BackwoodsCustoms

So im doin an overhaul on my 97 F150 with the stock 4.2. the only thing I havent decided on with the project is whether too put a custom made 302 or buy another 4.2 and Turbo/cams/piston etc etc. I would just like alittle feed back on what would work best for offroad applications? i fully understand what im getting into and have enough time too do it. Truck has more sentimental value than money and every penny is worth it. Just need some help deciding on what too do.

Toys-N-Joys

i would suggest a supercharger setup off a 3.8 merc cougar or a thunderbird supercoupe late 80s and 90s. m90.

should be alot easier than a swap or turbo and alot cooler imo. i never did anything with the f150s 4.2 but did some with the 3.8s


i used to own a special edition 88 cougar. and i always wanted to drop a 4.2 crank and rods in. torque is better than hp imo. but a properly sized turbo could make torque and be responsive.

other cool part about supercharger is they were all oem ford parts.

BackwoodsCustoms

My biggest things is messing with whats already in the truck, would a swap too a 3.8 require alot of rewiring? and I do agree I love having alot of torque thats why i love the 4.2 thats in this truck now. Its been our workhorse since it was a year old and owes us nothing lol I just wanna keep her alive and powerful

Toys-N-Joys

the 4.2 and 3.8s are almost the same motors. they have the dual port 3.8s and single port 3.8s. the worst part is that the supercharger setups came from the single port head design.

our f150s are dual port so you would need a custom adapter for the supercharger or swap the single port stuff over and then everything would bolt on like it was factory. i saw a bit of a write upo on here. the v6 mustang guys know alot more. they swpa the 4.2s in ans s/c them in the stang

i think the only difference between the 3.8 and 4.2 is the stroke. the piston size is the same if i remember correctly.

BlimpinDave

Look at Clifford Performance. They do cams and intake manifolds. I was going to do it but sold mine for a suburban for the family instead of a regular cab. Mine was a 97 as well.

2007SCrew

Check out www.theturboforums.com

They have a Sport Compact/4-6 Cylinder Tech section. Tons of good info over there, but a thick skin is required sometimes. They're big sticklers about searching too - just a warning.

Fast Filly

iTrader: (1)

build a 5.4 which obviously fits perfect and put a whipple on it.

Toys-N-Joys

awsome idea if he has the cash to go that route id vote for that too. but a built high hp motor with weak everything else isnt a good idea