I am wondering if there were any major design changes between these two engines. I want to pick up a set of Nology Hotwires for my '06, but they only state to fit 97-03 4.2L's.

Anyone out there know of the differences between the engines and whether there would be a big difference between running the wires for a 97-2003 would cause issues with the 2006?

Thanks!!!

 

maybe its the length of the wires?

 

It will work. The coil pack is the same as the older gens.

 

Thanks! Anyone know of anyone who has tried?

 

You'll probably run into idle problems if you put them on your truck. These engines do not like anything other than OEM Motorcraft ignition components, and those Nology wires aren't going to give you anything better than the OEM's do

 

Exactly

 

This dosen't really help your question about the plugs, but seeing as you brought up the topic... I have the 4.2 in my Reg Cab '07, my Dad has the 4.2 in his Scab 02. I know that his truck is longer, but the NBS is heavier, so to me they feel about the same as far as power goes. Anyone else drive both body styles?

OP: I'm not trying to thread jack or anything, you just brought up a valuable point of "do body styles have an effect on aftermarket parts for the 4.2?" So I'm just trying to keep the conversation going in order to find out more.

Very good topic!

 

The only significant difference between the 97-04 and the 05-08 4.2's is the electronic throttle on the NBS. I'm sure there are other "improvements".

 

the NBS are around ~400 lbs heavier than their OBS counterparts (when comparing like body styles). Drive train wise, the NBS engines have drive by wire which inputs a humans glitchy gas pedal changes into a smooth power delivery, which supposedly increases fuel economy. Its also why drive by wire vehicles feel so sluggish off the line

 

Performance Distributors sells high performance cables for the 4.2 f150, and list the same part number for 01 to 2008. Take that info for what its worth.

I have the Firepower kit, but dont have enough miles on it to give you a extensive review. But my first impressions, theirs better things you can spend that money on.

What current mods do you have?