I found a 4.2 motor out of a 2001 f150. Would this be a good block to build up with a 4.3 stroker kit from ssms. or would my 2000 3.8 block be better?

 

If you are getting the kick from SSM, start with your 3.8L. Most of the 'good' stuff you'd be buying the 4.2L for would be wasted b/c the new parts will replace them.

 

Thanks I was thinking that the 2001-2004 blocks were better. I can get the motor for free. So I was thinking I could build the 4.3 on the stand, and keep the 3.8 for back up.

 

That is the exact same thing Im doin except Im keeping mine a 4.2. I got a 97 4.2 F150 long block. Ill have my 3.8 as a back up.

Personally I would stay away from the 01-04 3.8's because of the IMRC's in the lower intake.

 

If you can get the 4.2L for free, just take it and build off of the short block. A good set of heads/intakes, big cam and the long stroke will make for a fun little motor set up.

 

+1 Free is the best.

Build it up on the stand, that would be the easiest.