Question about 4.2

[g36 monkey]

I know I have not been very active lately, have had alot of stuff coming up. But I am looking into buying a new block to build. Was wondering if a 4.2 block out of the f-150 would fit, it seems to be about the same just stroked according to bore size and all. This way I wouldn't have to stroke a 3.8 block, I could just start off with a 4.2 to build up.
Im not looking to boost either, I just want raw naturally aspirated power. I already have a plan, and my uncle is a race car driver/mechanic and he is going to help me out so I am set there. Just really need to know if it will fit. thanks guys?

 

[atlanticblue98]

yes, direct bolt in. thats what i plan to do if i ever blow my current engine

just use the top end parts from your mustang (intake manfolds, fuel lines, accesories, etc.)

 

[shine1stang]

the blocks are the same, there are small differences like in the main webbing. But the f150 4.2l still uses a 3.8 block that is stroked. So its not gonna matter what block you use. If you us a mustang block try to find a 99+ block as they are identical to the f150 blocks.

 

[atlanticblue98]

oh, so you want to teardown the new engine and rebuild it? if so, then just get any 99-04 mustang block like Shine1stang said. having a 4.2 vs. a 3.8 will mean nothing if you completely rebuild it anyway

 

[g36 monkey]

So you don't think the 4.2 would be worth getting. Im just putting in like high power stuff thats strong and durable. Going to do it all right the first time, looking to get more of a punch but not too much that I am constantly fixing stuff if you catch my drift. Just like cam, heads, stuff like that.

I thought that extra stroke would help out. correct me if Im wrong. I am no mechanic, I just have some ideas and I like to play around with stuff ha

 

[atlanticblue98]

So you don't think the 4.2 would be worth getting. Im just putting in like high power stuff thats strong and durable. Going to do it all right the first time, looking to get more of a punch but not too much that I am constantly fixing stuff if you catch my drift. Just like cam, heads, stuff like that.

I thought that extra stroke would help out. correct me if Im wrong. I am no mechanic, I just have some ideas and I like to play around with stuff ha

if you didnt want to rebuild an engine. using the 4.2 block with the 4.2 internals (pistons, rods, and crank) would be a great drop in engine. but if you wanted to go all out and buy Forged internals from a place like Super Six Motorsports, then getting a 4.2 would give you an advantage because you would just be replacing the parts that make the 4.2 better than the 3.8 in the first place.

 

[g36 monkey]

So your saying stick with the 3.8 and beef it up, or that its pretty close either way once they are built.

 

[atlanticblue98]

So your saying stick with the 3.8 and beef it up, or that its pretty close either way once they are built.

yes

a 3.8 with a 4.2 forged stroker kit will be no different than a 4.2 with Forged internals

 

[g36 monkey]

Alrighty, Ill look into it. I will probably just get whichever I find cheaper. I know that usually you get what you pay for, but for a block in good shape either way it wont be bad. Thanks so much for your help man.

 

[atlanticblue98]

Alrighty, Ill look into it. I will probably just get whichever I find cheaper. I know that usually you get what you pay for, but for a block in good shape either way it wont be bad. Thanks so much for your help man.

U-Pull-N-Pay near Landstar always has a ton of fords with 3.8's you can use any of them as long as it is a Rear Wheel Drive car (Thunderbird, mustang, early 90's cougar) they charge $250 for an engine

 

[shine1stang]

if your looking for extra hp by just switching to an f150 motor its not gonna help.
http://www.fordf150.net/specs/engines.php this site is the hp rating for the 4.2l f150 motors from 97-01. The max being 210hp. Im thinking that this is crank hp, if it is then you will gain a lil but not a lot. Port the heads, intakes, and a cam will help

 

[atlanticblue98]

if your looking for extra hp by just switching to an f150 motor its not gonna help.
http://www.fordf150.net/specs/engines.php this site is the hp rating for the 4.2l f150 motors from 97-01. The max being 210hp. Im thinking that this is crank hp, if it is then you will gain a lil but not a lot. Port the heads, intakes, and a cam will help

yes, but the torque increase would be much better. plus, he said he wanted to do Heads Intake and Cam at one point

 

[g36 monkey]

Shine1
I will be completely building the motor before I drop it in. Along with getting a new transmission considering mine is old and decrepit.
And just like atlantic said, stroking the 3.8 to 4.2 will help, or even just starting with a 4.2 because as far as I am concerned, there is no real difference once the motors are built up to my specifications.
Forged internals and port and polished manifolds, all that crap lol.

I always forget your from Orlando ha, I will have to check it out, I have been meaning to go. Sometimes they even do buy 1 get 1 free
But of course I have another question, would it matter if I had split or singleport, or is that only to do with my intake manifold now, like I could drop that on any other one.

 

[atlanticblue98]

Shine1
I will be completely building the motor before I drop it in. Along with getting a new transmission considering mine is old and decrepit.
And just like atlantic said, stroking the 3.8 to 4.2 will help, or even just starting with a 4.2 because as far as I am concerned, there is no real difference once the motors are built up to my specifications.
Forged internals and port and polished manifolds, all that crap lol.

I always forget your from Orlando ha, I will have to check it out, I have been meaning to go. Sometimes they even do buy 1 get 1 free
But of course I have another question, would it matter if I had split or singleport, or is that only to do with my intake manifold now, like I could drop that on any other one.

for the block, no it wouldnt matter. the stuff specific to the slitport is pretty much everything from the heads and up (Heads, all intakes, fuel rail and some small stuff). so either re-use your parts from the eingine in your car now, or get another engine from a 99-00 mustang. are you having your old heads ported for you or are you buying a set from Super Six Motorsports?

 

[shine1stang]

G36, awesome! At least you have a solid plan to work from. Just start getting your ducks in line and you will be fine. What transmission do you have?

 

[g36 monkey]

I would be buying ported and polished heads most likely. I just want to build the motor and couple the trans and rear end, and spend a weekend putting it all in. This way I am not without a vehicle.

And I just have a stock transmission now. Any reccomendations on what I should get to support the power. I know I just need something that is not as old as mine. I took mine to a road course and the transmission is just so old and worn out it over heated really bad.

 

[atlanticblue98]

I would be buying ported and polished heads most likely. I just want to build the motor and couple the trans and rear end, and spend a weekend putting it all in. This way I am not without a vehicle.

And I just have a stock transmission now. Any reccomendations on what I should get to support the power. I know I just need something that is not as old as mine. I took mine to a road course and the transmission is just so old and worn out it over heated really bad.

you went to CFRC? i am planning on building my car for that.

 

[g36 monkey]

Yea man, I should have had the absolute slowest car there out of like 10. ended up being in third all day, behind my buddy who should have had second slowest (08 Sentra SER Spev-V) and first was a mini clubman with $40k in upgrades and he had been to the track before. We were smoking STi's, S2000's and a few other things that should have raped us.

Just goes to show, driver mod for the win

 

[atlanticblue98]

Yea man, I should have had the absolute slowest car there out of like 10. ended up being in third all day, behind my buddy who should have had second slowest (08 Sentra SER Spev-V) and first was a mini clubman with $40k in upgrades and he had been to the track before. We were smoking STi's, S2000's and a few other things that should have raped us.

Just goes to show, driver mod for the win

i cant wait for my 5-speed to go in. although im 18, my car's title is under my father's name, and he doesnt want me to race my car

 

[g36 monkey]

My dad was leary, it was my 18th birthday present to go. If you go on a sunday you get to have an instructor with you. Its a little costly but well worth it. After the swap and after everythings broken in I plan on going back out.