Best 4.6 engine option for my '97 F-150

I need to replace the old engine (only 240K mi) Most mi. not mine, but rest of truck is in fine shape! Bought for cheap. 4X4 stuff all tight as well. Ready to do swap but thinking I could move to 4.6 with 3 valves (or 4). Know I may need to change X-mission as well..looking for info on what-all else we may run into. Prob.will buy a crate engine. Just want more power & better mileage (NOT wanting to move up to larger engine like 5,4L) May decide on a newer Explorer for donor car if needed for brain, bell housing, transfer case etc. Easy enuf to swap front of driveshaft & weld new splines on.

I just have no idea what years may cross-reference into my engine bay. Help?? Tx in advance!

Flyingbrick

You may have problems if you have to get an emmission check otherwise check with a junk yard. They will know which engines will swap.

Look into a reman from Jasper and this is probally the best option.You get a 3 year/76,000 mile warranty if you go this way.The engine from the Junkyard has a 90 day warranty.Changing this engine is not fun,the intake has to come off for clearance and is about a 13 hour job to do.

Well, that 13 hour intake job sounds pretty icky! :banghead: Already found no clearance changing the plugs awile back so know what you mean. May decide to pull off the fenders & grill. So far I have found that the easiest thing to do is go with stock 2 valve Windsor engine & Ford has them with a good guarentee for about the same price.

Thanks all, for the responses!