3.8L performance notes
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
3.8L performance notes
I'm told that the 3.8 of choice is the factory supercharged one that was used in Thunderbirds. The reason is that the internals are forged in that version.
I also hear that the crank out of a 4.2L is ideal for a four inch stroke - I'd appreciate any confirmation on that.
The info in this thread WILL be used for a serious build, but before I even start I want to finalize all plans and strategies on this engine. It isn't going to be done twice...
I also hear that the crank out of a 4.2L is ideal for a four inch stroke - I'd appreciate any confirmation on that.
The info in this thread WILL be used for a serious build, but before I even start I want to finalize all plans and strategies on this engine. It isn't going to be done twice...
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
Update: As of this afternoon I have some used wheels folks actively looking for the stuff on this shopping list -
Stock 4.2 V6 (latemodel F150) Crank
Thunderbird V6 3.8 engine or whole car, with a blower.
5 or more speed manual tranny that will bolt up to it.
Stock 4.2 V6 (latemodel F150) Crank
Thunderbird V6 3.8 engine or whole car, with a blower.
5 or more speed manual tranny that will bolt up to it.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Maple Valley, WA
The ford 3.8 has got to be one of the most Garbage engines ford has ever produced. Why do you want to do the conversion? Why not supercharge a 5.0 and put it in there? I can understand if you want to be unique, but there is better choices to be unique with than a 3.8/4.2.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Maple Valley, WA
Originally Posted by RacinNdrummin
The ford 3.8 has got to be one of the most Garbage engines ford has ever produced. Why do you want to do the conversion? Why not supercharge a 5.0 and put it in there? I can understand if you want to be unique, but there is better choices to be unique with than a 3.8/4.2.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
Alloy heads, small cast iron casting (the block), hyper possibles once the BS stuff is rectified...
The whole idea is to "RIGHT SIZE" the power plant, and then see how far I can go with it...
"Thinking Outside of the Box"
Tom Moranis is right - there is a LOT that can be done with these engines in a small vehicle format.
PS: No offence taken. I have opinions too...
(In case you had not noticed - he says gleefully)
The whole idea is to "RIGHT SIZE" the power plant, and then see how far I can go with it...
"Thinking Outside of the Box"
Tom Moranis is right - there is a LOT that can be done with these engines in a small vehicle format.
PS: No offence taken. I have opinions too...
(In case you had not noticed - he says gleefully)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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The 3.8 has a noted problem with head gaskets, since your doing a build, I'm sure you will have this problem corrected. Super six motorsports has a lot of hipo parts for the 3.8, they know how to squeeze some power out of them, you may want to check out thier site, good luck on your build.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I saw somewhere on FTE that the 3.8 that was supercharged had a better head gasket. Not saying it shouldn't be replaced, as it most definetly should, but at least you know the 3.8 SC's got something decent to work with.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
Since I plan on a complete tear-down (to make sure of everything) and machine work - the block itself will be cut for brass O-rings. NOT the heads. Cast iron will hold the o-ring grooves better than aluminum.
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