5.0 swap questions.

[Phrog]

It's time for me to start fishing for the parts to do my 5.0 swap.

For now, I don't want to SAS.

The motor is going to be built from the ground up, possibly considering going to a 347 stroker build.

I'm definitely staying EFI.

Main questions at the moment is which 302 would be best to buy? I know there are several different versions of the 302 out of many different vehicles. I have access to pretty much anything at the moment.

Naturally, I assume that I want to get one that was already EFI.

I believe my friend mentioned something about a few different EFI intakes out there...Not sure which would be best and what it comes on.

Should I look for a 302 HO motor?

What years/models came stock with roller cams/lifters?

Also, I will be replacing the tranny/transfer case...I want to stay with a standard transmission...What tranny/transfer case is recommended for 4x4 applications?

Any other advice would be greatly apprecaited...I start pulling out the 3.0 this weekend to prep the engine bay and need to start spending money soon

Of course, lots of pics coming soon.

BTW, I have a 98' XLT 4x4 w/Toasty 3.0

Thanks!
~PHRoG

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Any 96-01 Explorer or Mountaineer 5.0 is what you would want.
It will be OBD II. You will need the the computer as well so your best off looking for a wrecked but complete vehicle.

As for as staying with a manual tranny that is going to be the hard part.

 

[justin146]

Not trying to send you away, but there is a large V8 swap section at rangerpowersports.com

Your best bet will be finding a complete wrecked truck to get the parts from.

 

[Phrog]

Any 96-01 Explorer or Mountaineer 5.0 is what you would want.
It will be OBD II. You will need the the computer as well so your best off looking for a wrecked but complete vehicle.

As for as staying with a manual tranny that is going to be the hard part.

Why would it be difficult staying with a manual? If I have to go auto, I will...Just curious as to why you say that.

 

[410Fortune]

because the 5.0L that came in the explorer is controlled by a computer that also controls the automatic transmission, so putting a 5 speed behind it is difficult.

You need to do ALOT of research.
For a 4x4 drivetrain conversion I like to adivse people to start at the back, meaning pick your transfer case first, then this will narrow your transmission choices, which in turn will narrow down which computer you can run for the engine.

The problem here is this, the Explorer 5.0L is the closest thing you will find to a V8 made to fit in your Ranger, it is also the best 5.0L Ford ever built (late model GT-40 roller engine) so its a toss up.


Even if you drop a distributor into the Explorer 5.0L block and run a Mustang computer, ignition, EFI and convert the late model GT-40 5.0L to a Mustang EFI system, its in the long run still likely cheaper then trying to modify a Mustang engine to make the same type of power, convert it to the short serpentine front dress, Explorer style oil pan, intakes, etc

Now the V8 conversion has been done every wich way possible from every angle, from $500 torch and carburator running late Sunday weekend swaps to $15,000 400 HP conversions, it has all been done, is being done, and is talked about to death here on the internet.

I can only tell you where I would start and how I would approach the conversion.

If you are dead set on a 5 speed then you really have some decisions to make, check out Cheifs Explorer on this site

You need to consider your emissions laws, the trucks use, your budget, your time line, All kinds of crap before you start pulling any 3.0L parts. With your Ranger being a 98 and OBD-II I vote get a 98-2001 Explorer 5.0L, park it next to your truck and BOLT THE 5.0L DRIVETRAIN IN. I have seen a 98 Ranger get a 98 Explorer V8 in a weekend, looks factory. If you want a 5 speed you cannot go this route.

also does your 98 ranger have PATS?
Your 98 Ranger is OBD-II, do you plan to convert to OBD-I? may not be street legal in OR anymore

 

[Phrog]

because the 5.0L that came in the explorer is controlled by a computer that also controls the automatic transmission, so putting a 5 speed behind it is difficult.

You need to do ALOT of research.
For a 4x4 drivetrain conversion I like to adivse people to start at the back, meaning pick your transfer case first, then this will narrow your transmission choices, which in turn will narrow down which computer you can run for the engine.

The problem here is this, the Explorer 5.0L is the closest thing you will find to a V8 made to fit in your Ranger, it is also the best 5.0L Ford ever built (late model GT-40 roller engine) so its a toss up.


Even if you drop a distributor into the Explorer 5.0L block and run a Mustang computer, ignition, EFI and convert the late model GT-40 5.0L to a Mustang EFI system, its in the long run still likely cheaper then trying to modify a Mustang engine to make the same type of power, convert it to the short serpentine front dress, Explorer style oil pan, intakes, etc

Now the V8 conversion has been done every wich way possible from every angle, from $500 torch and carburator running late Sunday weekend swaps to $15,000 400 HP conversions, it has all been done, is being done, and is talked about to death here on the internet.

I can only tell you where I would start and how I would approach the conversion.

If you are dead set on a 5 speed then you really have some decisions to make, check out Cheifs Explorer on this site

You need to consider your emissions laws, the trucks use, your budget, your time line, All kinds of crap before you start pulling any 3.0L parts. With your Ranger being a 98 and OBD-II I vote get a 98-2001 Explorer 5.0L, park it next to your truck and BOLT THE 5.0L DRIVETRAIN IN. I have seen a 98 Ranger get a 98 Explorer V8 in a weekend, looks factory. If you want a 5 speed you cannot go this route.

also does your 98 ranger have PATS?
Your 98 Ranger is OBD-II, do you plan to convert to OBD-I? may not be street legal in OR anymore

From what I have been told, staying with the OBD-II is a better idea...I don't have emissions to worry about and I would prefer 5 speed, but I don't mind going auto (5 speeds are just so much funner to drive .

