What’s The Best Replacement Engine For A 5.4 Triton?

A 5.4 Triton engine is a modular V8 engine from Ford. If you have experienced trouble with this type of engine, replacing it can help. If you want some recommendations, we have researched trusted sources for information on the best replacement engines for a 5.4 Triton.

You can replace your 5.4 Triton engine with any of the following:

  • 3.3 -liter, TI-VCT 6-cylinder
  • 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo
  • 5.0-liter V8
  • 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel V6
  • 3.5-liter PowerBoost® V6 hybrid engine
  • Block crate replacement engines

Replacing a 5.4 Triton engine can boost your vehicle's performance, torque, and towing capability. Keeping a 5.4 Triton might not be feasible for your car anymore, so read along to learn about alternatives. 

A black Ford Expedition

Best Alternatives To Replace A 5.4 Triton Engine

A 5.4-liter Triton is a variant belonging to the modular range of engines for Ford trucks from 1997-2010. The engine is common for the Ford F-150 and recently for sports cars. The Triton engine has been on the market for decades, but like all engines, it can fail. 

A black Ford Expedition

The engine has a horsepower ranging from 235-310. Its torque is around 330-365 lb-ft with a capacity of 7 U.S. quarts of oil.

If you have found that your 5.4 Triton engine is not performing as expected, you can find other compatible engines. There are engine choices available to match the needs of your vehicle. Aside from power, you need to consider the price and fuel efficiency.

Here are some engine suggestions:

1. 3.3 -liter TI-VCT 6-cylinder

The 3.3-liter base is a dual-delivery system with two fuel injectors for each cylinder. The injectors work to improve the engine's power, efficiency, and emission. Your engine also gets improved oil-warm up and cooling for durability.

Other key features include twin independent camshaft timing and a port fuel direct-injection (PFDI) dual system. It has 290 horsepower with 265 lb-ft torque at 6,500 RPM, 6-quart oil capacity, and flex-fuel capability.

2. 2.7L EcoBoost V6

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is a turbocharged, direct-injection engine. Originally developed in Germany, the engine delivers at-par performance with other naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines.

Since its debut in 2015, the engine has proven its reliability and longevity. 

The engine's horsepower is around 315-335 and has a torque range of 350-400 lb-ft. The 2.7-liter is smaller than the 3.5-liter engine, but the power output is acceptable for a cheaper option.

The notable features of this engine include:

  • Dual overhead chain-driven lightweight camshafts
  • Integrated front cover (IFC) 
  • High-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR)

3. 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo

If you want the best for towing, this engine allows a maximum towing weight of 14,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 3,250 pounds.  The 3.5 EcoBoost V6 engine variant has around 310 to 660 horsepower and 350 to 550 lb-ft torque.

Launched in 2017, the engine aims to eliminate the carbon buildup in the intake passages and valves. You get balanced fuel economy and emissions for reliable performance.

The EcoBoost line is Ford's series of turbocharged and direct-injection gasoline-powered engines. There are turbo updates for this series of engines to deliver peak boost and minimize the problems of the original engines. 

If you want better engine performance, you can add some power upgrades using built-in mods. The start-up points include the tune, intake, downpipes, and intercooler.

If you notice leakages, you should check out this post: 3.5 Ecoboost Oil Leak Front Of Engine—What To Do?.

4. 5.0-liter V8

The Ford 5-liter modular V8 or Coyote engine is another impressive engine option.  This engine has a  horsepower of around 360 to 460, with a torque of  380 to 420 lb-ft. 

Compared with turbocharged 6-cylinder engines, the Coyote has a big displacement and few potential failure points. However, this 5.0-liter engine is less fuel-efficient than the EcoBoost series. 

The engine also has a variable control runner with a drive-by-wire electronic throttle. Other features include a coil-on-plug ignition and an electronic sequential multi-port fuel injection.

5. 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel V6

This engine for new F-150 models debuted in 2018. The engine is lightweight, around 500 pounds, but has great strength. The horsepower is only at 250 and the torque at 440lb-ft. 

For fuel efficiency and practicality, the engine allows ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel up to B20. However, this engine is costly because it requires DPF and DEF fluids to avoid harmful emissions.

