4.2 Performance Upgrades
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
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4.2 Performance Upgrades
Hello again guys and gals,
Thought I'd start a new thread here to get on subject better. I purchased a 97 with a knocking 4.2 engine. Knowing that it will be getting a new engine, now is the time to think about performance upgrades. I can't seem to find much on this engine discussed. So I thought I would throw it out here for inputs. I am most likely going to be getting a new longblock engine as a replacement. So that would keep my mods to mostly the external category. i.e. Headers, chips, throttle body, etc. If I decide to go the rebuild it myself option it will only be because I value the idea of what a cam or other internal mods can benefit me. If I go that option then I would like to hear about internal mods. Cams, etc. that get results that you can speak of from experience.
Past that I would like to hear about things like Mark VIII fan set-ups, HiPo Mustang parts that will bolt on, etc. Other tricks that you guys already know.
I am not looking for a loud streetlight racer, rather I would like something breathable, relatively quiet to drive and basically a good torque inprovement. Horsepower is a relative thing it is the tgorque that gets you moving quicker. But I will take any horsepower gains I can get that goes along with it...:-).
It seesm to me that this engine has a lot of potential. It is a variant of the 3.8 engine which is a good engine for power considering its size.
So let me hear it guys.
Do we have sources for stroker kits?
Camshafts?
Roller set-ups?
Head stuff?
Talk to me about Chips.
Exhaust?
Intake improvements?
Etc.
I am not going to get radical like blowers etc.
This isn't going to be a showtruck. It is going to be a driver, an occasional tow vehicle, a hauler of house stuff and a civilized around town and over the road commuter vehicle. I don't want something that is temperamental, high maintenance, loud, or uncomfortbale to drive. I'd like to keep my mileage as good as possible. Breathing goes a a long way to improving both categories of performance (Milegae and power).
I do like the idea of it being a nice sleeper that will be respectable against a V-8 (OK kick its butt then....*grin).
I appreciate all the inputs you care to give guys. My e-mail is tomgibbs@stis.net if anyone would like to write me directly off the board here.
Happy truckin
Thought I'd start a new thread here to get on subject better. I purchased a 97 with a knocking 4.2 engine. Knowing that it will be getting a new engine, now is the time to think about performance upgrades. I can't seem to find much on this engine discussed. So I thought I would throw it out here for inputs. I am most likely going to be getting a new longblock engine as a replacement. So that would keep my mods to mostly the external category. i.e. Headers, chips, throttle body, etc. If I decide to go the rebuild it myself option it will only be because I value the idea of what a cam or other internal mods can benefit me. If I go that option then I would like to hear about internal mods. Cams, etc. that get results that you can speak of from experience.
Past that I would like to hear about things like Mark VIII fan set-ups, HiPo Mustang parts that will bolt on, etc. Other tricks that you guys already know.
I am not looking for a loud streetlight racer, rather I would like something breathable, relatively quiet to drive and basically a good torque inprovement. Horsepower is a relative thing it is the tgorque that gets you moving quicker. But I will take any horsepower gains I can get that goes along with it...:-).
It seesm to me that this engine has a lot of potential. It is a variant of the 3.8 engine which is a good engine for power considering its size.
So let me hear it guys.
Do we have sources for stroker kits?
Camshafts?
Roller set-ups?
Head stuff?
Talk to me about Chips.
Exhaust?
Intake improvements?
Etc.
I am not going to get radical like blowers etc.
This isn't going to be a showtruck. It is going to be a driver, an occasional tow vehicle, a hauler of house stuff and a civilized around town and over the road commuter vehicle. I don't want something that is temperamental, high maintenance, loud, or uncomfortbale to drive. I'd like to keep my mileage as good as possible. Breathing goes a a long way to improving both categories of performance (Milegae and power).
I do like the idea of it being a nice sleeper that will be respectable against a V-8 (OK kick its butt then....*grin).
I appreciate all the inputs you care to give guys. My e-mail is tomgibbs@stis.net if anyone would like to write me directly off the board here.
Happy truckin
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24
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From: N/A
Well you can put full roller rockers in the truck, they will free up some horses. Exhaust is a very exhausted issue so I've seen, and it seems to rest soley on your tastes of sound and looks. Intake mods are abundant, along with throttle bodies and MAF sensors. the electric fan is one of those mods that free up lost horsepower and is a good choice, as well as underdrive pullies which will most likely be available very soon. Chips are worth the money especially when they are used to tune in aftermarket parts. Another good choice is a rear gear ratio swap. these mods don't require you to take your engine down, are relatively inexpensive, and depending on your skill, can be done at home. I have done the MAF sensor, throttle body, exhaust, gears, and a chip. I too am not out for neck breaking speed in my truck, that what sports cars and lightnings are for, but I will admit my truck can hold it's own quite well.
Cams are where you start to ride the edge. You can get street cams that will boost your performace down low and will not affect the driveability. But the esier way out is with a rocker ratio change. the roller mech. will free up the valve train and the added lift and duration the new ratio provides will do just fine without taking the bits to the intake and heads.
