Hey Guys~
I'm finally getting fed up for the lack of aftermarket parts for the 4.2L. I realize this is not meant to be a "racing" engine, but I would like to up the performance at least a little. I do not yet have a Superchip, but I plan on getting one in the next month or so. I have also been awaiting the FIPK. From what K&N reps told me earlier this year, it should have been available last week. Besides these two modifications, I'm not sure what else there is. I would like to also add pulleys and headers, but none are available yet. In y'alls opinion, would this engine benefit from having the heads ported and polished? Most of my friends drive Mustangs and they suggested this idea, but they are not sure if it would benefit the V6. I also realize this is an expensive option. Nitrous is also an option, but I really do not want to use it while my truck is still under warranty. Anyway, if y'all have any comments/suggestions, please post them. Best wishes to all!!!!

***JaSoN***

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Oxford White 1998 F-150 STX, reg. cab, flareside, 4.2, auto, 3.55s, tint, Prestige alarm, Bel radar detector, Pioneer CD player, 4 Polk 5x7's, Stull billet grille and bumper insert, Flowmaster exhaust, K&N airfilter, V-Tech Tailight Covers(painted to match truck) Clear Corner Lenses FUTURE MODS: to indecisive to know for sure, but a FIPK and 2 in. shackles will be on by the end of December.

 

I am sorry that I ever bought the 4.2Liter...it is a dog in this big truck...plus the fuel mileage is nothing to brag about...I am now have almost 5K miles with a mixture of stop/go and highway...overall average has been 15mpg...you have to keep it floored to get any real response...I have a friend whom is trading in his 4.6L with 20K miles..what a difference...I should have spent the extra $500..to any potential buyer...don't bother with the V6

I have the 4.2L V6 with standard gearing....

 

Flostang and J_rock,

I know how you both feel. I used to own a 97 4.2L 5 spd standard cab. I wasn't extremely overjoyed by its seemingly lack of power, remember, this is a 5000 lb truck, and it's alot for a V6 to push around. However, if you wind the rpm's up, it's performance overall with the truck is acceptable, although not sterling... Yes, and I remember my gas mileage with it- terrible, I used to get 13 mpg, even with a K&N and a Gibson super truck exhaust. I did trade it in for my present truck, dealer gave me blue book value, so it wasn't a terrible end to my experience with it.

As for the rest of you out there- I'm not bashing the V6, so don't reply to this post as if I was....

-kindest regards

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1999 F150 4x4, dark blue, 5.4l auto, Manick brush guard, KC Hilites, tinted windows, K&N air filter without airbox, Gibson side swept exhaust, bedliner, toolbox, Uniden CB with whip, and now, an appointment with Dr Ford for open heart surgery (to replace a Piston Slap'in Engine)...

 

A few months back when I was planing on buying a truck I test drove a v6 5spd and it just didn't have any get and go so I knew right then and there I would get the V8 for sure since I was going from a mustang gt to a truck.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

 

To the user who referred to the V8 as a $500 option . . it's really more than that. With a V8, you pay the extra $500 PLUS you lose the so-called "discount" for getting the V6, which I think is between 1000-1500 bucks. So, the swing from the V6 to the v8 is more on the order of 2,000 bucks. That's a lot of money for not a lot of extra horsepower (at least in the 4.6).

I bought my truck primarily for its utility and value . . if I wanted something fast, Id've avoided trucks all together, since there are so many other vehicles better suited to performance driving.

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'99 XL 2x4 4.2L SC 5-Spd SC Black over Silver
Penda Liner, Chrome Tubular Step Bars, Prime Designs Bug Deflector

 

A V6 has adequate power to push a 4x2 regcab if you get the 5spd.
Remember also V8s have MUCH higher resale value.
Glad I got the V8.

 

Doug, You're right it is alot of extra money for a few horsepower. To be exact for 99 the v-8 would have cost you $1063 invoice or $1250 sticker, and for 00 the v-8 would have cost you $1468 invoice or $1725 sticker. Plus for my 99 model my captain's chairs were a no charge option because I got the V-6, that's another $490 at sticker price. Of course for those few who want a plain truck the for 00 the v-8 will only amount to $638 invoice or $750 sticker extra, most of the newer F-150's that I see are either an XLT or a Lariat.
Personally I am very happy with my V-6.

