The Fraser Advantage 3.8L Ford engine is the premium offering from Fraser Engines, representing our highest-quality build. These engines are exclusive to Fraser and incorporate all major Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) updates, addressing known issues found in the original factory models. Built with only top-tier components and rigorously tested before shipment, the Fraser Advantage engine is designed for those who want superior reliability and peace of mind—ensuring you get the best performance without the common problems of original versions.
Important Note: Installation kits vary based on VIN number and vehicle type. If the specific installation kit for your vehicle is unavailable, Fraser will notify you and ensure you are not charged for it.
Engine Block
New Updated Timing Components
New Updated Pistons
New Updated Level Lifters
New Connecting Rods
Remanufactured & Updated Cylinder Heads
Updated Oil Pump
3 Year / 100K Miles Factory Inspection Warranty
This engine is built ABOVE OEM specifications with ALL major updates applied.
Why Choose Fraser Advantage Over Standard Rebuilds?
When it comes to revitalizing your engine, the choice between a standard rebuild and the Fraser Advantage is the choice between ordinary and extraordinary. Here’s why you should elevate your driving experience with Fraser Advantage:
Precision Redefined:
Enhanced Durability:
Exclusive Valve Optimization:
Premium Component Selection:
Comprehensive Gasket Overhaul:
Tailored Finishing:
In essence, Fraser Advantage is not just a rebuild; it’s a transformation. It’s a commitment to excellence, precision, and durability that goes beyond the standard. Choose Fraser Advantage for an engine that doesn’t just run – it roars with power, reliability, and an unrivaled level of craftsmanship. Elevate your driving experience – choose Fraser Advantage.
This remanufactured FORD 3.8L engine includes the following enhancements from Fraser Engines:
FORD 3.8L Engines
The Ford 3.8L 1996-1998 engine is a V6 engine designed for vehicles from the Ford Motor Company.
The base engine consists of:
An all-cast iron engine block and cylinder head
Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC)
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Electronic throttle control
The engine specifications include:
The Ford 3.8L 1996-1998 engine was used in various Ford applications, including the Ford Windstar, Ford Mustang, Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, and Mercury Sable. The engine features a cast iron block and cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft, and sequential multi-port fuel injection, which delivers a fuel-efficient and reliable performance. The engine has a displacement of 232 cubic inches (3,797 cubic centimeters), with a cylinder bore and piston stroke of 3.81 in x 3.39 in (96.8 mm x 86.1 mm), an 8.4:1 compression ratio, and delivers 145 to 200 horsepower (108 to 149 kW) at 4,000 to 5,000 rpm, and 215 to 240 lb-ft (292 to 325 Nm) of torque at 2,800 to 3,750 rpm. Despite its reliability, the engine was eventually phased out in 2004 in favor of newer, more fuel-efficient engines.
Description:
The 3.8-liter engine from Ford, produced between 1996 and 2004, stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence. This V6 powerplant, part of Ford’s engine lineup during that era, boasts an overhead valve design (OHV) arranged in a V configuration. While not as sizable as its 6.7L counterpart, the 3.8L engine demonstrates Ford’s dedication to delivering reliable and efficient performance.
Introduced in the mid-’90s, the 3.8L engine found its home in various Ford models of the time, showcasing the versatility of its design. This engine configuration, with its own unique characteristics, contributed to the diverse range of vehicles in the Ford lineup during the late 20th century.
The Ford 3.8L engine, with its compact yet powerful build, provided a reliable option for drivers seeking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Its design and engineering were emblematic of Ford’s innovative approach to engine development during the late ’90s.
Fraser Engines, a leading expert in remanufactured engines, offers comprehensive packages for the Ford 3.8L engine from 1996 to 1998. Our remanufacturing process includes the cylinder block, rotating assembly, cylinder head, valve train, and installation gasket set (oil pump not included).
At Fraser Engines, we take pride in our commitment to quality. Our meticulous blueprinting process ensures that every long block meets or exceeds OEM specifications. We go beyond industry standards by replacing damaged components like crankshafts, cylinder blocks, and cylinder heads with new parts, avoiding repairs that may compromise performance.
Utilizing materials from the same suppliers as the OEM and employing precision machining on CNC equipment, Fraser Engines guarantees excellence in the remanufacturing of the Ford 3.8L engine. Our dedication to quality and performance sets us apart, making Fraser Engines a trusted choice for those seeking reliable and efficient remanufactured engines for their Ford vehicles.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine family | 3.8 Liter |
| Displacement | 3.8 liters |
| Aspiration | Gasoline |
| Configuration & cylinders | V configuration, six cylinders |
| Vehicle engine orientation | Longitudinal |
| Valve configuration | Overhead valve (OHV) |
| Assembly sites | Various Ford manufacturing facilities |
| Predecessor | Ford 3.0L V6 |
| Successor | Currently none |
| Vehicle | Transmission | Drive Wheels | Power @ RPM | Torque (lb-ft) @ RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Model A (1996 – 1998) | Four-speed automatic | RWD | 150 @ 4,000 | 215 @ 2,400 |
| Ford Mustang (1996 – 1998) | Five-speed manual | RWD | 190 @ 5,000 | 220 @ 3,500 |
| Ford Thunderbird (1996 – 1997) | Four-speed automatic | RWD | 145 @ 4,000 | 215 @ 2,400 |
| Ford Taurus (1996 – 1998) | Four-speed automatic | FWD | 140 @ 4,800 | 215 @ 3,600 |
| Ford Windstar (1996 – 1998) | Four-speed automatic | FWD | 150 @ 4,000 | 200 @ 2,800 |
| Ford Explorer (1996 – 1998) | Five-speed manual | RWD / 4WD | 160 @ 4,200 | 225 @ 2,800 |
| Ford Ranger (1996 – 1998) | Five-speed manual | RWD / 4WD | 160 @ 4,200 | 225 @ 2,800 |
| Ford Aerostar (1996 – 1997) | Four-speed automatic | RWD / AWD | 150 @ 4,000 | 215 @ 2,400 |
| Ford F-150 (1996 – 1998) | Five-speed manual | RWD / 4WD | 195 @ 4,750 | 230 @ 3,000 |
| Ford E-150 Econoline (1996 – 1998) | Four-speed automatic | RWD | 150 @ 4,000 | 260 @ 2,000 |
Our journey begins with a thorough visual inspection of each engine block for casting defects. We meticulously disassemble the components, inspecting each part for damage and identifying the cause of failure. We remove oil and water passage plugs to guarantee optimal results during thermal cleaning. We select only premium castings for our marine blocks, insisting on replacements in all salt-water applications. For high-performance engines, we utilize premium cores, never employing repaired castings or sleeved blocks, preserving the authenticity of your classic car’s original block casting with our skilled technicians’ craftsmanship.
We elevate engine parts to a new level of clean with our thermal cleaning system. This process evenly distributes heat throughout the chamber, avoiding overheating or warping. Components are heated in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, decomposing combustible hydrocarbons and leaving parts dry. We use the Ace RKE 230 oven exclusively for cast iron blocks, ensuring ash residue is effortlessly removed in the subsequent stainless steel shot blasting phase.
Our shot-blasting method employs stainless steel shot to remove surface contamination like rust, creating a smoother finish. This step is vital for detecting surface and subsurface defects during quality inspection. The peening process imparts compression strength to the metal, preparing it for a preliminary defect inspection.
We use magnetic particle inspection to detect cracks and imperfections in ferrous engine parts, ensuring the highest quality for our cast iron blocks. Before proceeding to aluminum blocks, we explain their specific cleaning, testing, and defect checking processes.
Aluminum engine blocks first encounter our AXE SW20 OS spray cleaning system, which removes all foreign material with its powerful spraying action and multi-integrated nozzles. This step is crucial for a thorough inspection.
We use ultrasonic cleaning for aluminum blocks, known as the benchmark in cleanliness. This method reaches inaccessible areas, breaking the bonds that hold small particles to surfaces. Post-cleaning, the block undergoes pressure testing.
We employ the Delta Pressure tester to double-check for pinholes after magnafluxing and dye testing, ensuring the integrity of all castings used in our products.
After a complete visual inspection, we repair minor casting defects, remove broken bolts, tap threads, and perform gasket surface repairs to minimize stock removal.
We use the RMC CNC V40 enclosed machining center for precise and versatile machining. This computerized machine measures and levels blocks, measures deck heights & cylinder bore sizes, eliminating operator error. Our machine determines Ra finish based on block type and gasket used, utilizing CBN cutters and checking surface finish with the Mitutoyo SJ-301.
The Sunnen LBB-1600 Hone, measuring accuracy within .0001″, is our choice for precision rod reconditioning and pin fitting, ensuring honed bores equal to or better than new rods. High-performance engines are fitted with ARP high-strength bolts and nuts prior to this step.
We are the first to use Rottler’s newest cylinder honing machine, ensuring the most accurate honing with cylinders finishing within .0001″ roundness and straightness. This machine continuously analyzes and corrects the bore, maintaining evolving engine designs’ critical oil clearances and machining tolerances.
After precise machining, our blocks undergo a second high-pressure wash cycle, ensuring absolute cleanliness for final assembly.
We ultrasonically clean all parts prior to assembly, ensuring the ultimate cleanliness level. This method reaches every surface and internal area, providing the cleaning force required for the most stringent standards.
Each assembler at Fraser Engines conducts a thorough visual inspection and measures parts for proper size. We fit blocks with new cam bearings, oil restrictors, relief valves, new water and oil plugs, and more. Cylinder heads are installed with new bolts and gaskets, and each cylinder’s seal integrity is checked. The final inspection by our assembly manager ensures the highest quality for your remanufactured engine.
