Put Some Spring Back in Her Step
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1
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Put Some Spring Back in Her Step
Hello,
I have a 1996 F150 XL shortbed. It has the EFI 300 I6 with 98K. It is 4x4 and Automatic. I know this great bullet proof engine. I have owned this truck for several years and I feel it is time to give her a little pick me up.
Disclaimer: I don't want a high HP street machine. That being said I have been considering replacing the engine and could use some insight. The following will help you get an idea of what I'm looking for.
1.) Its currently on XL so I don't have AC and all the other fancy amenities and probably don't need them after an engine upgrade either.
2.) I want a no fuss, no mess drop in engine. I don't want to have to do a bunch of custom wiring or welding to get this thing to fit and run.
3.) I would like to have the new engine be EFI and a newer generation if possible.
4.) I don't want to replace the tranny (Im not sure if I would need to even)
5.) I definitely want reliability. As it is now the truck has sat for 5 mo. at a time and I have never once had to worry if it would get me home or start when it is 30 below.
6.) I don't have a budget since I have no idea what it could cost and I would like to do this work myself. Thus the reason for no fuss, no mess and no custom stuff.
In general I want a newer generation engine that is plug and play. I just want to give this truck a little more gitty-up since its really underpowered to even pull a small trailer. I welcome your insight and thanks.
I have a 1996 F150 XL shortbed. It has the EFI 300 I6 with 98K. It is 4x4 and Automatic. I know this great bullet proof engine. I have owned this truck for several years and I feel it is time to give her a little pick me up.
Disclaimer: I don't want a high HP street machine. That being said I have been considering replacing the engine and could use some insight. The following will help you get an idea of what I'm looking for.
1.) Its currently on XL so I don't have AC and all the other fancy amenities and probably don't need them after an engine upgrade either.
2.) I want a no fuss, no mess drop in engine. I don't want to have to do a bunch of custom wiring or welding to get this thing to fit and run.
3.) I would like to have the new engine be EFI and a newer generation if possible.
4.) I don't want to replace the tranny (Im not sure if I would need to even)
5.) I definitely want reliability. As it is now the truck has sat for 5 mo. at a time and I have never once had to worry if it would get me home or start when it is 30 below.
6.) I don't have a budget since I have no idea what it could cost and I would like to do this work myself. Thus the reason for no fuss, no mess and no custom stuff.
In general I want a newer generation engine that is plug and play. I just want to give this truck a little more gitty-up since its really underpowered to even pull a small trailer. I welcome your insight and thanks.
Last edited by UNDFighting Sioux; Sep 24, 2013 at 12:29 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5
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The requirements you ask for are unrealistic. You'll need different PCM computers, and perhaps wiring to mate them up, to go from "old tech" to new. Motor Mounts probably.. etc etc I'm sure others here, can give you far more details than I can.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 556
Likes: 25
It is a very expensive project to swap EFI engines. Yes it can be done, but it will hurt!
You want a new engine with more power dropped in front of a 17 year old transmission? "Cart before the horse..." comes to mind. lol How long do you that front pump will hold up?
You would have to buy a turnkey crate engine and get a stand-alone aftermarket EFI setup for starters, then you will need to address the drive train depending upon the Hp/torque specs of the new setup. There will be some unknown variables along the way to be sure and they will probably not be cheap.
what about emissions? Do you live in a emissions controlled area?
Option 2 would be to find a donor truck of the same year with the same drivetrain but with the engine you want and swap everything over to yours. Easier,and cheaper if you can find an entire truck...
you will need the front engine harness in it's entirety and the ecm that has to have the same transmission as yours.
You might as well get a different truck.
Personally, I would pull the 300, send it to a proven, knowledgeable engine shop and have it rebuilt with a head port, valve job, and advance the new cam 4 degrees and call it a day. Put a cold air kit on it and use FoMoCo engine management parts and maybe a better breathing exhaust setup.
If money is no object have the engine shop build it with forged everything, head work, upgraded valve train ARP everything with 8.5 to 1 pistons and slap a 5 psi supercharger on it with an air/air intercooler in front of the radiator. There are more than a few youtube videos out there where this has been done successfully. That would still be cheaper than option 1..still need a rebuilt/heavy duty trans to move it around..
It can be done. It all depends on your budget and your imagination.
You want a new engine with more power dropped in front of a 17 year old transmission? "Cart before the horse..." comes to mind. lol How long do you that front pump will hold up?
You would have to buy a turnkey crate engine and get a stand-alone aftermarket EFI setup for starters, then you will need to address the drive train depending upon the Hp/torque specs of the new setup. There will be some unknown variables along the way to be sure and they will probably not be cheap.
what about emissions? Do you live in a emissions controlled area?
Option 2 would be to find a donor truck of the same year with the same drivetrain but with the engine you want and swap everything over to yours. Easier,and cheaper if you can find an entire truck...
you will need the front engine harness in it's entirety and the ecm that has to have the same transmission as yours.
You might as well get a different truck.
Personally, I would pull the 300, send it to a proven, knowledgeable engine shop and have it rebuilt with a head port, valve job, and advance the new cam 4 degrees and call it a day. Put a cold air kit on it and use FoMoCo engine management parts and maybe a better breathing exhaust setup.
If money is no object have the engine shop build it with forged everything, head work, upgraded valve train ARP everything with 8.5 to 1 pistons and slap a 5 psi supercharger on it with an air/air intercooler in front of the radiator. There are more than a few youtube videos out there where this has been done successfully. That would still be cheaper than option 1..still need a rebuilt/heavy duty trans to move it around..
It can be done. It all depends on your budget and your imagination.