3.8 to 4.2 or 4.6 motor swap

[silversurfer89]

Hey guys my 3.8 motor is damaged so i was wondering if it would be worth it to fix or just go for a engine swap. What do you guys think ??? is it worth it?

 

[NYstang]

4.6 requires a lot of changes. a 4.2 is a bolt-in deal

 

[silversurfer89]

what would be the cheapest way to get a 4.2? and what are all the parts that i would need?

 

[NYstang]

cheapest place would be from a low mile F150.

you will need a 01-04 3.8 oil pan, your 3.8 upper intake, and a tune( www.VMPtuning.com ). Im not sure of everything needed- there is a post with everything at V6power.net

 

[silversurfer89]

i have an 02 3.8. I read the posts on v6power, and it seems that the 97 and up f150's 4.2 will bolt right in. Is this the case? will i not have to change anything at all? what about the cpu connector ?

 

[NYstang]

i have an 02 3.8. I read the posts on v6power, and it seems that the 97 and up f150's 4.2 will bolt right in. Is this the case? will i not have to change anything at all? what about the cpu connector ?

you are able to reuse your stock harness- the 4.2 in the F150 is essentially a 3.8 with a longer stroke, different upper intake(while you CAN use it, it will NOT clear the hood.) Im not sure on the exhaust manifolds, but this would be a good time to upgrade to a longtube header- shorty headers aren't much better then stock manifolds.

as I said, off the top of my head I remember that you will need to change the oil pan, dipstick, upper intake at least. The motor itself is a bolt-in deal- it has the same block, heads, lower intake.