97 engine
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Childress
97 engine
Hey i have a 97 f150 V6 motor. And im just wondering what all i can put into my V6 engine without taakeing it out and fully apart. I just want to add some stuff into it to make it a lil faster than it is now.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,446
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From: Raiderland, TX
What would you like to do? The 97 and 98's had a recall on one of the gaskets related to the timing cover and the lower intake manifold. Although all problems with the 4.2's lower intake manifold were supposed to be fixed by the 99 models, but there are still some instances where the lower's crack prematurely and dump coolant into the cylinders (design flaw with a pressed steel elbow in a cast aluminum manifold) that can cause hydro-lock and blown engines. For instance, my 02's cracked at 94K miles...some never crack, but it is the number one killer of the engine in certain climate (Texas for instance). But really, what are you looking to do to it?
What's that mean?
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 429
Likes: 5
From: NM
Just the basic bolt-on goodies can be done without removing the engine. Valves, cams, and piston replacement can be done without removing it but it takes some effort. I'm not sure how much power you can get out of a V6 seeing as there are few, if any, turbo and superchargers for the 97-03 V6.
Last edited by FireEmsF150; Jul 1, 2011 at 05:44 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,446
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From: Raiderland, TX
There is a kit off of morona v6 racing that is for the 3.8. All you have to do is swap the 2 piece 4.2 intake manifolds for the 1 piece 3.8 version. First though, look at a bored out throttle body. Check out super six motorsports. They have power packs that include ported heads, cams, port matched manifolds. IMO they are a little pricey for some of the only available performance parts for the 4.2, but hey theme and morona v6 racing are the only ones with 4.2 perfomance internals.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,446
Likes: 3
From: Raiderland, TX
Personally I gave up on any modification to my 4.2 after my lower intake manifold cracked. Now I'm looking into a Cummins B3.9 swap. Loose 50 hp, but gain 120 lb-ft of torque and hit the peak at 1600 rpm and 12 more mpg.
