Actually, I believe that the new mustang engine is a larger version of the current 3.8, but with no resemblance to the 4.0s they put in the ranger.

 

I must have been napping or something when this came about. When did the Mustangs decide to go 4.0? What's the point? The new Mustang 3.8 pulls REALLY nice in a 5 speed. I think the stock quarter is like a 15.6 or something like that. Was the dealio?

 

Actually, I think I made a mistake. I looked closer at the 4.0 they are putting in the Mustang, and the engine looks like it's identical to the 4.0 they put in the ranger. For the 2004 mustang, they actually upped the engine to a 3.9, and the 4.0 is for 2005.

I remembered this becuase on one of the forums I looked at people were wondering why they would redesign the engine one year before they do it again!

 

That's kinda pointless IMO. I wonder how much more we will pay for a 2005 4.0 than a 2003 3.8?

 

I don't think it will be a lot more. Motor Trend had a great article on it last February, and I think they expect the GT to be under $25,000, so the 4.0 shouldn't be much more than the 3.9 is now.

 

I don't like that idea with Ford and the stang how its like 3.8, 3.9, 4.0.. I believe if they are only doing this to save money some how instead of going 3.8 to a 4.0..

 

To be exact, the architecture for the '05 Mustang's 4.0L SOHC V6 is basically the same as the engines used in the Ranger and Explorer/Mountaineer. The only major differences are the performance tuning and the fact that the Mustang's engine will be all aluminum versus the iron block/aluminum head configuration used elsewhere. Last I heard, it'll have 202HP as reported by Motor Trend but I think I have heard of ratings as high as 205HP or even better from other sources. In any case, until official numbers from Ford are released, I think it is safe to presume that it'll offer at least 200HP.

I discussed the 3.8L situation with some other people in another thread a few weeks ago and what was agreed upon was the move from 3.8 to 3.9 liters without any noteworthy change in performance was mainly to steer away from the 3.8s less than stellar reliability reputation of the past. Even though the 3.9 liter displacement will be used in the Mustang for only one year, the engine will be used elsewhere for a longer period of time, specifically, in the Freestar and Monterrey. Now, part of the reason why the 3.9L V6 won't be used in the '05 Mustang is because Ford is looking to phase out its remaining OHV engines in favor of the DOHC Duratec engines by the end of the decade. In fact, it was mentioned early on that the upcoming Duratec 35 was to be used as the '05 Mustang's base engine, but, obviously, that engine isn't even in production yet - not until about this time next year. So instead, Ford green lighted the old 4.0L SOHC V6, an engine that for one reason or another has more longevity at Ford when it comes to desireability. But, following the "all V6s and I-4s must be Duratec" doctrine, even the 4.0L SOHC V6 probably has a limited life span. My thoughts are that the 4.0s, whether in the Mustang, Ranger, or Explorer/Mountaineer, will all eventually be replaced by the Duratec 35 or by an engine of greater displacement that is based on the Duratec 35's architecture, such as a "Duratec 40," for example. Although the Duratec 35 will be the first engine of its kind architecturally (it's not based on the 3.0L DOHC V6 "Duratec 30" if you're wondering), it has already been mentioned that engines of greater displacement can be made following its design. With that in mind, it would also be realistic to believe that the old 4.2L Essex V6 can, and will, be replaced by a Duratec design before the end of the decade, unless Ford makes an exception for some reason. My guess is that the Mustang will eventually get the Duratec 35 while the Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, and even the F-150, all being heavier duty, will get a larger displacment version of this engine.

 

What exactly makes a "duratec" engine better?

 

Do we have the duratec 30 in the 4.2L??

 

For God sakes no. Any 3.0L V6, no matter how good it is, I would imagine would be terribly sluggish in the F-150. Although nothing's been announced, I would think that a derivative of the Duratec 35 would be used, probably in a 4.0 liter displacement or larger. In spite of how good the Duratec 35 "Cyclone" (that's its code name) is already rated at, offering 245HP and 240lb-ft of torque, that would still be a little short for a 4.2L OHV V6 replacement, at least in the torque department which is more important for a truck like the F-150 anyway. It would be a better choice for the Ranger and Explorer/Mountaineer but even here there would be little advantage (if any) in torque, unless Ford's more interested in the horsepower gain and is already satisfied with the existing torque numbers for these vehicles. However, when it comes to the F-150, a bigger engine (bigger than 3.5 liters, that is) would probably be the minimum necessary to replace the old 4.2. And from what I've read, the architecture of the new 3.5L V6 has already been designed to accomodate larger displacements. The website FordForums has a thread that has organized all of the major articles written about the new Duratec 35 when it was first announced into one page. Aside from the cause for speculation that they generate for Ford's future V6s, the articles also partially detail the advantages of the new Duratec design, perhaps answering Crazy001's question:

http://www.fordforums.com/showthread.php?t=43509

Although Ford has yet to announce any spin-off from the Duratec 35 that could potentially replace the 4.2L V6, such an engine, like a Duratec 40, could end up being very powerful. Ironically, Nissan is getting ready to release a new 4.0L DOHC V6 in the 2005 Frontier that's rated at 265HP and 284lb-ft of torque. Something for Ford engineers to take into account, and surpass.

 

the 3.0 is not the problem it is the slush box slowing it down. Drive the same truck with a 5speed and no comparison.

 

Indeed. The gearing plays a major role in its ability. The Taurus I have has the 3.0L Vulcan and I think it moves pretty well, it wouldn't win any trophies but it's not exactly insufficient either, and it probably even weighs a few hundred pounds more than a 2x4 Ranger with the same engine. Still though, I wouldn't mind seeing the 200HP+ of a Duratec 30 in its place. And, depending on the direction Ford takes the Ranger, that may become a reality within the next few years once Ford finally drops the old Vulcan completely. In fact, once the Five Hundred comes out, the Ranger will be the only major vehicle made by Ford that will continue to use the Vulcan V6. Sure, the Taurus will continue to be sold parallel to the Five Hundred, but it'll cease to be a featured vehicle and will take a back seat to the Five Hundred until it is ultimately retired, which should occur before the end of the decade.

 

who do you work for!!

i think you must be the president of ford lurking around on these forums....innnterrresting

 

Shhhhhh!

You'll let my secret get out!

But seriously, I'm just your average Joe car enthusiast who happens to be very observant when it comes to news in the car industry, particularly when it involves Ford. Nothing more.





Thinking to myself: Yes....yes. I do believe they will buy that. Now where did I put the keys to my GT? Oh well, I guess I can get a ride home with someone else. All of these cars have my name on them anyway.

 

hahahahaha i love the bottom line!! everyone goodday!