Ive got many plans for my receantly purchased 97' F 150. One of which is to increase engine size from a 4.2 V6. Ive been eye ballen some larger options and was wondering which would be best for for my application. A 351 w (www.fordcobraengines.com) , 460 super cobra jet (www.fordracing.com),or other? Also what about engine mounts?

 

Hi and welcome to FTE

Neither engine is going to be really easy to swap in but a 351 would be easier than a 460.
Take a look at https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...highlight=302+

 

about how long would it take to swap. with a turn key engine you think?

 

I've put a 302 in my 97. I had a 4.2 V6 that had the dreaded intake gasket leak that got a rod. As far as the actual install goes, the engine sits in very nicely. You can use motor mounts from a 69 Mustang and cut your stock frame mounts down or make some more from square stock. I kept the fuel injection from the HO motor and that was the biggest problem with the time it took to get the truck done. If you're going to put a high horsepower windsor motor in it, you'd be ahead of the game by putting in a beefier transmission if it is a 5 speed. The HO 5.0 is about all I'd put in front of the stock 5 speed.

 

Go for an Exploder engine. They had 302s in them starting from 1996, and they have good heads and a pretty good cam in them. I have heard of no factory 351s getting that treatment and Exploder 302s are OBD2 as well, eliminating some wiring hassles.

Of course, the easiest would be another factory option, like a 4.6 or 5.4L...

 

Has anyone tried to put a 302 in front of a 97 4R70W automatic?

 

the bell housing patterns are different.

 

I'm fairly sure that the 4.2 V6 kept the same bolt pattern as the 302 (4.6 and 5.4 are definitely different). I don't know if the 302 flexplate will work with the 4R70W torque converter. Anyone know?