4.2 to 3.8 swap info
<HR style="COLOR: #666666" SIZE=1><TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%">Greetings all,

I am posting this for anyone interested in an inexpensive alternative to replacing a blown 4.2 v6.
I just completed the swap in my 98 f150 4x4 5 spd. This swap is as easy as a rebuilt long block. I used a 3.8 from a 2000 mustang 5 spd. I had to swap intakes and motor mounts, engine wiring harness etc. You have to use the 3.8 flywheel as the bolt pattern on the crank is different, remove the dowl pins and the truck pressure plate bolts right up. A couple things to watch for, if the cam sensor on the new motor is different you have to swap the whole syncronizer. I found out the hard way, swapped the sensors, syncronizer promptly wiped out the sensor, cost $60. Do not put the knock sensor in the block until the motor is in the truck, broke mine off the block, cost $100. Expensive little sucker.
Total cost of the swap, just over $800 including fluids and the parts i broke being a dumb @$$. I suspect you could do it for under $700 if you where careful with everything. Still beats $1600 for a used 4.2
Been driving it for 3 weeks, no engine light, just passed state inspection includeing OBDII test. AS for power i se a slight difference in low end torque but its more than tolereable.


hope this info helps someone

kevin
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whoops that didnt work right

it reads better in the engine swap forum