Running into troubles trying to find a 96+ Explorer donor vehicle tho...Junkyards don't want to sell the whole thing and the insurance auctions want a $500 membership fee to bid at their auctions...WHeeee

It definitely makes sense though, because I can get everything I need in one single shot.

Also, like I said, I'm not SAS'ing the Ranger...Do you think the stock front end will have any issues running a slightly built 347?

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[pgdsm]

what about a 4x4 f150 with a 5.0 from the 90's they had 5spds

 

[Phrog]

That's an idea, how would that work out?

 

[bmxking5]

Those came with M5OD-R2 transmissions and BW1356 transfer case. From what I've heard, they're both fairly strong and reliable.

 

[410Fortune]

strong and relialbe yes but your 98 Ranger is alread OBD-II, going back to an older system is really going to cause headaches for you

Try craiglist or local auto trader, I see Explorer 5.0L donors ALL THE TIME

 

[bmxking5]

What about the trans and t-case from them though Jamie? Wouldn't they bolt up to the Explorer 302 since it's they're both pushrod 5.0s?

 

[Phrog]

Well, if it's a 96+ 4x4 F-150 with the 302, wouldn't it be OBD-II already and pretty much just all bolt up?

 

[410Fortune]

re read this thread, yes any 5.0L manual will botl up to the explorer 5.0L but the OBD-II explorer computer controls the auto transmission.

 

[Phrog]

Nonono...I understand that with the explorer...What I'm asking is say I find a totaled out 96+ Ford F-150 4x4 with the 302, standard and transfer case.

Considering it's a 302 already, standard, has the transfer case and it's 96+...It would already be OBD-II with a computer that's compatible with a standard already, correct?

I would assume that those would all bolt into the ranger as well? If so, that seems the route I would want to go...Would it not?

 

[410Fortune]

Nope the Explorer 5.0L is the only OBD-II 5.0L Computer
It has DIS ignition and the auto trans controlls.
95 was the last year of the 5.0L used in the Mustang

Not sure about the F-150, but any 5.0L that has a 5 speed transmission is going to be ODB-I with a distributor in the engine.

this issue is discussed ALOT on this forum.

Honestly for a 98 Ranger, you can bolt in a 96-2001 Explorer 5.0L V8 drivetrain and pretty much plug it into your truck with LITTLE to zero modifications, this will save you ALOT of $$$ and ALOT of time, you jsut have to find the donor.

then ditch the AWD transfer case for the 4406 manual shift t case (search for this, my 96 was converted from AWD to 4x4 and the link is in my sig)

then you are done, you are really going to create alot of problems for yourself if you try to go with a pre Explorer 5.0L and a 5 speed into your 98 truck, its working backwards.

The benefits of the Explorer GT-40 5.0L, computer and transmission FAR out weight the need for a clutch IMO.

 

[Phrog]

Donor vehicle FOUND!!

w000t...98' Explorer 4 door, perfect condition except it has a blown front diff and the owner didn't want to deal with it.

Will have it here next weekend.

Couple of new questions though...I"ll be swapping alot of the parts into the 98' 4x4 ranger...I don't have a huge key, so I'm assuming I don't have PATS, which will be nice.

Engine is going to be completely torn down and rebuilt, planning a roller motor 347 stroker build.

Question tho, obviously increasing the displacement changes some things, so I'm assuming the computer is going to need to be reprogrammed...Is this something I need to have Ford do?

Also, being a 98' 5.0 I'm assuming it's already a roller cam...Can I change the cam while keeping the stock lifters? I would like something more aggressive, however not insaine...I'm not sure how far I can go without a stall converter...Advice here would be great.

Finally, the local tranny shop owes me some favors...Was thinking about having the tranny rebuilt just for good measure....However, is there anything someone would suggest to beef it up? I want the stroker to have plenty of guts, but I'm not going crazy on it...I just want a very well built motor that is going to stand up to some punishment when I need it and be a daily driver the rest of the time.

Thanks!
PHRoG

 

[410Fortune]

Your building a 347 from the factory GT-40 block.......yikes.

Consider a 331 kit PLEASE

iGT-40 Explorer 5.0L does have roller lifters and cam yes, if you are going 331 or 347 you will be replacing all that stuff, cam, lifters, heads, etc

The stock PCM can keep up with the new cubic inches

The 4r70w automatic has MANY performance options, do some research or leave it up to your competent trans builder, they can be built to take ALOT of power, ie drag racing, boosted, built to the hilt

You still have alot of research to do and planning, but getting the donor is step 1!! nice......

 

[Phrog]

Why do you say go with a 331 kit as opposed to a 347?

 

[1996xlt]

Cylinder walls get pretty thin past 331ci.

 

[Turdle]

Cylinder walls get pretty thin past 331ci.

331 is an overbore also--FYI

302 = 4.00x3
306= 4.030x3
331= 4.030x3.25
327 = 4.00x3.25
342 = 4.00x3.4
347 = 4.030x3.4

bore x stroke