Short Blocks. OHV vs SOHC

[SenorNoob]

This is probably a stupid question, but; could a SOHC block have an OHV cam and lifters installed and OHV heads put on? I'm guessing the holes for lifters and pushrods aren't machined? What about removing the rear timing chains. Could the block be sealed up afterward?

I only ask cause it's far easier to find newer lower miles SOHC engines in the junkyard. I'm wondering if it'd be feasible.

As for why not just swap whole SOHC? I don't like the idea of taking up that much extra space under the hood. If I were going to do that I'd probably go ahead and 5.0 swap.

 

[holyford86]

no, they will not swap in

 

[Roert42]

OHV ‘96

OHC ‘03

I wouldn’t say the OHC 4.0 takes up any more space then the OHV. I’m sure it does, but I would say definitely not noticeable.

 

[SenorNoob]

I wonder why then every story of swapping one into an older truck, it couldn't be done with the AC box intact? Which I have the heater only model...

 

[Roert42]

Heater boxes look pretty similar.