Engine Swap

[BislamJoe]

I know I've posted a lot about this before, but a question popped into my head not too long ago. Are there any high-output six-cylinder engines that could compare to a 5.0? I'd like to do something unique, and to me, 6-cyls are just cool. I would love to swap in a Ford 4.9L I6, but fordkrazy asked about that earlier and found out it was too long. I'd like to get some decent gas mileage, and have fair throttle response with it. I'll eventually be running 35's, and I was planning on 3.73 or 4.10 gears with the V8, though I'd go ahead to 4.56 if I had to with a built 6. I'd like to stay with Ford engines, and I need it to be compatible with an AOD tranny. Any suggestions gentlemen? :smoke:

 

[JDraper]

Supercharge the existing motor. It's a heckuva lot easier than swapping in a different type of motor.

 

[BislamJoe]

I really thought about rebuilding and supercharging the 4.0, but I have yet to find an adapter to put an AOD behind it, and I don't trust my A4LD. Plus, it'd be nice to have an engine that I could add the blower to later, or at least leave room for expansion, since someday I may lift further and run a 37 without swapping gears... I'm really unsure... I'm planning a V8 swap right now, but if I can get the power and room for expansion in a 6, then I will... :smoke:

 

[Clint]

well your building a pre runner type truck so i would stay away from a "heavy" 302 V8 (balance and handeling reasons) and stick with the 4.0 and build it up u don't need 300hp to rock crawl or go run 80mph across the desert (although the 300hp + does make thing interesting

 

[BislamJoe]

But the transmission issue shows up again. I don't drive a manual well enough to trust myself offroad, particularly if I make desert running a regular practice. With the 4.0 built, and even if I got a brand-new A4LD, I simply don't trust that tranny. I'd really like to find an adapter to put an AOD behind it. I've heard that you could put a C5 behind it, but I really need a 4-speed auto for the gas mileage. :smoke:

 

[asp84]

There is no adapter for putting a AOD behind a 4.0. If there was I would have bought it. The Flywheel housing is huge on the AOD, compared to the A4LD. I have an AOD and 5.0L sitting in my garage right now, and am amazed at the size of the 5.0 flywheel and AOD bellhousing....compared to the 4.0L. Just go with the 302, it's only like a 100 or so more pounds than the 4.0. (don't quote me on this)

Al
asp84@earthlink.net

 

[BislamJoe]

I had planned on just going 5.0L. But like I said, if I can get the power I want from a 6-cyl, that would be cool. It's starting to look like the only option is a V8 if I want power and a tranny that won't blow up. If I didn't need the gas mileage, I'd just swap in a C5 (I think it was the C5, they put 'em in some Rangers behind the 2.8 or 2.9) tranny and build up the 4.0. :smoke:

 

[Guy Groves]

You can build up the 4.0 and probably get between 200 and 220 HP with available parts (not custom), without a blower. You will never get the torque of the V8, but if your a desert runner you will want more top end HP than low end torque, so a built 4.0 might work for you.

With the 4.0 you will ALWAYS have the tranny problem. Personally, I would say learn to drive a stick and go with a T5. If you have two wheel drive you might have some other options.

Like you, I don't have any faith in the stock transmissions, especially behind a "built" engine. They barely hold up to the stock drive train.

A 5.0 V8 would seem to be the best option. However, If your desert running is serious this will also put you in a different class of competition. If you use aluminum heads it will reduce the weight considerably, bringing it to within about 50# of the V6. Some proper weight distribution and suspension and you can probably maintain good high speed handeling.

Good luck

 

[BislamJoe]

Yeah - It looks like the V8 is really only my option. I would really rather stay with an auto for just general driveability. I prefer an auto in almost any vehicle. I guess I can give up on a V6 to power the War Wagon in it's final form. I'm not really looking to compete, as far as my desert running goes. Though it might be nice to serve as a chase truck or something. :smoke:

 

[RFR2212]

Okay, I threw the 302 in with a T-5 manual and dana 20 t-case... My ride height is the same. I heard about everything being heavier... But I've got the softer Skyjacker coils, and not the stiff superlifts, and ride height is the same
Pete

 

[Sandy]

The 5.0 is one of the lightest v-8s on the market and maybe the shortest.
Check the weight of the v-6 and see just how much difference there isn't.

Of course, there is, the big FORD V-6. It is a 90 degree V-Block and you can probably get around 310 cubes without going too radical. I believe that it will bolt up to the V-8 bell housing.
Check out the Ford Motor company performance sites and see what they have to say. Also, there used to be a book put out by Ford call "Ford Power - Mild to Wild", the V-6 was in there.

Good Luck,

 

[BislamJoe]

The big Ford V6? Tell me more! The only Ford 6-cyl's that I could remember were the 2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 4.0's, 4.9, and the 4.2 (the one in the current F150, I think it's 4.2). Can you tell me where to find this engine or at least more info? What vehicles was it used in? Thanks! :smoke:

 

[Sandy]

My best recall is that the info was in the Power Books from Ford.
I will look up the info for you.

If it is still available it would make a great engine.

 

[BislamJoe]

Thanks man, I appreciate it I still really wish the 4.9 I6 was a reasonable swap... I'd go for a 10.25 or D60 rear and pull houses down... lol :smoke:

 

[asp84]

Does the 3.8 mount up to a fullsize tranny? (since it is used in vehicles that have V8's)

Just a thought??

 

[BislamJoe]

It might... Was it used in the T-birds? It may bolt up to an AOD, but that seems like a downgrade to me... Unless I can seriously build it up. But I want to know more of this 310cid V6 that Sandy speaks of... Sounds right tasty, if you ask me. :smoke:

 

[asp84]

The 3.8 was used in the T-bird, and came with the Factory Supercharger! (certain models) I don't think the 3.8 is that much of a downgrade...? Ask around, see if it can be mated to a AOD. probably not though.

Just go with the 5.0. Like Sandy said, it's not that much heavier, and their are lots of buildup options, and lots of people who make parts to put one easily in your Exploder!

 

[BislamJoe]

I got to reading about the 3.8 and it was described as a shortened 5.0 V8. So I'm pretty sure that it would bolt right up to an AOD. Yeah, I'm really leaning towards the 5.0 right now, but my swap is a ways off right now, so I can wait for info about this larger V6. I've also read references to a 4.2L V6 that was like a big brother to the 3.8... I am intrigued. There's also the 4.5L (or is it 4.3?) diesel V6 that's going to come out in 2002 or 2003 for the F150 and Expedition. I still think it'd be cool to have a really powerful X with a V6 though... :smoke:

 

[Joe93]

I don't know if this will help you any but I found some info on the 3.8 and 4.2. Click on the link to view the info.
Dead Link Removed

 

[BislamJoe]

Thanks much Joe, I had looked at the same page earlier today. I'd like to know if a built&blown 4.2 could squeeze out the kind of power I want... :smoke: