Ah, okay. So if I got an even bigger crankshaft would I be able to further increase displacement without enlarging the cylinders? I plan on rebuilding an F150 engine (so my 3.8 can stay in my car and get me back and forth to work and serve as a backup engine when I blow this one or possibly get sold *shrug*) with whatever works out best. I don't know what is best now so I won't even plan, but from what I'm gathering forged internals is a good deal stronger and will help me reach a higher horsepower than stock, so that may be a good start. I'll also probably go with some of the same parts that I saw in that stroker kit, I think I remember seeing some polished stuff that was touted to improve performance. Iono, I'll figure it out as I go, but for now, it's rebuild the assend of my car first, cut the exhaust off after the cats (and weld the some downpointing tips on) and possibly get a tuner... and then done look for the donor engine.

 

your stock computer and tuner will be able to handle the 4.2L engine but a dyno tune would never be a bad idea. at the very worst if you have an SCT tuner Justin at vmptuning.com can modify your tuner to give more precise tuning needs if any are needed

 

cylinder bores are exactly the same diameter at 3.81" for both 3.8 and 4.2 so machining isnot required but if you are going to rebuild the 4.2 while the 3.8 is still in the engine than i see no reason why you shouldn't bore it .030" over and get forged pistons and I-beam rods. this will freshin up the cylinder bores just incase you have a bad cylinder (which is doubtfull) and give you a few more cubes

 

would 3.8 headers work on a 4.2?

 

yea

 

ya knwo thje more i think abou thtis the more i wanna do it...find a old f150 engine from a yard....rebuild the internals with nice **** and switch it over and net alot better numbers

 

This is a good 4.2L swap post check this out should tell you what you need to know.

http://www.3.8mustang.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92629

 

so my '96 headers will fit my '01 4.2?

 

Yeah is the swap year dependant