Question on later Vulcan V-6 engines?

[ret621]

Hello; I have been a member for years and this is the first question that I have posted on the forum. I own a 96 Taurus GL with 3.0 Vulcan V6, with 102K on it, and it runs flawlessly, both engine and transmission. I do have some rust issues that have caused me to think about looking at much newer 2004 to 2007 models as a future replacement. I am that satisfied with the Taurus that I could drive another similar one for many more years to come. My question is on the Vulcan engine and transmissions found on the newer models..................are they are well built as mine was? Or has Ford made "improvements" to the engine, such as the plastic manifold, perhaps aluminum heads(?), so that it is not as good? My transmission is the AX4N Metric and has also been flawless, although I have seen/heard of other Taurus's with much lower miles with "New/rebuilt trans in them. Would especially like tyo hear from a Ford service tech who has great experience on the later models of the Gen 3 Taurus. Thanks!

[04 SEL]

The new Vulcans are better with the plastic intake, but only slightly. There have been small improvements but overall, it is the same engine. The 2004+ vulcans come with the AX4N, although the torque converters are more prone to strip the splines. Thats about it though, overall the same.

[danhasenauer]

If you have owned a Taurus for years, are happy with it, and know your way around under the hood, you may want to consider a 24v Duratec powered Bull. The difference in get up and go is like night and day. My first Tec made me a believer!