'94 -> '93 Engine Swap Issues!

[Squishymonster2]

First of all, thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this.

I am about to finish installing a '93 engine in my '94 Explorer Sport. I just realized that there are a couple of differences between the two and need to know what my options are.

The main differences are that my '94 has an exhaust gas recirculation system, and a camshaft position sensor. The '93 engine I'm trying to install doesn't have either of these.

Since the wiring harness in my '94 X wouldn't connect to the one on the '93 engine (the one that connects to the injectors, etc), I put the '94 harness onto the '93 engine. There are now connectors for the exhaust gas recirculation system, and camshaft position sensor that have nowhere to go. I'd like to know if my '94 computer is even compatible with the '93 engine and if I can just leave the extra connectors (3 of them) dangling in the engine compartment. If not, what should I do? The engine is already installed to the point that I basically just need to add oil, install the spark plug wires, and turn the key.

If I have to use the EGR system, that wouldn't be TOO big of an issue. I'll just put on the '94 left exhaust manifold and '94 throttle body. If everything will function correctly without it, I'd prefer to leave it off.

However I'm kind of worried about this camshaft position sensor. How do I get it out, and is the sensor the only part that needs to be swapped, or does the camshaft or oil pump drive gear need to be switched? I'm not really sure how it works. It looks like a pain in the butt to adjust and I don't evn know how necessary it is.

 

[Jason94sport]

You will need the ECU from the 93. the 94 has the programming for the sensor & egr. If these are not hooked up they will give codes & the truck may not run right. Getting the 93 ECU that doesn't have this programming will solve that.

 

[Squishymonster2]

Thank you very much for the reply.

Is it still an option to put the EGR and sensor from my '94 onto the '93 engine? Can all of the sensor components be swapped out without removing the engine again?

I thought I read something about the sensor taking readings off of a specially machined camshaft but I'm not sure if that's correct for the '94 model.

If I use the '93 ECU, will it just plug in or do I have to swap portions of the wiring harness inside the X itself?

 

[Rhett]

Is it still an option to put the EGR and sensor from my '94 onto the '93 engine? Can all of the sensor components be swapped out without removing the engine again?

I can answer this first question. The other ones I'm not sure about.

You can use the 94 EGR onto your 93 engine--but of course as you know already you must then use the 1993 computer. The problem is that the 93 intake manifold doesn't have the EGR port cut into it. So you will have to use the 94 upper intake manifold. If your 94 upper intake manifold is still in good shape, then it should bolt directly to the lower intake manifold. I don't think there are any clearance issues there...

 

[Rhett]

By the way, some 1993 Explorer engines did have EGR. The switch was made halfway into the production run.

 

[Jason94sport]

93 ECU should plug right in.