Swap or Rebuild?
 

Got a free 2001 ford f150 4.2 long block V6 with a gasket leak problem.

If I swap I think I'll need new mounts for engine & trans. And the worst of it all.. a new wiring harness.

But if I rebuild the 4.2 I'll port heads etc get a huge cam with lifters, rockers, and springs. Also new crankshaft and forged pistons. Will lower compression ratio. Will be rated for 800+ HP not to mention it already has a bolted on SC

Swap with what?

Probably a V8 but I don't think it's worth it. I think rebuilding will be more stronger and beneficial, less effort

I don't think I understand the question. What is this motor going in? Nevermind the extremely easy argument of "anything can be built for x strength" and the fact that if it has an era-correct Eaton M90? on it, you have found your limitation for power.

As stated originally, I got a free truck it has a 4.2L motor and i want to know what people think is worth the effort.

Swap for a different engine or completely rebuild the engine with performance parts to avoid building a new wiring harness / engine mounts. I want to make it fast and aswell carry stuff on it

It does not have a roots blower it has a centrifugal

I would add a "with" somewhere in your OP then, because it sounds like you simply got a free 4.2L, and since in your OP you didn't mention swapping to a V8 it sounds like you're trying to shoehorn that motor into your Camaro. Not trying to nitpick. Just saying - I didn't understand the question and I doubt anyone else would either.


On topic. So does it have, say, a Vortech V1 on it then? And a 4.2 I assume is mated to a 4R70. (This is also where whether it's a 4 door, 2 door, 4WD or 2WD etc would give context you actually got a full truck and not just the motor)


Fast is subjective. Obviously you can throw a high stall converter on it and gear it with 4.56s or 4.88s. It'll always be a truck though. What are your goals? Off the line performance? Crazy top end? Nice middle ground?

Based on what I’ve seen over the last few years, it’s probably easier just building up your LFX with what’s currently available. There has always been a lot of talk about engine swapping but it always just seems too complicated, too expensive and too time consuming. In this case you would be working with an engine that no one here probably has experience with it so you will have to learn everything on your own and it may just be a big headache.

Sorry guys I was talking about the truck not Camaro I couldn't find a different section to post this.

I meant modding the truck out

I was thinking otherwise like DSX was saying, Rebuild would be the cheap route to go with it. Swapping a V8, like say a 5.4 would definitely be the way to go if money was no object. it would be awesome if you can find a wrecked late model Shelby's engine...:)

Yeah that's what I think too.

The problem with the swap is the wiring harness would be a pain I would basically have to rewire the whole truck. Also get new custom welded engine mounts and a new transmission plate to fit onto mine or even worse, get a new transmission completely.

Shelby engines are expensive as heck. Theres a site here that i can get a fully built forged huge cams everything 4.3 long block for 9k still cheaper than a shelby and stronger. But I want to do it myself so

this is a project truck so I'm going to enjoy rebuilding it I guess. The supercharger is a V1 Vortech

Also there's no stall converter because this is a manual transmission but will definitely need to change the input shaft and couple of trans parts

Goals are just mainly have a truck that can have serious power but at the same time carry stuff. I can easily make it a 1000rwhp truck. Also with this model its a very light truck... weighs the same as a hellcat LOL

RWD btw and no way I would never put it into the camaro.. the LFX engine is strong as it is

Word. Frankly, a 5 speed sounds a lot better on paper anyway. Just gotta see about a nice clutch. I stand by what I said about gears though, I can't imagine 4.56 could be a bad choice. A quick google search says stock options are 3.08, 3.31 and 3.55. An argument could be made for 4.10/4.11s.


A V1 is good for just under 700hp if memory serves. Definitely won't be your limiting factor. Forged internals with some overbore and you can probably touch 4.3 or 4.4. I think you're on the right track.

Thanks, thats what i was thinking aswell. Definitely can't have stock gears or clutch its like playing with fire.

Planning to lift it, stance out the tires a bit, black out the lights, and rims aswell to make it angry a bit

One thing that's good about these old trucks is that the block is made out of cast iron not aluminum so they can withstand alot of pressure. Nowadays all cars are made from cast aluminium with other cheap plastic bs

Hmmm. maybe you just rebuild it first then plan the ultimate beast down the line, in order to save up...:D
or sell the parts you don't want (uh need is a better word) to get some project cash...:)