4.2L need more power
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 161
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4.2L need more power
I'll put this to you gently....from my experiences with the 4.2L-I'd say just be glad if you can keep it together-forget modding anything.
You say you NEED more power?
Way I see it -you got 2 choices,either live with what it's got,or buy a small v-8.
I blew my 4.2L-but in all fairness I prolly worked it a bit harder than most- and I really shoulda got a 3/4 ton -but still , I can't imagine this engine holding up under any kind of serious modifications.
Sorry to be the party pooper, with any luck someone who has possibly had success with this motor/w mods will get with you on it-but I doubt it.
Hope I was of some help.
Regards.
You say you NEED more power?
Way I see it -you got 2 choices,either live with what it's got,or buy a small v-8.
I blew my 4.2L-but in all fairness I prolly worked it a bit harder than most- and I really shoulda got a 3/4 ton -but still , I can't imagine this engine holding up under any kind of serious modifications.
Sorry to be the party pooper, with any luck someone who has possibly had success with this motor/w mods will get with you on it-but I doubt it.
Hope I was of some help.
Regards.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
4.2L need more power
I think Frank is correct. I don't know of a good way to get reliable, substantial power increases out of the 4.2. If I were to do anything, I'd consider a chip. It will change the timing advance curve, remap the fuel injection, and provided you have an automatic transmission, alter the shift points. The FTE online store sells them: http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/
Worth considering but will require premium gas to take full advantage of the timing advance. As I understand it, without premium fuel, the knock sensors can retard timing and you'll not get all the advantage the chip offers. I might be in error on some specifics, but you get the picture.
The 4.2 tends to get a bad rap - especiall the early model years. Mine (2000 model) has 85,000 completely trouble free miles. In my case the 4.2 does fine for pulling the boat, utility trailer, motorcycle trailer etc. Nothing ever over 3,000 lbs.
But, if you NEED more power I'd look into trading for a V8.
Best of luck,
Brian A
Worth considering but will require premium gas to take full advantage of the timing advance. As I understand it, without premium fuel, the knock sensors can retard timing and you'll not get all the advantage the chip offers. I might be in error on some specifics, but you get the picture.
The 4.2 tends to get a bad rap - especiall the early model years. Mine (2000 model) has 85,000 completely trouble free miles. In my case the 4.2 does fine for pulling the boat, utility trailer, motorcycle trailer etc. Nothing ever over 3,000 lbs.
But, if you NEED more power I'd look into trading for a V8.
Best of luck,
Brian A
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 12
From: Sioux Falls SD
4.2L need more power
The 4.2 has more HP per cube than the 5.4V8. but any way go to this web site they can help you out. www.supersixmotorsports.com
Dan
Dan
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Slidell, La.
4.2L need more power
New to sight. To answer a few questions about power in the V-6. There are several ways to go. The most common are intake, exhaust (not headers), electric fans, then you can really step-up to bigger throttle body, larger injectors, port/polish heads, and bolt on supercharger. There are a lot of mods out there, some cost more than others. Lets stick with the basics: get a good quality washable air filter, add exhaust (do not go over 2.5"), chip, and electric fans. those mods should give you at least 30 hp at the rear wheels. Hope this helps and good luck. 
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