[kangarforge]

• So a guy says he has a early thunderbird motor. From alternator location it is a modular motor.. How can I tell if it's a 94&95 motor or a 96&97 one and are they interchangeable. Thanks a bunch for any info.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Obvious = 96-97 uses a plastic intake with the throttle body in the center facing sideways, 94-95 uses an aluminum intake manifold with the throttle body in the rear facing forward. Not so obvious = there arent side bolts in the side of the block for the 5h main cap on 94-95s and 94-95 heads will have a F4 prefix at the start of the part number, 96-97 will have F5.


Avoid the 94-95 one like the plague.

 

[kangarforge]

Even if it's for 200 dollars and I may use it as more of a learning motor. Or rebuild it with more of attention to the small details I have always heard the early the 4.6 the more fragile they are and this one does look like it has a straight throttle intake.

 

[XR7-4.6]

You can get a PI motor from a late model Crown Vic from a self service junkyard for $200 or less. That’ll be just as good of a learning engine and you’ll actually have something worth having if you do use it.

 

[kangarforge]

This would be a way more sound candidate for a better 4.6 motor

 

[theterminator93]

And transmission.

 

[Grog6]

You might want to search to see if the 02 PI engine used the really crappy timing chain guides that broke to pieces and trashed engines.

The 03 PI engine I had did; the clue is the Plastic tensioners.

 

[kangarforge]

Could they be upgraded I will have this motor on a engine stand for a while

 

[XR7-4.6]

Yes, steel tensioners are a direct swap

 

[kangarforge]

Ok eventually I will put the twisted wedge trick Flow heads on. But that is good news on timing stuff