Over all there are plenty of bolt-ons available that will give your truck the pep you want without going into the motor and these are the best bet.
The only Mustang parts that I have found to fit our trucks are the newer MAF sensors(using truck electronics), gears, l/s diffs, and the 1.73 motorsport rocker arms. I plan on getting roller rockers in the future as well as finishing up the bolt on list as soon as I get some down time.
Then again you can always weld up a manifold for an 8-71, get a digital engine management system and go for broke.....
Cams are where you start to ride the edge. You can get street cams that will boost your performace down low and will not affect the driveability. But the esier way out is with a rocker ratio change. the roller mech. will free up the valve train and the added lift and duration the new ratio provides will do just fine without taking the bits to the intake and heads.
Over all there are plenty of bolt-ons available that will give your truck the pep you want without going into the motor and these are the best bet.
The only Mustang parts that I have found to fit our trucks are the newer MAF sensors(using truck electronics), gears, l/s diffs, and the 1.73 motorsport rocker arms. I plan on getting roller rockers in the future as well as finishing up the bolt on list as soon as I get some down time.
Then again you can always weld up a manifold for an 8-71, get a digital engine management system and go for broke.....
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Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 215
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From: The First State
bi-ported heads, bi-ported upper and lower intake manifolds, and custom reground cam,etc...for the 4.2L are sold here
www.supersixmotorsports.com
www.supersixmotorsports.com
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Senior Member
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Originally posted by radar_ranger
Well you can put full roller rockers in the truck, they will free up some horses.
Give me some choices for these. Where do I get them?
Intake mods are abundant, along with throttle bodies and MAF sensors.
Same request. Are we swapping Ford stuff over or are we talking aftermarket?
the electric fan is one of those mods that free up lost horsepower and is a good choice
Any particular year Mark VIII? How do I control it coming on and off etc.?
Chips are worth the money especially when they are used to tune in aftermarket parts.
Chips are like exhaust. Lots of chices with little idea of what the result is without firsthand inputs...umm...hint...hint...*grin*
I have done the MAF sensor, throttle body, exhaust, gears, and a chip. I too am not out for neck breaking speed in my truck, that what sports cars and lightnings are for, but I will admit my truck can hold it's own quite well.
I have no problem doing the work myself. Just don't wish to re-invent the wheel if it isn't needed. I admit it I will copy whatever I know works. a rear gear swap is not what I'd want as a 1st choice but if the results were signifigant, up on the rack it would go. Wouldn't rear gearing bring my mileage down a good bit?
the roller mech. will free up the valve train and the added lift and duration the new ratio provides will do just fine without taking the bits to the intake and heads.
Yes I understand how the rollers will work. Just need to know where and what to get.
Over all there are plenty of bolt-ons available that will give your truck the pep you want without going into the motor and these are the best bet.
I would generaly agree with that comment. Teh internals are pretty well matched fpr good streetable use these days. They make the magic with the electronics now.
Well you can put full roller rockers in the truck, they will free up some horses.
Give me some choices for these. Where do I get them?
Intake mods are abundant, along with throttle bodies and MAF sensors.
Same request. Are we swapping Ford stuff over or are we talking aftermarket?
the electric fan is one of those mods that free up lost horsepower and is a good choice
Any particular year Mark VIII? How do I control it coming on and off etc.?
Chips are worth the money especially when they are used to tune in aftermarket parts.
Chips are like exhaust. Lots of chices with little idea of what the result is without firsthand inputs...umm...hint...hint...*grin*
I have done the MAF sensor, throttle body, exhaust, gears, and a chip. I too am not out for neck breaking speed in my truck, that what sports cars and lightnings are for, but I will admit my truck can hold it's own quite well.
I have no problem doing the work myself. Just don't wish to re-invent the wheel if it isn't needed. I admit it I will copy whatever I know works. a rear gear swap is not what I'd want as a 1st choice but if the results were signifigant, up on the rack it would go. Wouldn't rear gearing bring my mileage down a good bit?
the roller mech. will free up the valve train and the added lift and duration the new ratio provides will do just fine without taking the bits to the intake and heads.
Yes I understand how the rollers will work. Just need to know where and what to get.
Over all there are plenty of bolt-ons available that will give your truck the pep you want without going into the motor and these are the best bet.
I would generaly agree with that comment. Teh internals are pretty well matched fpr good streetable use these days. They make the magic with the electronics now.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,377
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From: Humble, Texas
better get taller valve covers for those 1.73's. they will not work with our stock valve covers.
and nobody makes taller valve covers for out trucks... this is why mine are being custom made. too much money to post how much too.
and nobody makes taller valve covers for out trucks... this is why mine are being custom made. too much money to post how much too.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,007
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From: liquid sunshine state (oregon)
stroker kits
I am surprised nobody haas mentioned the stroker kits found at made by morona racing (?) its been a while since I was at their website so I can't remember the url.........anyway the offer 2 kits one that strokes it out to 4.4L and one that strokes it out to 4.6L.
