I am convinced that the 4.6L Ford SOHC V8 engine casting component proliferation is attempting to compete with the children’s movie “The Never Ending Story:” it just keeps changing as it goes along for no apparent reason. However, what we are going to look at today is more of a James Bond mystery since no one will admit it exists, and when asked specifically will disavow any knowledge of it. If by chance someone did tell you they would probably then have to kill you.
Okay, maybe it’s not THAT extreme, but I think you’ll agree, this mystery is almost as good as any movie script.
By now you’re saying, “Just what the heck is this guy talking about?” Though we know that MY 2002-2004 and possibly 2005 Ford F-150 Super Crew trucks came with a 4.6L engine, we have found that they may very likely have a Windsor 4.6L SOHC engine. That’s right Windsor, not Romeo.
What’s the big deal? Well, it sounds impossible, because Doug Anderson and I learned from engineers at the Ford Romeo plant, that 2001 was the last year for the Windsor 4.6L.
Well, take a look at these photos. You might not believe your eyes but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words. The first photo is the broadcast code from one of these engines; note the clear identification of Ford Windsor, Ontario, Canada and 4.6L. Next, look at the amount of rocker cover bolts. Our second identifier clearly shows that this is a Windsor Engine.
The engine block is c/n F75E which was the last block used for the Windsor 4.6L in 2001 and the cylinder heads are c/n 2L1E the 5.4L PI Windsor heads. The earlier Windsor 4.6 engines used 5.4 heads as well.
To this point all of these Windsor 4.6L engines seen have had eight bolt crankshaft flanges, and lastly, the 3L3E front cover is being used. For full details see the August 2004 edition of “Core Corner” (page 23).
Now as a complete and fully dressed assembly, Windsor and Romeo engines may be exchanged. However, when you get into individual parts it all begins to unravel. It’s just not as fun as it used to be is it?
As always, this is the kind of information that will keep you out of the “Do Over” column and into the profitable margin. And it can be found in EngineDataSource.com so please take a visit and test drive.
In addition, EDS now has 22 aftermarket manufacturers with all of their product part numbers applied to each engine application by vehicle model and year. Last but not least critical dimensions, torques and OE bulletins provided by Mitchell 1 should be on the Web site by year’s end.
Imagine being able to look up casting identification, pictures of parts and products, specifications and critical dimensions, torque specs and sequences, OE Bulletins and 22 or more manufacturers 
bills of materials all in one place. For the first time in the history of professional engine remanufacturers/builders the ability to go to one place and find it all is a reality. No more duality of software, catalogs or service manuals. The future is here now! So stay tuned and watch for how you too can have this information at your fingertips.
I would like to thank David Struck and David James of Baseline Automotive, Farmington Hills, MI. for their input and insight.
For technical questions, contact the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PER) at: [email protected]