6. 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 hybrid engine

Exclusive to Ford, the 3.5 PowerBoost V6 hybrid is the most recent engine launched in 2021 for the F-150. The series is an upgrade of the EcoBoost line. 

You get 570 lb-ft of torque and 430 horsepower with this engine. Regenerative braking is a full hybrid feature of this engine that helps reduce wear on the brakes.   

With the latest engine technology, the PowerBoost is better than the EcoBoost series. The PowerBoost responds quicker, operates smoothly, and has increased torque. 

7. Block crate engines

Another alternative for replacement is a block crate remanufactured engine. These remanufactured engines can exceed the capability of the original unit by adding original equipment parts and using the latest engineering. 

However, finding the right engine supplier is tricky due to the differences in servicing the unit. It is helpful if you consider the following:

  • size
  • configuration
  • aspiration
  • fuel type and delivery
  • horsepower
  • torque

Do a diligence check for the vendors of the block crate engines. The quality of work can differ, and their parts might not go well with your vehicle. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A 5.4 Triton Engine?

Red and white Ford Expedition at a parking lot

Besides the engine type, it is also important to take into account the costs of replacing the engine. Engine replacement is costly regardless of the brand or model. 

You might spend around $4,000 to $9,000 to replace the engine. The costs depend on the labor rates set by the professional and any other additional service you request. Per-hour rates range from $100-150, and the replacement takes about 6 to 13 hours. 

On top of the costs of the services, the shop can also offer a warranty and insurance. There can be a $1,000-2,000 add-on to your expenses. The rates will differ depending on your location. 

If you have the tools and expertise in car engine replacement, your costs will only be around $1,400 to $4,500. Other D-I-Y engines are from online stores selling refurbished engines. 

Remember that you need to be careful when buying the engine and its parts online so you don't compromise the vehicle's performance and safety. 

When To Replace A 5.4 Triton Engine?

You will need a new engine when there is no other remedy for the excessive defects of sensitive engine components. It is also good to replace the engine when you want to upgrade.

A 5.4 Triton engine has a life of around 150,000-450,000 miles. The mileage of your vehicle will depend on how you maintain its condition and the driving environment.  

The model year of your engine can also be the basis of your replacement. From 2004 to 2013, the engine had numerous problematic records. Despite the problems, the Triton performed better than other engines during those years.

It's best to replace older and defective units with the latest engine configurations. 

Here are the signs to look for before you replace the engine:

  • Blown-out plugs 
  • Ignition coil damage
  • Oil or coolant goes to the coil boots
  • Fuel pump issues due to corrosion
  • Rattling noises when the engine warms up
  • Excessive vibration and ignition timing delays

You can learn more from this post: What’s The Ford 5.4 Engine Life Expectancy?

Is It Okay To Retain A 5.4 Triton Engine?

If your engine is still serviceable, you can retain the 5.4 Triton for your vehicle. 

Some 5.4 Triton users rebuild or replace the components so that they continue using the engine. Some car experts modify the engine and add upgraded parts such as the camshaft, exhaust, or turbocharger.

Rebuilding kits are available online if you are going to D-I-Y.

Click here to see this product on Amazon.

If you are not sure of the condition, let a professional mechanic check the engine. 

In Closing

A gray Ford Expedition at a car show

A 5.4 Triton engine is a reliable engine used by many car models for over a decade. Even if built tough, the engine is not perfect. Your vehicle's engine ages and it will inevitably have some worn or damaged parts.

There are great engine options compatible as a replacement for a 5.4 Triton. Carefully select the best one for your vehicle's needs. When you find the right engine, your vehicle can get superior performance and power.

Check out other posts about engines:

How To Tell What Engine Is In My Ford F150?

Can Any Engine Fit In Any Car?

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3 Comments

  1. 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turno. I have a 2005 ford F-150 with a 5.4L 3v. I would like to put a 3.5 liter Ecoboost twin turbo in it if it’s possible and what other components will I need to make it happen ? Can you please let me know that cost for everything I will need. Thank you.

  2. can you put a 3.5 ecoboost v6 twin turno in place of a 5.4 and will it all bolt up the same or what do need to do to makeit work. please email me back.

  3. Need to replace my 5.4L Triton. Giving me too much trouble. Having replace sparks plugs often & now say camshaft phase senors & camshaft maybe bad

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