engine swap

[radioman2002]

My 1999 CVPI has a bad engine, I knew about it when I bought it. I was hoping it was just a bad head gasket, but no luck, bad rings in 3 cylindes, on piston is cracked. So now on to my question, I bought a wrecked 1996 CVPI with 40K on it. Is there any problems you can think of with moving the 1996 to 1999. I know I will have to change the intake manifold, reposition some of the accessories on the new engine, but I am concerned about the computer working with this engine.

[wafrederick]

Call any auto salvage yards in your area and ask if it will fit.They should have an interchange book called a Hollander.

[yogie323]

If both of the engines have 2V heads everything should fit perfect and all the parts should fit perfectly it's just up to you on what position you want the throttle body to face like 96 or 99 I think 99 would be better plus you have to cars and you got parts to do what you want, I belive all CROWN VICTORIAS came with 2V heads not 4V.

[yogie323]

O and the computer should work fine all sensors should be the same and work the same on some they just have diffrent shape but they all do the same from 96-99 and others, you should stick with 99 sensors and intake.

[radioman2002]

Thanks, that pretty much what I figured. I have heard that the heads are different, possibly larger valves? I was just woondering how this might affect the computer settings. I intend to use all the parts I can from the 99 to keep it as a 99.

[ModMech]

The '99 and '96 engines are mechanically identicle. Some of the sensors and accessories (fan) are different.

Your '99 CV has an "NPI" engine, same used thru the '00 model year, after which they use the "PI" engines that DO have larger exhaust valves, different intake ports, and different cams. These "PI" engines were first installed in the '99 Mustangs (2V), and *some* F/E series trucks, which is were people most often get confused. Not ALL '99 modular enignes are "PI", in fact, MOST are "NPI" (non-pi).

[radioman2002]

Thanks for the info, does that also include the O2 sensors and exhaust manifolds? I am just starting to dissasemble the 1996, it has only 40K on it, so I would like to use the complete exhaust system including the manifolds. BTW I do need to use one exhaust manifold, the cats and O2 sensors since I had to burn off that manifold, to remove that engine from the 99. After the engine swap I am going to probably take the entire front suspension, including the steering box and swap that too.

[ModMech]

The manifolds *should* be the same, but look closely at the EGR fitting to check orientation.

The Exhaust system IS exactly the same from the manifolds back, up unitil the '01 models.

DO NOT remove parts from the '96 front end and install on the '99. The springs are weaker, the lower control arms are not the same, and the steering box is FAR INFERIOR to those parts on the '99!

[radioman2002]

Thats interesting. What about upper and lower ball joints, I see no reason to send any part of this car to the junklyard. Best I can determine it wasn't even used as a patrol car. The car is a P71 but doesn't seem to have all the PI goodies, no rear deck lights no teflon hoses, no ABS or trac control. It did have an carpeting, an AM/FM tape deck, and a Police ID placard, and during dissasembly, I found a remote starter control, a car alarm and even a Lojack transceiver. The steering box was an afterthought, because I have had problems with my other 96 and 97 CVPI's with the variable power assist steering. I have changed the control box, but the PD mechanic I checked with says it's in the control valve in the steering box.

[ModMech]

Lower ball joints are NOT the same, but the uppers are as I recall.

If it has "P71" in the VIN, then it is a true Police Package vehicle, regardless of what other options it may or may not have.

[radioman2002]

I have decided to ressurect this post rather than keep adding new ones. This engine swap is getting more and more complicated. After looking at Crownvic.net for information, I am concerned about my 96 transmission working with the 99 PCM. It mentions the fact that it has a different size torque converter with a different stall speed, and recommends recalibrating the PCM. First I don't know exactly what that means and second I don't have access to any equipment that would allow me to recal the PCM. There is also some rewiring that is going to be needed to get the transmission to work properly with the 99 wiring harness. Other that reuseing the 99 trans with the 96 engine, I am wondering if I can take the 99 torque converter and put it in the 96 trans. I also have some issues with O2 sensors, I have been trying to get part numbers for 96 and 99 top O2 sensors to see if they are different other that the plugs.

[ModMech]

The '99 PCM will control the '96 trans JUST FINE. If it were a '95 trans, well that is different.

The difference in the torque converter is really a non-issue.

The pin-outs on the trans *may* be different than the PCM "expects". All you have to do is make sure that the harness connector AT the trans is correctly wired (I believe all '96 up 4R70Ws are the same).

[radioman2002]

After some more research, the trans wiring is different. I have to use the 96 harness and repin for the 98 PCM. Apparently, the 96 has 3 12v sources, the 99 has 1 12v source. The circuit board in the trans for the 99 hooks up the 3 sources to 1 12v input pin. also when repinning I would have to punch through the waterproofing on the 99 harness possibly causing a future corrosion problem. BTW what would be the difference if it was a 95 trans. Also I have deicided to repin the remaining 99 upper O2 sensor to work with the 96 harness. Should make it a little less confusing when I need to replace the sensors in the furture.