4.0 SOHC or 5.0 ?

[BHop]

Hi guys,

I might be buying one of the two in the very near future but I am not sure which one so I am asking you guys based on your experience.

Both are 2000 Ford Explorers, very similar in every respect except the engine.

If I go V8, headers, intake and tuning are in order.

If I go SOHC V6, intake and tuning..... and maybe supercharger down the road.

Both are in really good shape.

Is the SOHC that much better in the fuel economy department? Or are they similar?

Help me out here crew,

-bhop

 

[Tech By Trade]

The SOHC is a steaming pile of dog dung. Same gas mileage and an engineering flaw that causes the engine to detonate and bend valves at around 200k.

 

[boominXplorer]

SOHC will get better gas mileage bit the cost savings won't outrun the reliability of the V8.

If your going to beat on it at all don't even consider the v6. Way stronger trans with the v8

 

[BHop]

Interesting.... I guess one of the things I dislike about the V8 is the full time awd.

The timing chain.... Might go tomorrow or it might not go for like 10 years. You never know. The sohc in question is well maintained with regular oil changes.

I was reading not long ago how there is tuning available to make the V8 a bit better on gas, is that true? No, I don't plan to beat to beat on either of them.

 

[beach]

SOHC will get better gas mileage bit the cost savings won't outrun the reliability of the V8.

If your going to beat on it at all don't even consider the v6. Way stronger trans with the v8

It's about even for mpg, had a SOHC 4dr years ago, was same if not just barely slightly worse then my 5.0

Interesting.... I guess one of the things I dislike about the V8 is the full time awd.

The timing chain.... Might go tomorrow or it might not go for like 10 years. You never know. The sohc in question is well maintained with regular oil changes.

I was reading not long ago how there is tuning available to make the V8 a bit better on gas, is that true? No, I don't plan to beat to beat on either of them.

5.0 come in 2nd also (mine is), had my 00' for 16 years now. Headers your basically SOL, might have better luck finding pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. One weakness of these trucks, my manifolds are ticking annoyingly. I have intake and custom duals and its quite noticeable, especially with windows up and engine not fully warm. 16yrs though and 150k miles, truck is solid, lifted now and still fine. Really had no trouble, just normal maintenance.

 

[2TimingTom]

I got 18 mpg in my 5.0l AWD and when my SOHC was stock, guess what it got....... 18 mpg.

 

[shucker1]

5.0 Liter for sure.

Tried and true design since what? 1968?

The 4.0 as others have said has a tainted history if not taken care of properly.