Fraser Engines is committed to delivering engines of exceptional quality and performance. Our rigorous, detailed remanufacturing process ensures every engine we deliver meets our high standards and exceeds your expectations.
At Fraser Engines, we embrace cutting-edge technology to ensure that every engine we remanufacture meets the highest standards of quality and performance. A cornerstone of our state-of-the-art machinery is the ACF200 Cylinder Boring-Resurfacing Machine. This sophisticated equipment plays a pivotal role in our engine rebuilding process, allowing us to deliver products that consistently exceed expectations.
The ACF200 is renowned for its precision and versatility. Our skilled technicians utilize this machine’s advanced capabilities to perform intricate machining tasks with unmatched accuracy.
Incorporating the ACF200 into our remanufacturing process allows us to offer several distinct advantages:
Meticulous Cylinder Machining: Each engine’s cylinders are bored and honed to exact dimensions, ensuring optimal fit and function. This meticulous attention to detail is crucial for the engine’s performance and the vehicle’s overall efficiency.
Flawless Surface Finishing: Proper head gasket sealing is paramount in engine rebuilding. The ACF200 enables us to resurface engine blocks and cylinder heads to precise specifications, ensuring a perfect seal and reliable performance.
Assured Quality and Performance: With the ACF200’s precision, every engine remanufactured at Fraser Engines is a testament to our commitment to quality. We don’t just rebuild engines; we enhance them, setting new benchmarks for performance and reliability in the remanufacturing industry.
At Fraser Engines, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of remanufacturing innovation, and our CNC Crankshaft Grinder stands as a testament to this commitment. As a leading remanufacturer, we boast the utilization of CNC Crank Grinders, a technology that sets us apart and reinforces our position as an industry pioneer in the United States.
Our CNC Crankshaft Grinder represents the pinnacle of modern engineering, bringing the precision of fully automated production processes, typically exclusive to OEM plants, into our remanufacturing workflow.
One-Chucking Complete Grinding: Designed for efficiency and excellence, the CNC Crankshaft Grinder performs complete grinding of crankshafts in a single chucking. This advanced approach ensures consistency and precision throughout the entire process.
Unmatched Precision and Quality: The machine’s capabilities extend far beyond the current industry standards, offering:
At Fraser Engines, we’re committed to innovation and excellence in every facet of our remanufacturing process. Our continuous pursuit of improvement and our investment in the latest technologies underscore this commitment. A shining example of our forward-thinking approach is the integration of state-of-the-art flame spray technology into our operations.
Recently, Fraser Engines has taken a significant leap forward by incorporating the latest flame spray machine into our remanufacturing facilities. Installed and fully operational since 2016, this technology marks a new era in our production capabilities.
Setting New Standards in Finish Quality: The flame spray machine elevates our ability to meet and exceed the finish requirements for engine block cylinder bores. With this technology, Fraser Engines effortlessly surpasses the industry benchmarks for remanufacturing current model year engines.
Unparalleled Precision and Durability: Flame spray technology allows us to apply coatings with unmatched precision and uniformity, ensuring each engine block’s durability and performance are maximized. This process not only enhances the quality of the finished product but also extends the lifespan of the engines we remanufacture.
Use conventional or break-in oil (non-synthetic) for the first 600 miles of operation. Do not drive for long periods at any single speed, always vary your speed. Do not tow a trailer or put other heavy loads on the vehicle. Check the engine oil and coolant levels daily.
At 600 Miles change the engine oil and filter using conventional (non-synthetic) oil. Check fuel and ignition settings; adjust valves (where applicable).
After the first 5,000 of service synthetic engine oil may be used. Follow your vehicle owner’s manual for service intervals.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore | 99 mm |
| Stroke | 108 mm |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Max power @ RPM | 475 hp @ 2,800 rpm |
| Max torque @ RPM | 1,050 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Cylinder head | Aluminum |
| Cylinder block | Compacted graphite iron (CGI) |
| Camshaft drive | Chain |
Fraser Engines & Transmissions is your trusted partner for 3.8L FORD engine remanufacturing, offering unmatched quality and performance. With our state-of-the-art remanufacturing process, each engine undergoes precision engineering using high-grade materials, ensuring it surpasses original specifications for durability and reliability.
We back our remanufactured 3.8L FORD engines with an industry-leading warranty. Our robust coverage is a testament to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.
Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized consultation services, ensuring that your 3.8L FORD engine selection is perfectly aligned with your vehicle’s performance requirements. We take the time to understand your needs, recommending the best engine solution for optimal performance and seamless integration.
Opting for a remanufactured 3.8L FORD engine from Fraser Engines & Transmissions means choosing an upgrade that enhances your vehicle’s efficiency, power, and reliability. Explore our selection of premium remanufactured engines today and take the first step towards a superior driving experience.
At Fraser, we understand that replacing your engine or transmission is a significant investment. To assist with the financial burden, we offer core waiver options that allow you to defer your core deposit, freeing up substantial funds to complete your project efficiently.
