I’m in the process of doing an engine swap on an 08. My current engine has the updated heads with fewer valve cover bolts, smaller VVT port (arggg, why ford, why), brown boot COPPs, and one piece spark plugs.

I just realized when starting to dress it out that the replacement engine from Fraser has the older style heads. I’m about to call and discuss it with them, but I’m wondering if they fight me on it for whatever reason what the impact of this is.

I assume that if I keep this one, I’ll at a minimum need new plugs (if the valve cover change coincided with the plug mod), COPPs, and valve covers, which is all annoying as I’ve got brand new plugs, pretty new COPPs, and nicely cleaned up valve covers….

What I’m less sure about is the intake and exhaust manifold alignment (I’ve got new exhaust manifolds, reusing the intake as it seems fine from everything I can see.
Nor am I sure about the ECU, are there enough differences in engine that the ECU would have issue with this older style.

What else am I giving up besides the plug design if I end up stuck with this engine vs the updated one.

 

did they ask for and did you provide them complete info prior to ordering a replacement? assuming you did, i would want them to swap it out for a fully compatible engine.

if you’re going to spend that kind of money/time to invest in new engine, i’d want it to be a straight up stock swap. if you dont ?ir if i did) and you have glitches later, you’ll always wonder.

but if you ordered without giving them good info, or they didn’t ask and you didn’t ask, then it may be too late….. if read the entire contract before reaching out.

post back with updates/resolution.

 

I gave them every bit of information they requested, and yes I should have thought to call out that different, but overlooked it at the time due to non truck related factors.

I’m leaning you way, just concerned about their response. Going to push for the swap out though, I’m with you, I just don’t want issues.

From what I’ve found reading, the heads definitely require the different plugs, and likely the ECU would be a bit confused. Just looking for any and all input in case the negotiation with them goes wrong.

 

have you reviewed your contract/documentation yet ? we’re your serial numbers referenced at all (or anything related to identifying which engine you had (ie truck model year 08 being a split year for engine specifics)?

absent any errors on your side, i would expect them to want to take care of this asap, as it would be a pretty bad PR move if this isn’t directly your (ordering) fault.

good luck and post updates.