I was looking for an engine gasket set for a 1997 4.2 and one listing I came across shows fitment from 1/14/1998 to 2000 only. I was under the impression that replacement gaskets would work for all years. Am I wrong?? Is there a difference between early, mid, and late model year 4.2's?

 

I believe that they changed the gaskets in 98 because of the problems they were having (I'm pretty sure the intake manifold gasket was leaking and stuff, I think the head gaskets too).

 

What's the chance that I could replace my 1997 4.2 in an E150 with a 3.8 from a 1993 T-Bird? Would that be a bolt in if I have the computer for the 3.8?

 

I'm pretty sure it'd be a direct swap, but I think there might be a difference with the tranny's though...I think the 1993 tranny's were computer controled. I'm not really sure, never heard of that swap before, lol.

 

The 97 4.2 and some of the 98s only had lower intake gasket and timing cover gasket problems.No head gasket issues.