3.8L question...

[rusty ol ranger]

Which (or all) Ford 3.8s are known for head gaskets blowing left and right?

 

[JohnnyO]

All of them as far as I recall. Happened on my 1991 Lincoln Continental at a little over 100k. Dealer service department said they were surprised it lasted that long. My son's old 2000 Mustang also had a 3.8 but we never had any head gasket problems and he drove it until about 2018 with 138k on it. There were periods when it was stored while he was in college and grad school. Possibly the later models were better.

 

[Roert42]

I’ve never heard of issues with them. My 2000 mustang did not have head gasket issues, it had the original set up until I pulled the engine out.

4.2l was the same engine stroked out. I know a few people that have had them in minivans and F150s without any issues.

 

[Snoranger]

All of them to some extent. The Supercoupe guys found that ARP studs and the 4.2l head gaskets were the hot ticket, but that was years ago. There’s probably better option out there now. I really haven’t kept up much since I sold off my Supercoupe.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Gotcha.

I was just curious....if this vic dont work out ive been finding alot of pretty nice 80s Tbirds around.

Ideally id like a 302....but those cost more lol