Any comments of how the 4.2 has performed in the 2005 F150?

I couldn't comment due to the fact that it's not out yet. When people start getting them and driving them around, I'll have an idea, but for now I'm skeptical about them. The will be a little slower than our trucks...but I don't know about off-road and towing.

I have a question for you true4.2. Having read a little on Ford's web site, they refer to the 05's 4.2 as "newly available" and Fords' F-150 brochure describes the 4.2 L as "NEW" just what differences are there between the 05 4.2 and previous 4.2's. What gives you the feeling that it may lack in power or performance?

Newly available means that it was not offered in '04. The 4.2 is now being offered in 05, with either a 5spd or auto, only in the regular cab short bed configuration. The reason it's only offered in that configuration is because that's the lightest setup you can get.

True said it'd lack performance and be slower probably based on the fact that the new body style is a lot heavier and bigger. That brings the power to weight ratio down, considering it's the same exact 4.2 that we all have in our trucks.

Hope this helps

Rman

If you click on SPECS (right hand margin) and look closely at the info, you can see that the 4.2 is now shown as an overhead cam motor.
Bore, stroke appear unchanged.
HP and torque numbers are very nearly the same, but peak HP comes at 600 rpm lower than in my 2000 model.
It will be interesting to see how the "new" 4.2 fairs in the new body style truck.

I think it will be pretty much the same..

Ah, i stand corrected. Thanks brianA.

I was basing my information on the latest issue of Truckin', they just stated that it was carried over.....or did i make this all up and believe it to be true?.....

Damn....

To be honest, I didn't know it was an overhead cam motor now until I looked at the Specs for the '05 model 4.2.
Almost seems like the specs are a mistake! I haven't heard one word about the 4.2 being "reinvented" from any Ford commercials, ads, etc.
Wonder why?

EDIT: Well......
I went to Ford's web site and did some searching. Here is what I found:
(copied and pasted direct from the Ford site)

Engine type 4.2L OHV 12-valve V6 (emphasis mine)

Looks like the indication of the 4.2 being an overhead cam motor might JUST be wrong after all!
Based on the fact that nothing has been publicized, and Ford's site says OHV not SOHC, I'll bet it is still the 4.2 pushrod motor we all know and love. :-X22

4.2 performance
 

Thanks for your efforts both BrianA and 4.2manster, all this leaves only 1 question unresoved, what accounts for the different power curves year 2000 vs. year 2005? Testing techniques, other tweeks or just variation from engine to engine? I don't imagine the 600 rpm difference is going to amount to much performance difference in the real world. Either way I have enough confidence in the 4.2 (and enough bias in favor of the 5-speed) to have ordered that configuration. I'll let you know what I think when it finally arrives!

without knowing, I'd guess slight changes to cam profile accounts for the shift in HP numbers.
Please do let us know! I think you'll be the first here with an'05 and the 4.2.
Thanks!

It also wouldnt be surpising to see ford factory computer code also try and compensate for the added weight, like brian said, a different stock cam, and a few other little things to get the power sooner. I will wait to line up next to one and find out.

Garrett

Thanks to all for the responses.

I definately wouldn't be leary lining up next to one myself. My neigher owns the single cab 5.4, and it's right about the same acceleration as my 4.2, so I'm sticking with my earlier comments, the 4.2 will definately be more sluggish.

This is a huge issue for me, as I was unable to locate a 5-sp manual F150 Heritage before they were all sold out. So now, since I want a 5-sp manual, I am pretty much just waiting on how badly the 4.2 V-6 will be compromized by the piggish weight of the 2005. It's obvious that Ford is worried about it, since they didn't offer it in 2004, and now are only offering it for the absolute lightest possible models -- only 4x2! I'm willing to give up 4x4 for the manual, but I'm worried about how slug-like these 2005 4.2's will be. I really hope that I am pleasantly surprised to the point of ordering one. It's funny how Ford's website talks about the 4.2:

"Powerful new V-6 engine available for 2005"
"Avaliable 4.2L V-6: The power you want, the efficiency you need"

I am not a power freak - I used to drive a 2001 SuperCab with the 5.4L V-8, and was a bit underwhelmed by it's responsiveness. I just want something that will get the job done -- it sounds like the 4.2 did just that in the older style F150.

$.2 performance
 

ScottXLT, I can appreciate your concerns. I had intended on waiting for the 5-speed/4.2 setup, but I needed the tax deduction so I bought the 4.2 with the 4 speed electronic OD automatic, it was tough for me to do, I've driven manuals for years and I was selling off a '93 XLT with the 300 in line 6 and the 5-speed manual, a truck I've really loved. The new vehicle, acquired Thursday is an STX RC/SB and while its not sports car fast it has good getup and go, handles wonderfully, is wisper quiet, and is the sharpest looking truck I've ever owned, even more so than my old '77 F-100 shortbox. Basically my advise is to wait for the 5-speed if you can, and its really important to have the 5-speed, but if you can't it's really easy to love the 4.2 with the auto. Really can't lose either way