4.2L vrs 3.8L Are they the same?

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KIDD - 18 Apr 2007 19:36 GMT

Hey Gang,

Ive been getting estimates for getting a new motor put in my 99 E 150
4.2L van...I was told by one source that he could locate me a used low
mi. 3.8L motor and do the job MUCH cheaper than puttin a Jasper reman
4.2L...He said the 3.8L would fit and probably be a "better"
motor...THEN , I go to another souce who says that would be a mistake
becuase the computer wouldnt reconize the 3.8L and said the fuel mix
and other electrical gagetry wouldnt be right...Anyway, I thought Id
get some opinions and advice from you guys...Any help would be
appreciated.

Thanks,
John in WV.

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David M - 19 Apr 2007 11:07 GMT

> Hey Gang,
>
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> John in WV.

Well, obviously they are NOT the same displacement. And, if you do this,
you'll probably want the computer and wiring harness from the 3.8L motor.

I'm not sure why you would want a small V6 in a large van, but, hey, to
each his own.

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Mike H - 19 Apr 2007 17:11 GMT

> Hey Gang,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> get some opinions and advice from you guys...Any help would be
> appreciated.

It depends on the motor in the truck. Is it a speed density EEC or a
MAF controlled? Ford used both.

The Essex built 3.8 is a direct physical fit for the 4.1 motor. It's
essentially the same but has a shorter stroke than the 4.2. (Different
crankshaft)

I'd check around on www.v6power.net or www.tccoa.com to see if anyone
can give you specific information on such a swap. Most of the sensors
and such should bolt up. I'm not sure what you'd need to carry over
from the 4.2 though. Also the 3.8 may not be up to duty in the
truck. The 4.2 was specific for the truck thus there may be other
things internally that make it good there.

If you can pickup a factory supercharged 3.8, those had Forged Cranks
(N/A 3.8 and 4.2 are Cast) so they are a bit stouter. But they also
used DIS ignition and no balance shaft.

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