3.8 Liter Ford Performance

The Ford Motor Company's 3.8-liter, V-6 engine was introduced in 1982 and used in numerous models over the following two decades. As last offered in the 2004 Ford Mustang, this engine offers good performance and decent fuel economy.

Performance

The 2004 Ford Mustang equipped with a 3.8-liter, V-6 engine is rated at 190 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm. This model has a 1,000 pound towing limit and is EPA rated at 20 mpg city, 29 highway according to AOL Autos.

Earlier Application

Ford's 3.8-liter V-6 engine was offered in the 1992 Ford Thunderbird and had a rating of 140 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway according to MSN Autos.

Engine Problems

Select 1988 to 1995 Ford products equipped with a 3.8-liter, V-6 engine were prone to head gasket problems which could lead to engine failure according to The Center for Auto Safety. Affected vehicles included the 1988 to 1995 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, 1995 Ford Windstar and 1988 to 1994 Lincoln Continentals. New head gaskets and bolts were designed to replaced defective parts.

References

• AOL Autos: 2004 Ford Mustang Specifications
• Babcox: Rebuilding the Ford 3.8-Liter V-6 Engine
• MSN Autos: 1992 Ford Thunderbird Specs & Features
• The Center for Auto Safety: Ford 3.8L Head Gasket Trouble