In terms of modifying this engine - while reliable - it was never adopted by the aftermarket and thus nothing noteworthy was ever developed. Intake manifold and front timing cover gaskets were known to go bad with the earlier models of this engine, but later models seem to be fairly stout overall. While this engine isn't particularly fierce, it was overall reliable. The Essex V6 was discontinued for F150 use in 2008 and a V6 option did not re-appear into the F150 lineup until 2011. With a bore of 3.81 in and a stroke of 3.74 in, the Essex V6 produced 205 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
Only available for RWD regular cab models, the new-to-the-F150 V6 used a 90 degree V design, overhead valves (still pushrod), iron block, and aluminum heads. Built in Windsor, Ontario at the Ford Essex Engine Plant, this 4.2L V6 engine replaced Ford's 300 straight-six as the base F150 engine in 1997.