2002 e-150,v-6 or v-8
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
2002 e-150,v-6 or v-8
been looking to replace my 92 econoline with a 2002. had the 300 inline in the 92 and am considering the 4.2. the old engine went 316,000. anything in the negative regarding the 4.2, i have no experience with this powerplant. would the small v-8 be a better choice and why?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
2002 e-150,v-6 or v-8
The gas mpg will be almost as good (or the same) with the V8. The power will be much better. It will be smoother and sound better. The resale will be much better.
The V-6 is not a Triton. It is an older OHV design - the Triton is OHC. Believe me, the 4.2 is not at all similar to the great 300 six. I think the 4.2 is a minivan (windstar) engine. They have had gasket problems. The Tritons, esp. the 4.6, have had few commonly occurring problems.
I have a 5.4 in my econoline and it is great. very torquey, seems very well matched to the 4r70w tranny - doesn't downshift all the time. Just runs very smooth. I would recommend it. I have also had two 4.6's and they have run well.
The V-6 is not a Triton. It is an older OHV design - the Triton is OHC. Believe me, the 4.2 is not at all similar to the great 300 six. I think the 4.2 is a minivan (windstar) engine. They have had gasket problems. The Tritons, esp. the 4.6, have had few commonly occurring problems.
I have a 5.4 in my econoline and it is great. very torquey, seems very well matched to the 4r70w tranny - doesn't downshift all the time. Just runs very smooth. I would recommend it. I have also had two 4.6's and they have run well.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,558
Likes: 45
From: Concord, NC
2002 e-150,v-6 or v-8
It was the 3.8 that was in the windstars, and yes they are prone to blowing head gaskets about every 100,000 miles. I don't know how similar that engine is with the 4.2. I don't have much experience with any of the engines in the 97-up trucks, but personally, I would opt for the 4.6 V8.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
2002 e-150,v-6 or v-8
Definately go with the V-8!! The 4.2's are not very good on gaskets and you don't want to learn that the hard way (new engine). I saw a man last night who did, in his 97 F-150. Not good. As for between the V-8's, you can't really go wrong either with the 4.6 or 5.4. Both fairly reliable and plenty of power, just depends on if you are pulling anything or doing a lot of mountain driving.