This would be a good place to start along with the aforementioned mods..........be carefull if you order up the ported intakes from supersix motorsports..........tell them to leave the stock butterflies in them......if they remove them kiss all your bottom end goodbye........(we have split intake runners) these butterflies remain closed until the motor reaches 3000 rpm then they open up so the motor can get more air.I have discused this issue with them and they agreed that for an everyday driver the butterflies should not be removed.....good luck with the mods
This would be a good place to start along with the aforementioned mods..........be carefull if you order up the ported intakes from supersix motorsports..........tell them to leave the stock butterflies in them......if they remove them kiss all your bottom end goodbye........(we have split intake runners) these butterflies remain closed until the motor reaches 3000 rpm then they open up so the motor can get more air.I have discused this issue with them and they agreed that for an everyday driver the butterflies should not be removed.....good luck with the mods
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 11
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From: Livonia, Mi
The stock heads are VERY good. They will flow more than enough for most people. With intake at 215 cfm and exhaust at 130 cfm they flat out kick butt for stock heads.
1.73s are kind of a waste....we already have a 1.7 rocker ratio. You would gain a barely measurabe amount of lift and even less duration. The only benefit to the roller rockers is a slight decrease in parasitics...which if you run synthetic lube is a mute point anyways. They will work with the stock valve covers if you "adjust" the baffles inside the covers.
The stock 4.2 cam isn't too bad. The specs are .424/.447 254/270 with 38 deg of overlap. There is not much point to a cam any bigger with the stock heads. Our heads flow great but they are all done at .450 of lift...so there isn't much point to putting a .500 lift cam into an engine that is done at .450 anyways...
The IMRCs (Intake Manifold Runner Controls) or butterflies in the lower intake are good for bottom end torque but aren't absolutely necessary. The 1999 & 2000 3.8 Mustangs have the split port set-up but no butterflies/IMRCs. If you want to go all out you could delete them and just add some more advance in the lower rpms to keep the responsiveness.
The stroker kits and ported heads for the V6s are very expensive. Unless you are hell-bent on 400rwhp and can afford it....don't bother. A blower is a much more coste effective way to add big power.
There is room for improvement on the exhaust side... The stock 4.2 manifolds are on the small side. The JBAs could be good money spent IF you open up the rest of the exhaust.
I highly recommend dyno-tuning. Through the mail chips are fine for most people but a dyno-tune guarantees every HP possible. Find someone that has done more than 1 or 2 V6s.
V6power.net has some very knowledgeable members for reference.
1.73s are kind of a waste....we already have a 1.7 rocker ratio. You would gain a barely measurabe amount of lift and even less duration. The only benefit to the roller rockers is a slight decrease in parasitics...which if you run synthetic lube is a mute point anyways. They will work with the stock valve covers if you "adjust" the baffles inside the covers.
The stock 4.2 cam isn't too bad. The specs are .424/.447 254/270 with 38 deg of overlap. There is not much point to a cam any bigger with the stock heads. Our heads flow great but they are all done at .450 of lift...so there isn't much point to putting a .500 lift cam into an engine that is done at .450 anyways...
The IMRCs (Intake Manifold Runner Controls) or butterflies in the lower intake are good for bottom end torque but aren't absolutely necessary. The 1999 & 2000 3.8 Mustangs have the split port set-up but no butterflies/IMRCs. If you want to go all out you could delete them and just add some more advance in the lower rpms to keep the responsiveness.
The stroker kits and ported heads for the V6s are very expensive. Unless you are hell-bent on 400rwhp and can afford it....don't bother. A blower is a much more coste effective way to add big power.
There is room for improvement on the exhaust side... The stock 4.2 manifolds are on the small side. The JBAs could be good money spent IF you open up the rest of the exhaust.
I highly recommend dyno-tuning. Through the mail chips are fine for most people but a dyno-tune guarantees every HP possible. Find someone that has done more than 1 or 2 V6s.
V6power.net has some very knowledgeable members for reference.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,007
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From: liquid sunshine state (oregon)
not to disagree with ya Petec1
but think about it, the mustangs with with the 3.8 sre significantly lighter so they don't need as much low end to get them going.......... at any rate when I spoke with supersix abuot my truck they said I should keep the butterflies........Maybe its the fact that I have a 4x4 and it is no lightweight.I tip the scales at 4700 lbs with me and a full tank of gas.......I need all the low end I can get.Other than that , that is some really good info you passed on to us
Yes the stroker kits are expensive but if ya wanna play ya gotta pay. Why not go all out and do a stroker kit with the ported intakes and add the blower along with all the basic bolt on mods??????Could you imagine the kind of power you would get??????it would definately be a force to be reckoned with (lightning killer?) obviously a bullet proof tranny would also be in order.......
Yes the stroker kits are expensive but if ya wanna play ya gotta pay. Why not go all out and do a stroker kit with the ported intakes and add the blower along with all the basic bolt on mods??????Could you imagine the kind of power you would get??????it would definately be a force to be reckoned with (lightning killer?) obviously a bullet proof tranny would also be in order.......