BeaverLakeF150

So I have 200k on my F150 KR 5.4L auto. Needs a timing job, needs plugs I don't have time to do either myself. Plugs are about $600 (5 hours labor) timing job around 2k being quoted 13 hours labor. . It is also using 2-3 quarts of oil in 3K miles. I decided $2500 and still having an engine with 200k on it is pretty silly. Engine swap is going to cost me $7.5k-$8k depending on how complete the new engine is (i.e. time to swap valve covers etc). Engine is a Ford Remanufactured with 3yr 100k warranty on it. Never had any problems out of it, I tow long distances fairly often and want something reliable I don't have to worry about. Maintenance always done. So I've made the decision to do a straight engine swap.

So my questions are:
Apparently it comes with plugs will use my COPs (original), my fuel system including injectors.
1. Is there anything in the fuel system I should replace (fuel injectors)
2. Should I replace the COPs at the same time. (expensive).
3. Any off engine fuel filters that need to be replaced?
4. Power steering pump is original should I replace that?
5. Anything else in the engine bay need attention while I am at it?

Thx.

DarrinT04

what condition is the exhaust manifold in? If it is rough than i would go ahead and replace that

BeaverLakeF150

Thanks, I'll have the mechanic evaluate them when he pulls the engine. I've read they will warp on you but I've had nothing unexpected out of them.

kw

RX1Cobra

I'm sure you've thought of this but is it worth dumping all that money into a truck that old?

BeaverLakeF150

It only make sense if I'm going to keep driving it, not if I'm going to trade it in or sell it. I figure 50k for a new truck. 40K for a good used one. vs. 8k to make the one I have last another 3 years. Amortize it out I think it make sense to fix it. I guess I could drop 40-50k on a new one and look cool but in the long run it will cost me a lot more. Transmission was redone a while back so it should be good. I guess if it breaks big time in the next 15 months it wasn't worth it. I think realistically 3 - 5 years I'll probably get a replacement, by then that 8k is small potatoes.

That's just my thinking. I've got 3 kids headed to or in college in the next 5 years so having a car payment or dropping 50k isn't in the cards right now. I also need something I can take off and go 700 miles and not have to worry about skipping a timing chain or some other stupid thing. . . Just seemed to make sense to me.

Oh and I like my truck don't really feel the need for the new gadgets.

kw

JCR 56

Personally I think you're making the right choice. You'll get a lot more service out of your truck, plus new truck prices are absolutely insane.

BeaverLakeF150

Biggest risk is I wreck it and I total it. If I do that I won't get my money out of it.

RX1Cobra

Having had the trans already rebuilt makes it a lot more worthwhile IMO. I'm not telling you to get a new truck but I'd personally have a hard time putting 8K into a truck that is worth pretty much that. You make valid points though. Hope it works out well for you.

Oh and to answer your questions I wouldn't replace any of those parts (injectors, COP, pump) if they're still in good working order. They're all easy enough to replace later when/if they fail.

DarrinT04

I think you are making a good choice by fixing your current truck too. You might get more than 3 years our of it with a new motor

chimmike

I dunno. I think that's a lot of coin for something that is essentially a stock OEM motor, especially for an 05. There's nothing saying you have to buy a new truck or even a 2-3 year old used truck...….but $7k for a swapped 5.4 seems absolutely ludicrous to me. Warranty on the motor is all good and nice, but it's still a 14 year old truck with original trans, rear end, body/frame, etc. I don't know where you're located, but now i'd be climbing under and all around that thing to see if/where there's any rust and if it's bad, at least justify whether or not that investment in maintaining the truck in running order will pay off over the next several years, or if it's putting a band-aid on a bucket.