1997 4.2... Need I say more?
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, LA
1997 4.2... Need I say more?
Ok guys... have I got a good one for ya!
My 4.2 Finally snapped. I know all of the history on these engines, and I want to thank all of you. Otherwise, I would not have known in advance about the coolant problem. That information alone saved me thousands of dollars, because I knew what it was when it happened, and I didn't have to spend money to find out what was wrong.
The decision before me is whether to try to fix this engine, or to install a new one. By "new", I mean different. I have several engines around the house that I can rebuild (and they need to be rebuilt anyway), but my question is this:
How much clearance/room is there in the engine compartment of a '97 150 with a 4.2L? Can a 4.6 be installed? Has anyone done it? Has anyone here ever replaced the 4.2 with something a little unconventional? Say a Rebuilt '71 351 Windsor? Or a '93 302?
No offense intended, but I don't need voluminous posts about all the detail and minuitae associated with an engine swap or body modifications, I just need these specific questions answered, as I am not a novice, and I already know the obvious stuff.
I just would like to hear from someone who has either attempted something similar, or has successfully completed a project of this nature.
Once again I say... Many thanks to all of you over the years who have graced the rest of us with your questions and quandaries, so that all may learn from your hardships and grow in knowledge and wisdom over the course of time.
Trey
My 4.2 Finally snapped. I know all of the history on these engines, and I want to thank all of you. Otherwise, I would not have known in advance about the coolant problem. That information alone saved me thousands of dollars, because I knew what it was when it happened, and I didn't have to spend money to find out what was wrong.
The decision before me is whether to try to fix this engine, or to install a new one. By "new", I mean different. I have several engines around the house that I can rebuild (and they need to be rebuilt anyway), but my question is this:
How much clearance/room is there in the engine compartment of a '97 150 with a 4.2L? Can a 4.6 be installed? Has anyone done it? Has anyone here ever replaced the 4.2 with something a little unconventional? Say a Rebuilt '71 351 Windsor? Or a '93 302?
No offense intended, but I don't need voluminous posts about all the detail and minuitae associated with an engine swap or body modifications, I just need these specific questions answered, as I am not a novice, and I already know the obvious stuff.
I just would like to hear from someone who has either attempted something similar, or has successfully completed a project of this nature.
Once again I say... Many thanks to all of you over the years who have graced the rest of us with your questions and quandaries, so that all may learn from your hardships and grow in knowledge and wisdom over the course of time.
Trey
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 558
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i remember a magazine article when these trucks were new the 97s. this guy wrecked his all front end damage. he swapped in navigator fenders and grille work. And a 460 cid with custom made intake and fuel injection. you could use a carb if you live in one of those places where they dont test. so i think almost anything would fit. maybe alittle firewall modification but shouldnt be too much.
but you already know the easiest thing to do would be fix or replace the 4.2 with a long block 4.2
but you already know the easiest thing to do would be fix or replace the 4.2 with a long block 4.2
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, LA
It looks as though I have about 8 to 10 inches to play with - anterior/posterior. I should have more than enough room laterally. The Radiator is behind the Evaporator coil... and get this... The evap coil is slightly bigger than the radiator. Every one I have ever seen have been about half as large as the radiator.
And I always wondered why that truck had amazing air conditioning!
As far as smog testing... I have never even heard of it in Louisiana, unless you are stopped by a state trooper and he suspects you of having non-street legal engine modifications, i.e. - Rough Idle, Hood scoop, etcetera.
Im thinking of going with the 302 mentioned above, because it is the easiest thing just to drop in there. Although, I haven't totally made up my mind... I may yet go with the 351... NO ECU! It's a 71... all it has is an ignition module... I think.
Later,
Trey
And I always wondered why that truck had amazing air conditioning!
As far as smog testing... I have never even heard of it in Louisiana, unless you are stopped by a state trooper and he suspects you of having non-street legal engine modifications, i.e. - Rough Idle, Hood scoop, etcetera.
Im thinking of going with the 302 mentioned above, because it is the easiest thing just to drop in there. Although, I haven't totally made up my mind... I may yet go with the 351... NO ECU! It's a 71... all it has is an ignition module... I think.
Later,
Trey
