Who has a completed 5.0 swap?
Who has one in progress?
Who is planning one in the future?

Let's here how it went, or your plans for a project.

Rick,
What are your plans? Personally, I'm leaning more towards rebuilding a 4.0. The horsepower gains will be decent and the torque convertor can be swapped out to handle the added power/torque. I have seen some discouraging stories here associated with the swap. But then again, I am easily swayed - talk me into more power! :)

Jon

Personally its not the engine Im worried about, its the tranny. If I put in a 5.0L I can put in a new tranny and my problem is solved. If I can find someone to make a custom bellhousing I will keep the 4.0 and swap the tranny.

I did mine for the safety of not wanting to worry about the a4ld... well, my swap is pretty far, just, i fergot to actually measure the motor once in, and the shop found that it's off (I eyeballed it, shoulda measured) and that to adjust it, i'd have to come out... I don't have the time, or money to pay them. So, it looks gorgeous under there with the T-5wc and Dana 20 twinstick.... But, I'm selling it off to cableguy, who will complete it, then have one bad ass truck.
Pete

I was planning a 5.0 swap - and an engine swap is still in the future. But I'm thinking very seriously about a 4.0l I6. (don't tell me I can't - anything is possible) If it looks like the 4.9 will be totally impossible, then I'll run with the 5.0 :smoke:

It's listed as a dream mod on my web page :D

i have been looking into it and have acces to a f-150 with a 5.0. it is in fair condition. i believe that the mounting of the motor and the tranny would not be as difficult as initially thought. i thought about using a divorced NP204 or 205 tcase and get new drive axles. the main problem i seee is the wiring. there are a lot of damn wires going on in there. im not sure on how to apadt the wirin harness with all the sensors and whatnots.

i have worked on engine swap with my pa-in-law on a dodge fullsize and we are planning one on the jeep. i have replaced a motor before but it was an even swap. im a lot less sure and my fake (in law) isnt really sure either.

my plan is to just research it to death by spending as much time ion both engine compartments and haynes manuals as i can.

and of course ask you all a pile o questions.

Well, the thing is, I could redo mine, and get it aligned, I just am worn out for massive mechanical work, and I've been w/o a vehicle too long... The wiring is a bitch, but I believe Brett seems to have it down... Maybe Rick can use influential powers, to get Painless Wiring to create a swap harness...
Pete

From what I have seen, and crazy Ideas I have, I think it would be faster and simpler to find a stock v8 on a totaled Explorer or a cheapie, rebuild it with your solid axle and fiberglass front end with all the other mods, just a thought, probably a stupid one, It doesn't have to be a new vehicle swap Rick, just think of it as a Frame Swap:confused:

planned-
We are going to start pulling the 5.0 HO out of my buddies 91 mustang gt in the next few weeks, then I will have it rebuilt and get all my parts then begin yanking my engine and slap everything in, I am shooting for the least down time possible so everything will be damn near ready when I start installing the motor, LOL yeah I know thats a good one!

I have been running the swap possibility back and fourth for a while now, and decided there is only one way to do it and make it worth while. :eek:
If and when I decide to do it I am going to locate a wrecked late model X or Mount. and use it for a donor. This appears to be the best way to go since it will reduce alot of the added expences (and hidden costs) of doing an engine swap. You'll already have all the brackets, accessories, wireing, computer, etc... and you know it will fit without major modifications. The only thing that I haven't checked on is weither I can keep my stock t-case or if I have to use something else.

I am doing it :)
I am sick of light duty automatics.

If you do it the "easy" way its not too bad.
As you know Rick I was involved with Joe Deitz 5.0L HO conversion, the end result is pretty good, but as with all drivetrain conversions he (we) learned alot about what to do and what not to do.

Personally I think the only way to make this conversion worth the effort is to use a early 5.0L Explorer donor and get EVERYTHING, then aside from the wiring it will basically bolt into your truck or mine.

I will be converting to a 97 Mercury 5.0L drivetrain donated from a 97 Mountaineer this winter :)

I was getting ready to rebuild a OHV 4.0L for my truck, the engine is perfect for a BII, but I am not willing to give up OD (C5 conversion) and I am not willing to spend $2K +/- for the 700R4 conversion, so that $$$$$ will be well spent on the 5.0L drivetrain, and for the most part it will bolt into my BII. :)

LOOKOUT! small block BII in the works :)

Dont let the wiring scare you away either, you just need to have the right rescources (complete books for both vehicles) otherwise you can stare at a rats nest of wiring for weeks.....but with the wiring schematics you can trace each wire, eliminate what you dont need, keep what you do, and it will all make sense...

I am doing it :)
I am sick of light duty automatics.

If you do it the "easy" way its not too bad.
As you know Rick I was involved with Joe Deitz 5.0L HO conversion, the end result is pretty good, but as with all drivetrain conversions he (we) learned alot about what to do and what not to do.

Personally I think the only way to make this conversion worth the effort is to use a early 5.0L Explorer donor and get EVERYTHING, then aside from the wiring it will basically bolt into your truck or mine.

