What are the part differences between 3.8 and 4.2

[StangCrazy]

Other than crank and rods, do the blocks differ in any way? Are the rod and main caps, bolts and oil splash tray the same? Any other engine components different?

[Monkey]

blocks are identical. you can throw a 4.2 block in your 3.8 and just change the upper manifold so that it will clear the mustang hood.

[dark]

^wordizzle

[97Stallion]

The 4.2 is identical, but it's equip'd with knock sensors. That's the only difference in the block that I know of. Depending on the year of your car, you'e going to need a difference flywheel, oil pan, oil pick-up tube, and balancer. Also the pistons are different.