'04 4.2L Freestar into a '99 3.8L Mustang?

[Doc Hawk]

I am moving forward with my engine swap project, and have some compatibility questions. I know that the '99-'00 F150 4.2 V6's are a bolt-in replacement for the 3.8. That engine code is 2-255, and it can also be found in the E-150 van. My question is, is the the 2-256 engine also a bolt-in swap? The F-150 motors from 2001-2008 have this engine code. This engine is found in: Ford F150 Ford Van Ford Freestar Ford Windstar Mercury Monterey If the 2-256 engine is still basically a stroked 3.8 block with the same electronics, that would be a great list of vehicles to pull my engine from. Some of them were made as late as last year, which means low mileage motors are available. I have found a 40,000 motor from a Freestar for only $600, so if someone can verify it's the same mill, I'm buying it. Thanks, David

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[NeoTokyo]

Well the stripped down shortblock will work, you will probably need to change the oil pan to a 2001 stang pan.

If the splitport heads have gone unchanged you can also use those for a longblock.
For the lower intake, they differ between models and years so it is best just to swap in a 99-00 upper and lower and use your wiring harness.

There are a few other small things to take note of such as where the timing is set and the cps used and so on.

Good luck.

-Eric-

[Doc Hawk]

Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the post.