what different engines can i swap into my 97 4.6L different yr 4.6 like the 3 valve models, or a 5,4

 

Depends on your capability. any 2v modular can be made to work with massaging. Any pre PI 4.6 will swap directly. Others will take more work. You would have to change intakes and stuff. Any 2v 5.4 can also work. again pre PI would be easier. 3v swaps arent really practical. I've seen one guy pull one off but it was a ton of work.

 

Stay away from the 3-valves, 2-valves are more reliable IMO, no cam phasers or 2-piece plugs that like to break when you have to remove them.

 

thanks both for the quick replies. what i got this truck for is to pull my 3 ton 25 foot sail boat on its trailer up a ramp and haul home for some maintenance. it is 4wd w/4.6 2valve. & automatic. a little worried about having enough power for that. jmc
it has reciver and electric brake controler which is comptible with my tandem axel w elect brake trailer. distance 340 miles. jmc

 

Is there anything wrong with the existing engine?

I'm sure you realize it's a less than ideal vehicle for the job with that distance. Not that you can't do it.

I towed a 5000 pound boat 350 miles many times behind a four-wheel drive Isuzu Trooper with a 3.5 v6 engine. Honestly did not even know it was back there at 70 miles an hour on interstate except for the gas gauge.

One thing I would not do, is buy an an old used vehicle that had been used to tow much with. Unless it was a 3/4 ton heavy duty. I've seen too many people I know destroy their Transmissions towing with light duty trucks. Of course maintenance plays a role there too...

 

If your pulling over flat land you'll probably be ok. If not the easy way of fixing the problem is to get a 3/4 plus ton tow vehicle. I'd just get a 2wd if it were me.

 

I also would not use OverDrive. It will keep the trans from up and down shifting and be easier on the unit overall. You gas mileage will drop some, but it's worth it to save a tranny.

 

Dont be afraid to use 4-low pulling it up the ramp in a straight line. Be sure to disengage before you make a turn though.