Still one of Ford’s strongest and Fraser’s most sought-after remanufactured engines
In this article, we want to pay homage to the Ford Triton V8 engine.
Produced from 1997 to 2017. the Triton engine was offered in three sizes, 4.6 liter, 5.4 liter (Most common), and 6.8 liter, and was available in the following vehicles: Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Ford E-Series Vans, Ford F-Series Trucks, Ford Mustang, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Fairlane G8, Ford LTD, Ford Falcon, Ford Futura, Ford Fairmont/Ghia, Lincoln Mark LT, Lincoln Town Car, and the Lincoln Navigator
The Ford Triton engine architecture was launched in 1997 as a SOHC (Single overhead cam) V-configuration, 8-cylinder, block, with a 2-valves per cylinder. Later it was expanded to a 3-valve design, and ultimately a DOHC (Dual overhead cam) design, with 4-valves per cylinder, was added.
Originally built to power large trucks, the Triton engine, in its 4-valve beef-up, landed in Ford’s sports cars, including the Ford Mustang Cobra R in 2000, and the Ford Shelby GT500 from 2007 to 2012. It also sneaked under the hoods of the Ford GT and the Ford Falcon sedans, dedicated to the Australian market.
One eyebrow-raising version of the engine was for the Ford GT, where an Eaton 2300 Lysholm screw-type supercharger, dual fuel injectors per cylinder, and oil squirters for the piston skirts were added. These features were never found on another Ford module engine at the time.
The original 1997 engine block was cast iron, and internal components included fracture-split powder metal connecting rods, and light-weight aluminum pistons. Featuring aluminum valve covers, the intake manifold was a composite material, and the engines were equipped with individual coil-on-plug electronic ignitions with sequential multi-port fuel injectors.
The Triton 3V (3-valve) added two intake valves and one huge exhaust valve per cylinder, among other enhancements.
The Ford Triton engine has been ranked on Ward’s Best Engines list in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2002, and continues to be a reliable workhorse of Ford’s engine lineup, and a reason we take so much care in refurbishing them to the highest standards.
One final, and important point about Triton engines is that they do have their own issues. The most common problems with these engines are with the spark plugs & ignition coils, the fuel pump driver module, the timing chain, and the oil pan gasket leaking. They are also very to fix, which is one of the most compelling reasons to choose a Fraser remanufactured engine, as we directly address these common problems, as well as perform other upgrades and improvements, so the engines we deliver to our customers are an outstanding improvement over the original.
Extensive quality checks are performed at every phase of production
Utilization of best-in-class leak detection testing
Surface finish to OE (original equipment) specifications for performance and durability augmentation
Additional testing for performance and oil economy ensures correct compression, oil pressure, flow, and torque-to-turn Variable Cam Phaser testing (where applicable)
Perform industry-leading in-process machining, Testing, and Monitoring
Assembly using a manufacturing execution system, for continuous monitoring and recording of all torque and in-process inspection results
Perform 100% lifter bore diameter inspection, to help ensure OE level, lifter-to-lifter bore clearance, and to ensure minimal valve train noise
Perform 100% inspection of piston clearance, to allow for tighter piston-to-bore tolerances that prevent piston slap and excessive oil consumption
Perform 100% pressure tests on all cylinder heads after installation, to identify possible cracks or sealing issues
Perform seat replacement on early-style heads to ensure proper retention
Install updated high-volume oil pump, with a cast iron backing plate, and higher pressure relief valve spring, for significantly improved oil pressure
Install high-integrity components throughout the remanufacturing process
Install 100% PTFE-coated pistons to prevent scuffing and wear. (PTFE is a durable and slippery hydrophobic synthetic-polymer resin with a very high melting point, making it idea for protecting engine components.)
Perform in-process piston “circlip” validation
Install ALL NEW rod and head bolts, to reduce potential fatigue, and ensure long engine life
Perform CNC (computer numerical control) cut valve seats, for improved sealing and run-out, allowing for longer valve and seat life
1969 Dodge Charger ENGINE SPECS for the GENERAL LEE:1969 Dodge Charger7.2 Liter RB V8 EngineRB (Raised Block), Produced from 1959-1979 (Chrysler)Estimated Brake-Horsepower Rating of 375
Issue 29 • Engine & Transmission Tips This installment covers engine selection, Fraser warranties, and proper installation Welcome to Part 3 of Fraser Engine Co’s