[95MustangCR]

I just bought my first mustang which is a 1995 Ford Mustang. It's not a GT, just the base model with the 3.8L v6 in it. Previous owner did a few mods like true dual exhaust with shorty headers, a cervini hood and cold air intake. I like the car but in my opinion it's underpowered for a mustang. So I want to upgrade and I've been reading that converting it to a V8 which would be nice is alot of work and not really worth it. I've decided to purchase a 4.2L and build it up from the block so I need suggestions on what year 4.2L would be best to purchase for the easiest swap into my car and also what are my options when building this motor up? I'm looking for the most horsepower I can get out of it with it not being a v8. Also do I have any options as far as a supercharger or turbo? Thanks for the advice.

[2000stallion]

Im just going to wait for rcarney or gerbig to post here....

[WhtStang00]

if your going to do it, then just swap the motor from a 94-98.

[carney]

here i am

[Six Banger]

^ Dont think that was really warranted in this one.

Originally Posted by 95MustangCR So I want to upgrade and I've been reading

I like this new guy compared to most of them around here



The answer to your question though is that you would use the bottom end of the 4.2 and the top end out of your 3.8 motor. You can always supercharge or turbo it too, theres at least one member on here running a 4.2 conversion turbo. As for years I'm not sure, I know a lot of people get them out of similar year F-150s.

Also I'm not sure if your single port intake will match up with dual port 4.2's so you might wanna make sure they're both the same (again, not sure though)



Dont take my word 100% for it though. Im really tired so probably got some stuff mixed up

[Codeman]

I would definately go with a splitport 4.2 the splitport alone will make a great power gain.

And if you want just all motor then get a good cam with your 4.2 and a windstar upper and you can be around 230 + rwhp.

If not, stick with your 3.8 and spend a couple grand on a turbo preferably or a SC. They will make a bigger difference than a built 4.2 which is limited to about 270 rough RWHP.

[carney]

Originally Posted by Six Banger ^ Dont think that was really warranted in this one. I like this new guy compared to most of them around here

eh probably bot, but my naempopped up and i gotta keep my rep going so...

And +1 on an educated newbie

[95MustangCR]

Originally Posted by Codeman I would definately go with a splitport 4.2 the splitport alone will make a great power gain. And if you want just all motor then get a good cam with your 4.2 and a windstar upper and you can be around 230 + rwhp. If not, stick with your 3.8 and spend a couple grand on a turbo preferably or a SC. They will make a bigger difference than a built 4.2 which is limited to about 270 rough RWHP.

So if I keep my 3.8L and add the splitport and a turbo or supercharger then I would be better off than putting in a 4.2L with the split port? How much is involved in switching to the split port? Thanks for the info.

[v6kid]

Originally Posted by Codeman a built 4.2 which is limited to about 270 rough RWHP.

With the right stuff you can hit 370ish crank which is 320ish rwhp

[Codeman]

On^ you won't have a good DD car at that. You can make it happen, but it is limited to that. Or you could spend around the same money and turbo it, run some good boost and make way more power and have a way more driveable car. Then in the future you could easily see 350+ rwhp if not more depending on if you go forged internals.

[95MustangCR]

Originally Posted by v6kid With the right stuff you can hit 370ish crank which is 320ish rwhp

Is this with the 3.8L or the 4.2L. Also can I get more detail on what it takes to convert it to split port injection? Thanks.

[Codeman]

That would be with a fully built insanely cammed 4.2l. You would need some high compression pistons, a crazy cam. And some amazing heads and intakes. And maybe possible. It would be junk for daily driving. And you would spend probably between 5-7k to do this. When you can spend 3-4k on either a turbo or SC. And the turbo and SC will make more power in the end. The turbo can easily make 350 rwhp on a bolt on v6.

[jrp11888]

Originally Posted by Codeman That would be with a fully built insanely cammed 4.2l. You would need some high compression pistons, a crazy cam. And some amazing heads and intakes. And maybe possible. It would be junk for daily driving. And you would spend probably between 5-7k to do this. When you can spend 3-4k on either a turbo or SC. And the turbo and SC will make more power in the end. The turbo can easily make 350 rwhp on a bolt on v6.

i would do a split port v6 4.2L out of a 1997 F150 which was their best year. it comes stock 205hp/255tq at the crank so its a more decent base to start with then build it up. do a ported lower intake manifold, windstar upper, UDP, tune, get a nice cam for it and it will be a beast n/a then add a turbo or SC and it would be even more insane, just my opinion though.

[v6kid]

I've actually been thinking about doing that, rather than turbo... but you're right, it would be like a bitch on her rag. Not the best DD.

[95MustangCR]

Originally Posted by jrp11888 i would do a split port v6 4.2L out of a 1997 F150 which was their best year. it comes stock 205hp/255tq at the crank so its a more decent base to start with then build it up. do a ported lower intake manifold, windstar upper, UDP, tune, get a nice cam for it and it will be a beast n/a then add a turbo or SC and it would be even more insane, just my opinion though.

This sounds like a good plan. I assume I'll need the computer for the 4.2L out of the F-150 right? Also what is UDP? Not sure what that stands for. Thanks for the help.

[Six Banger]

UDP = Under drive pulley, it reduces the size of your alternator pulley putting less strain on the serpentine belt thus freeing up a little power

I dont think you need the computer unless you do the entire engine swap. Most people keep the upper 3.8 and just swap out the lower 4.2

[v6kid]

No, you don't need the computer.... a UDP (under drive pulley) is a smaller than stock crankshaft pulley (typically 25% smaller). It opens up a few horses by making all of your accessories spin less.

[95MustangCR]

I was planning on doing a full engine swap so therefore I would then have the split port fuel injection because the 4.2L would already have this setup right? my 3.8L v6 does not so it seems pointless to me to use the upper off my current engine since my plan is to go split port injection anyways. Would I need the computer for a full engine swap?

[v6kid]

I'm not sure. Look at the sticky up top that has a list of what's needed for a split port swap.

[ESG-642T]

To clear up some of the fail in this thread.

Originally Posted by Six Banger UDP = Under drive pulley, it reduces the size of your alternator pulley putting less strain on the serpentine belt thus freeing up a little power I dont think you need the computer unless you do the entire engine swap. Most people keep the upper 3.8 and just swap out the lower 4.2

Crank pulley is the important one.

Originally Posted by 95MustangCR Is this with the 3.8L or the 4.2L. Also can I get more detail on what it takes to convert it to split port injection? Thanks.

Split port INJECTION?!?!?!!? It has nothing to do with fuel injection.