neato

Hey Guys

First of all, I have to admit, I'm not a car/truck guy. Please ignore my ignorance with these questions. I'll try to keep this short.

A couple weeks ago, I bought a 2001 F150 with an exhaust issue that I thought would be much cheaper to fix than it actually will. The truck is rusty (was used as a plow truck), I picked it up pretty cheap, but it's really not worth dumping a lot of money into. The great thing about it is the engine only has 118,000 miles.

So my plan was to just sell it as is. But I happened across a 2003 with a blown motor. This one is in nice shape overall. I may be able to get it very cheap as well.

So the question is, would it be an easy swap (for a mechanic) between these 2 years? Any idea on what I could expect to pay for the swap?

I'm not sold on this idea, but in the end I could have a pretty nice truck if the cost to replace the engine isn't too bad.

I appreciate your expert input!

neato

I should also mention, both engines are the 5.4

Martian

Moved to 1997-2003.

the01kingranch

Your going to have to pay a pretty penny for a mechanic to take out and engine then take another one out and put one in. I personally think you would be better off getting a new truck. Unless you know someone that would work a deal where they get the 01 for scrap or parts and cut you a deal on labor.

neato

I think you might be right on this.

screamineagle

Yeah, the only way it would be worth it is if you could do the work yourself. Hiring a mechanic to work on a 15 yr old truck is seldom a cost effective move, let alone swapping engines.

guyina4x4

I'd guess that to be 16-24 hours of work for a professional ford mechanic
$2000-$2500 or more for labor and parts.

mbb

Not legal.

Emissions laws basically require you to swap with same year or newer, not older.

Unless for offroad use only.

guyina4x4

not legal?

you'd have to use the newer emissions for it too work, so no changes there to emissions.

the emissions systems should be the same anyway

mbb

" For light-duty vehicles, installation of a light-duty eng~ne into a different light-duty vehicle by any
person would be considered tampering unless the resulting vehicle is identical (with regard to all
emission related parts, engine design parameters, and engine calibrations) to a certified configuration of
the same or newer model year as the vehicle chassis, or if there is a reasonable basis for knowing that
emissions are not adversely affected as described in Memo 1A. The appropriate source for technical
information regarding the certified configuration of a vehicle of a particular model year is the vehicle
manufacturer. "

If it wasnt a certified combo of emissions parts, computer, and engine, its technically not legal. Some states might not pay any attention.