 10:36 AM

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