3.7L Engine Complete Assembly without Oil Cooler for 2011-2014 Ford

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Confirm the 8th digit of the VIN is 'M'
• Confirm the vehicle is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• Check the original engine block casting number for a BR3E prefix

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Engine hoist/crane
• Heavy-duty load leveler
• Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set
• Ford-specific harmonic balancer puller/installer
• Calibrated torque wrench
• Engine lift plate (e.g., Steck EngineOut)

Budget for these consumables at install:

• 6.0 quarts of 5W-20 motor oil (Full Synthetic WSS-M2C945-A or Synthetic Blend)
• Motorcraft FL-500S oil filter
• 12.4 quarts of Motorcraft Orange or Yellow Concentrated Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
• 6x Motorcraft SP-548 (or CYFS12F-5) spark plugs (gapped to 0.049-0.053 inches)
• New Crankshaft Pulley Bolt (Mandatory torque-to-yield one-time-use fastener)
• Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets
• Thermostat housing gasket
• Exhaust manifold gaskets
• New water pump and thermostat (highly recommended preventative measure)
• New serpentine accessory belts

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: PATS Security Re-marriage / Parameter Reset & CKP Profile Relearn

sources differ: Arm 1 states no programming is required if original ECU/sensors are transferred (only a conditional CKP relearn); Arm 2 states a PATS security parameter reset is mandatory using a Ford IDS or high-end scan tool to prevent a no-start immobilizer condition. Cautious value 'model_dependent' selected.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Manual Transmission Pilot Bearing: Must install a new pilot bearing in the rear of the crankshaft if mating this automatic-donor engine to a manual transmission.
• Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Failure: Reusing the old torque-to-yield bolt will cause it to stretch, leading to harmonic balancer wobble and crankshaft damage.
• Water Pump Inspection & Replacement: Highly recommended to replace the water pump and thermostat while the engine is out of the vehicle.
• Cooling System Bleeding: Must be properly bled to prevent air pockets that cause overheating and engine damage.
• PATS Security Relearn: Be prepared for a potential PATS parameter reset/key relearn to avoid a no-start condition.
• Intake Manifold Transfer: Handle the plastic intake manifold carefully to avoid cracking it, and ensure all vacuum lines are correctly reconnected.
• Grounding Straps: Ensure all engine-to-chassis ground straps are clean and securely reinstalled.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Ordering for FWD or AWD Vehicles: Attempting to install this RWD Mustang engine in FWD/AWD platforms like the Edge, Explorer, Taurus, or Lincoln MKX/MKT.
• Reusing the Old Crankshaft Bolt: Reusing the one-time-use harmonic balancer bolt.
• Not Swapping the Wiring Harness: Attempting to use the replacement engine's harness instead of transferring the vehicle's original harness.
• Forgetting the Pilot Bearing on Manual Swaps: Failing to install a pilot bearing when mating this automatic-donor engine to a manual transmission.
• Ignoring the Water Pump: Installing the engine with the used water pump instead of replacing it preventatively.
• Not Budgeting for PCM Programming: Failing to plan for potential PATS security programming, resulting in a no-start situation.
• Reusing Old Gaskets and Seals: Reusing hardened intake or exhaust gaskets.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: