3.8
The first version of the Essex V6, a 3.8 L (3797 cc/232 cu in) engine, was introduced for the 1982 model year, appearing as an option on the Ford Granada.
Bore was 3.810 in (96.8 mm) and stroke was 3.390 in (86.1 mm). Output was 112 horsepower (84 kW) at 4200 rpm and 175 lb·ft (237 N·m) of torque at 2800 rpm. It initially had a 2-barrel Motorcraft 2150 carburetor. Central Fuel Injection was made available in 1984. Output was 120 hp (89 kW) at 3600 rpm and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) of torque at 1600 rpm in these models.
Multi-point fuel injection (single port) became standard on the 3.8 L V6 in 1988. All applications where the engine was used initially put out 140 horsepower (100 kW) at 3800 rpm and 215 lb·ft (292 N·m) of torque at 2400 rpm. Engines upgraded with Ford's EEC-V Powertrain Control Module (PCM) received a small increase in output to 145 horsepower (108 kW), if they didn't have other enhancements to increase output beyond this already. The 1991–1995 Police Package Taurus, 1991–1994 Lincoln Continental and 1995 Ford Windstar had a high-output version of the 3.8 with better cylinder heads and other modifications. It produced 155–160 hp (116–119 kW) and 220–225 lb·ft (298–305 N·m) of torque depending on application and model year. A supercharged version of the 3.8 L V6 was used in the 1989–1995 Thunderbird Super Coupe and 1989–90 Cougar XR-7. Initial output of the engine was 210 horsepower (160 kW) at 4000 rpm and 315 lb·ft (427 N·m) of torque at 2600 rpm under an 8.2:1 compression ratio. The Super Coupe was the sole user of this engine after the beginning of the 1991 model year when it was replaced by a V8 in the Cougar XR-7. Output of the supercharged V6 was increased to 230 horsepower (170 kW) at 4400 rpm and 330 lb·ft (447 N·m) of torque at 2500 rpm for the 1994 and 1995 Super Coupe. To accomplish this, the engine's Eaton M90 roots-type supercharger was given a larger, square-style inlet, a larger attaching inlet plenum, and Teflon coated rotors. Additionally, the engine received larger fuel injectors and an increase in compression to 8.6:1.
A 3.8 L V6 with split port cylinder heads was introduced in the 1996 Ford Windstar along with a variable length intake manifold and intake manifold runner control (IMRC) in the six shorter runners. This engine was rated at 200 horsepower (150 kW) at 5000 rpm and 230 lb·ft (312 N·m) of torque @ 3000 rpm.
The Mustang version of the 3.8 L V6 was updated for 1999 to use the split port cylinder heads originally introduced on the Windstar. However the 1999–2000 Mustang did not use IMRC, instead leaving all 12 intake runners open at all times. Output of the V6 in these Mustangs was 190 horsepower (140 kW) at 5250 rpm and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) of torque @ 2750 rpm, With the addition of IMRC to Mustang in 2001, engine output increased slightly to 193 horsepower (144 kW) @ 5500 rpm and 225 lb·ft (305 N·m) (305 N·m) of torque @ 2800 rpm.
A nine-digit serial number appears on a label on the right side (front) valve cover. It also appears on a barcode label on the transmission side of the right side head.
Applications:
- 1982 Ford Granada
- 1982–1983 Ford F-series
- 1982–1997 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar
- 1982–1986, 1994–2004 Ford Mustang
- 1982–1986 Mercury Capri
- 1983–1986 Ford LTD and Mercury Marquis
- 1988–1995 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable
- 1988–1994 Lincoln Continental
- 1995–2003 Ford Windstar
Read more about this topic: Ford Essex V6 Engine (Canadian)