I will be converting to a 97 Mercury 5.0L drivetrain donated from a 97 Mountaineer this winter :)

I was getting ready to rebuild a OHV 4.0L for my truck, the engine is perfect for a BII, but I am not willing to give up OD (C5 conversion) and I am not willing to spend $2K +/- for the 700R4 conversion, so that $$$$$ will be well spent on the 5.0L drivetrain, and for the most part it will bolt into my BII. :)

LOOKOUT! small block BII in the works :)

Dont let the wiring scare you away either, you just need to have the right rescources (complete books for both vehicles) otherwise you can stare at a rats nest of wiring for weeks.....but with the wiring schematics you can trace each wire, eliminate what you dont need, keep what you do, and it will all make sense...

Holy balls batman! Bring the thread back to life! Good luck on the swap.

Mine was pretty easy. Drop off the old, sign your life away, and the swap is complete. Two extra doors and half the miles were also part of the swap ;)

im glad you brought it back 410 i am in the midst of a 351 swap. i got a sweetass 85 bronco with HO 351 (yes its carburated) c6 and np208tcase (as well as 9" rear whic im tossing.) a buddy froim work cut his finger off in a table saw was out of work and needing cash so i made him an offer he couldnt refuse ... anyway $500 later....

anyone know what motor mounts i can use? are they the same as 5.0 mounts? since i have no lower crossemember can i just use a regular 2wd mount? or is an early model ex or ranger mount going to work on my late model?

Is it just me or does anyone else think a carbureted 350 be an easier and cheaper way to go? They are a dime a dozen and then the 700R will bolt right up. No nonsense. Just gut the engine compartment and wheel wells and weld some mounts on the frame. It's been done everywhere with Jeeps and Land Cruisers.

5.0s are also a dime a dozen with just the same amout of parts and you can make it efi. plus a c4 or c5 tranny and you are golden

Is it just me or does anyone else think a carbureted 350 be an easier and cheaper way to go? They are a dime a dozen and then the 700R will bolt right up. No nonsense. Just gut the engine compartment and wheel wells and weld some mounts on the frame. It's been done everywhere with Jeeps and Land Cruisers.

that the approach i am taking basically... but my issue is with the 700r4 there are 3 GM vehicles in the family with this tranny and not one has made it to 100k without the tranny dying. i dont see the apeal.
-dads corvette one at 80k another at 140k - might be bad example as its high HP and a lead foot
-dad-in-law chevy 1500 with 4.3 v6 made it 90k before it burned up - literally smelled like burnt toast
-mother in law blazer with 4.3 began slipping bad and had it rebuilt before 100k.

personally i think there are stock trannies out there up to the demand of power and big tire resistance. thats why i am using the C6 and not my original plan of AOD. the AOD is not up a 5.0 in stock applications most of the time - big meats and harch conditions - it will be toast in no time at all.

L&L makes motor mounts for putting a 5.0L in your truck.

Putting a carbed 350 in anything is the easiest swap you can do, but then you have a carbed engine in a off road truck, no thanks, unless you dont like steep climbs and more than 8 mpg.

Everyone seems to forget they built the Explorer with the 5.0L in it, you want a 5.0L in your Explorer? Start with one in a donor.....

85 carb 351 rated 15mpg hiway - but its a trail rig so who cares. $500 for entire donor truck that im familiar with. it was a DD until a few months ago when he tore up the rear end. though i know that EFI is better i have been all over tellico in my uncles jeep and other uncles bronco both carbed. takes a badass hill climb to kill it. and if it really becomes a problem i will have already done the swap and could easily add EFI kit or swap in an EFI motor.

sometimes it just makes sense to do things a little differently. if we all wanted serious offroad rock rigs we wouldnt have bought a grocery getting exploder in the first place.

but i do agree that if i could find a decent running 5.0 from explorer to swap in that would be ideal - priced one lately? i have not seen once for less than 1800 and the reliability was questionable.

well a 95 with a carbed motor wont pass emissions here in CO, trail rig, sure, street driven, nope.

I say go for it, a 350 SB Chevy is an excellent motor, we all know that. They have been transplanted into everything, so why not an Explorer?

I dont think your idea of doing things a little different is actually doing it different, in fact the 350 must be the most swapped in drivetrain there is, period. Now a 300 I-6, that would be different :) Also a 4.3L Vortec would be a good fit into an Explorer

i wander why no one has persued a 4.2 ford swap. i had an f150 with 4.2 and littleraly smoke 350 chevies. a guy in a z71 passed me on an entrance ramp on teh interstate recently i dropped it in 3rd, shifted to 4th at 80 mph, 5th at 100 and got his plate number then passed him and took the next exit. also father in law has 305 chevy and cant believe the 4.2 has as much umph as it does - more than his. the difference also might be that is a 5speed.

pass emmissions? whats that? --- florida=no vehicle inspection :)

i like the 4.3 esp in the s10 trucks i think its a great motor. a guy in out club swapped in a 4.3 drivetrain into his Zuk - he can smoke he tires. its great.

you are right i wander why no one has dropped in a 350?

