Hey I'm new here. I found my way over because I did a search on google for a 5.4L swap. I did a search here too for this info, but not a whole lot came up. I asked about this on another forum but I didn't get much of a response. I guess this isn't a common swap?? :\

My question is.. I have a 2002 Lightning that was just totaled wednesday. The bed was &$#^ed up. The engine bay was untouched. That being said, my uncle offered to help me put the motor it into a stang.

So I have a few questions..

1.) What year mustang would be easiest? Could I get a way with buying a v6 one?

2.) I know I have to cut the hood or get a rather large cowl (I'll cut the hood, won't be a daily) but its just like a normal 5.4 swap then right?

3.) The tranny, what kind of tranny should I use? I found d&d performance's website where they sell rebuilt 03/04 cobra t56 swaps I assume that would be a good choice?

4.) As per tuning, the Lightning is obd2. So, if I get a obd2 mustang could I just plug the lightning computer into the mustang's harness and fine tune with a xcal2 or what ever.

5.) Headers? What would I do about them? Use the stock lightning headers and run side exhaust? I'd prefer to have a rear exit exhaust if I do this.

Well thats it for now I suppose. I'll probably think up of a few more things. Thanks

 

1.) No point in getting a V6 shell, you need the 8.8 rear

2.) Your gonna need a huge cowl and IMO isn't worth it. Take the stock blower off it. Get some adapter plates for the PI intake and you'll be in better shape.

3.) A T56 will be fine but remember that motor you'll be pulling out had a automatic so your goign to need every part flywheel and all.

4.) Negative your going to need a complete reflash. Once again the lightning was a automatic. You put a manual in there and that changes alot. Your better off getting it on a dyno and have a pro do it.

5.) You should be able to use the stock headers you wont have anymore room for anything else. After that you can get a H-pipe to a catback and run it out the rear.


No offense I think your biting off more than you can chew.

 

https://mustangboards.com/modular-4-...sted-5-4l.html

read that and also talk to r3dn3ck..he's doing a 5.4l swap

 

Get a shitty v6 and go from there with the new suspension and 8.8 rear. But me i would fix the L's rear and keep driving it.
No cowl made will hide the 5.4 with the roots on it. Yours gonna need shorty headers or the stock manifolds. The Lightning ECU will be needed ebcause of the L's extra sensors etc.. that our cars dont have. I wouldnt use a T56 a Auto would be much better for a drag mostly car and a c6 or C4 whatever you like would be my choice unless you want overdrive then a AODE would be good.

 

I'm not trying to argue with you here but...

It wouldn't be a daily so I have no issues with gettin a glass hood and cutting a hole in it for the blower to stick through.

A flywheel isn't hard to get. When it comes to mustangs I will admit here I know jack ****. I don't know what this c4, or any of them transmissions came in (year wise). I just know the t56 will hold to the power the motor puts out because the terminators, camaros and vipers use em.

I figured that about the ecu's.. But when I had my civic (I build my own forged block and swapped in it and turbo'd it) you could solder some **** on the computer to covert an auto to a manual. I wouldn't even plan on tuning it my self I was just wondering how it would work. But, all you really need is a wideband to tweak the a/f's, then keep timing conservative at like 15-16*... I could do a simple tune no problem.

That makes sense about the exhaust. Which isn't a big deal I could get some piping and mig or tig it up to make a exhaust.

Finally.. I may be in over my head here. When it comes to fords I just really know the lightning and terminators kick ***

I don't know whats goin on, thats why I made this post. To see what all would be involved in doing this swap because I havn't actually seen a whole lot on the lightning swap (from my few forum (and google) searches). But, I have read that 5.4L swap thread. Thats the thread I found when I was searching on google. That thread makes me think the swap is pretty easy.

I don't know what I'm doing to do yet.. I may go back to the import world and get a evo.. Or I may go out and find like a ls1 camaro/TA. It all depends on what the insurence gives me for my truck

 

Thought about getting a F-150 and swaping the motors out. I dont know if your dead set on a sports car but making a lightning out of a truck will be tons easier since you have everything you need from your old one. Plus while the motor is out it may be time to upgrade somethings.

 

Yeah, I was planning to give it some better rods, pistons, heads, cams if I were to throw it into a mustang. I don't know I'm really liking the evo right now.

I don't want to go back to a truck really. I liked the lightning alot but spending like 300 bucks a month was feeling kind of silly. Just a drive to school then work then home at the end of the day would take like a 1/4 tank of gas . I will admit though it was a sweet combo of speed, agility (the suspension was awsome!! Rode like a sports car.), and utility. If I do go back to a truck I'll probably end up going the diesel route..

 

ok... real quick. It's not hard at all but the blower has to go/change or you'll need an insane hood.

stock exhaust, an auto ECU is fine.. it's going to have to be flashed or chipped anyway. Start with a GT car or you'll hate yourself.

If you want to chat at length about it, pm me and I'll give you my number.. we can cover all your questions that way and save me the typing.

Go ahead and start by snagging any ol 96-04 gt and we'll go from there.

EDIT: Also, you better get yo' butt into my 5.4L swap thread in the 4.6L tech forum! All swappers should sign in. I have oodles of info there and we're always posting updates. Don't forget to vote in the poll.