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Michael
99f150@pickupman.com
mkrieger@mailcity.com
99 F-150 XLT Supercab, 4x2, Bright Red/Harvest Gold, 4.2L, Automatic, 3.55LS, 255/70R16 Goodyears, Captains Chairs, Keyless Entry, CD Changer, Tow Package

Accessories: SuperChip, Donnelly Compass Mirror, Lariat Wheelwell Moldings and Bumper Cap, Ford Splash Guards, Bug Shield, Bed Mat, WeatherTech Deflectors, Mobil1 Synthetic Oil

Modifications: Painted Tailgate Handle, A/C on/off switch



[This message has been edited by mkrieger (edited 12-01-1999).]

 

I agree w/ doug & 54, the V-6 does its job. I've driven 450 hp Camaros, GSX-r 750, you name it, I've probably driven it. I REALLY love speed and power. With that said, I bought my '99 4.2 to be a truck, and I have been very pleased w/ its performance.....AS A TRUCK! I hope everyone can enjoy what they purchased, none of the engines are perfect, 4.2 (power), 4.6 (not much more than the 6), & 5.4 (piston slap). Drive them and enjou them!!!! OK, IO'll shut-up now!!! Thanks...Doc

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1999 F-150
4.2L, 5-speed
reg. cab, short bed, Sport Grill,
Pioneer DEH-P4000 CD,
Tinted windows, "blacked-out" factory rims, 255's in place of 235's (tiny tires!)
more to come....

 

Fine, so I can't type!!!! DOc

 

J_Rock
Do the chip if you can handle the gas prices. I had a '99 XLT auto SC 3.55 4.2 and chipped it. It would outperform the 4.6 (after rolling, from a dead stop nothing to write home about). But as so many before me pointed out, THIS AIN'T NO DAMN RACECAR! As for the stock 4.2, it does what it's built to do. If you're just light hauling and kicking around, works great. Serious hauling needs serious power (right Tina?).

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'00 WHITE/GOLD F150 LARIAT FlareSide SC 5.4 Auto 3.55 LS
Black Westin Nerfs, White Prime Design BugShield,
White Vtech Taillight Covers, K&N Air Filter,
Leather Captain's Chairs (like a screen door in a submarine!),
and all the Lariat goodies
SOME SHOW and a LOTTA TOW
My am E, Fl *** Member of ??? Ford Group

 

Doug you summed it up very well except for "if I wanted something fast, Id've avoided trucks all together" - Not including the Lightning I hope.

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99 F150 XLT Silver 2WD S/C 4.2 5-speed, Pioneer DEH P4000, Superchip, Flowmaster muffler // Rear door switch guards - check them out at http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/show/5031

[This message has been edited by Darin (edited 12-02-1999).]

 

I owned a 97 reg cab V6, 5-speed until recently. I put a K&N filter in and a flowmaster 40 series. These helped a little, maybe, but I wasn't satisfied with how it got off the line. Sure, at 3500-4500 rpm's it really moved, but I didn't typically drive it that hard. What I did do that made a HUGE difference was to swap the 3.08 rear end for 3.73. For about $600 it was a new truck. If I had it to do over I would have went with a 4.10.

 

Hey Guys~
Thanks for your replys!! As I said in my first post I realize this is not a racecar, I'm just trying to make the best out of what I have!! Tim_1911, I might consider a gear swap. What are some of the negative aspects, if any, of the 4.10? Also Tim_1911, I noticed you lived in Texas, if you haven't already look under Events and Happening, check it out. There is going to be a F-150 rally in San Antonio in April, should be a blast!!

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Oxford White 1998 F-150 STX, reg. cab, flareside, 4.2, auto, 3.55s, tint, Prestige alarm, Bel radar detector, Pioneer CD player, 4 Polk 5x7's, Stull billet grille and bumper insert, Flowmaster exhaust, K&N airfilter, V-Tech Tailight Covers(painted to match truck) Clear Corner Lenses FUTURE MODS: to indecisive to know for sure, but a FIPK and 2 in. shackles will be on by the end of December. GIG'EM AGGIES

 

Coming from a Nissan 4 banger my 4.2 seems like a race truck. However I don't haul heavy loads or tow anything other than an UHaul once in a while and the cost differential for a 4.6 was a lot since I was going to use the truck as a car.

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99 .. XL .. SC .. 4.2 .. 3.31 .. auto
Olathe Kansas

 

My brother inlaw bought a 98 4.2 automatic supercab and says it is the biggest mistake he ever made. It strains just to keep up with traffic and drinks gas. Even though the 4.6 has only a few more horses, the added torque is well worth the $1500 or so.