Oh trust me it has been done :)

4.3L drivetrain look like it would fit in an Explorer nicely :) and the Gen I Explorer could probably accept it and interface with the trucks electronics, fuel, ignition, cruise, etc etc...... :)

the I-6 Ford engine is really really really long, difficult to fit...
the 3.8L SC has been done with great success into a Ranger, but hes a prerunner and ended up moving the motor back about 18" into the cab.
The 2.3L T or SVO conversion I have seen in alot of 2wd Rangers, I think that would be alot of fun to play with too...

350 in explorer? or just "done" in general?

ryan dropped his explorer body onto a f250 frame with 300 in it. i think he pounded the firewall with a sledge hammer to get it to fit.

i remember the 3.8 convo but cant imagine going down to a 2.3 in an ex? too heavy... would cause excessive wear on a small motor with big tires and high output - IMO.

i considered a 318drivetrain swap or even a 360. jeep grand cherokee is a dinky little rig yet they get those shoehorned in them and they have plenty of pep to them. efi with lots of power - driverside output tcase. seems ideal to me.

I'd go w/ the 351 swap. It wouldn't be too expensive in the future to swap to EFI. For now, I'd use the carbed 351. If you could find a cheap, used offroad carb, that would be ideal.

yeah i was going to look into that. its got a holley that needs rebuilt but i have a 4bbl 600cfm edelbrock that should fit on there nicely.

do you know who makes a good offroad carb?

carter makes a good carb for everything.

318 or 360 in a Grand Cherokee is a TIGHT fit, VERY difficult to work on.
5.0L is tight enough in an Explorer for me.....but I have seen a 460 in a BII so anything is possible.....

I realize this is an ancient post, but my question is for 410.
What is the primary difference between the explorer 5.0 and the mustang 5.0 HO as far as the swap goes?

By the way I voted yes, but know It may never happen in this life time.

Thought about it.

5.0
Better get a solid axle.
New tranny and t-case.
Wiring.....wow.
All new guages.


Forget it. I'm gonna drive my ex untill it blows up. Then I will leave it where the tranny died, and buy a bronco with a 4 speed and a 5.0, and a solid. And start again. I have so much $$$$ into my truck I can't sell it.

The HO Mustang engine is OBD-I, it is torqued for a car not a 4x4 truck, it uses the non serpentine front dress, the intake is on the wrong side, the heads are not GT-40, etc etc etc. Its alot different.
We put a EFI HO engine into a 93 Explorer 4x4, not fun.
Ended up using a AOD-E trans with Bauman tranny controller, also swapping the heads, cam, and front dress to the serpentine. All in all you are WAY better off starting with a 5.0L Explorer donor, makes it fit ALOT easier, much better end result too....the 5.0L Explorer engine is a GREAT engine, alredy has alot of the parts you need to make it fit, get the power you want for a 4x4.

How many 1st gen. owners need to upgrade the OHV, or the A4LD? For trucks in great condition(body, interior), not for major offroading, my project could be duplicated.

I have a 93 Limited 4x4 that needs chassis work, before major problems. I started last summer looking for a donor vehicle. In November I found a rolled 99 Limited 4x4 for $1500. It basically needs a good body, exactly what my 93 has.

I am about to pull the 99 body off, and bring the 93 home, to do the same. I will use as much of the 99 dash, wiring, AC, and under hood parts as possible. I will seriously consider cutting and swapping the firewalls, to make the swap easier.

One of these days I will get on CarDomain.com and post some pictures. I am also looking hard for a BW4410 AWD transfer case for the 99. Any help finding one would be appreciated. Good luck all,
DonW

Sweet project! I wouldnt be surprised if you find the 93 body fits the 99 frame easier then you thought :)

93 with IFS :)

I kicked the idea around but decided that I can build a 4.0 was enough hp to keep me happy and keep the venerable 4.0/M5OD/BW 1354 combo and soon to have a doubler. This great combo has never done me wrong.

I kicked the idea around but decided that I can build a 4.0 was enough hp to keep me happy and keep the vernable 4.0/M5OD/BW 1354 combo and soon to have doubler. This combo has never done me wrong.
Vernable? what do that mean?

Venerable (excuse the hell out of me. Work is tough and my fingers are tired)

deff: Commanding respect by virtue of age, dignity, character, or position.

I.E. Tried and true....

Venerable (excuse the hell out of me. Work is tough and my fingers are tired)

deff: Commanding respect by virtue of age, dignity, character, or position.

I.E. Tried and true....
Thats cool, my blow and go guys name is Vern, the old sqawe asks me , can Vern trim the Olive tree, I ck it out, tell her, Ya thats Vernable.
Thought maybe Vern was scabbin some side work for you, no harm intended.

ill post pics when i actually get it in but i decided what to do about my motor mounts... the motor mounts are welded to the engine crossmember which is riveted to the frame. im going to chizel off the rivets and install the crossmember with motor mounts straight into the ex.i can even leave it bolted to the motor when i mocking it up so that i can determine where to put the final placement. looking ot drop in motor in 2 weeks. work and weather keep playing against me.

Poll closed to stop poll spammers....you CAN still reply to the thread though.