96 5.0L Engine swap

[NirvanaCDR]

hey guys hows it going....ok I have a 96 explorer v8 XLT and I think that one of the lifters collapsed. I took off all the top part of the motor and got into the middle and found lotsa carbon and stuff (looks like the previous owner who had it for the first 2 years of its life didnt do an oil change!!!) anyways, Im also thinking about buying a motor to do an engine swap. What years CAN and CANT I use to swap in (same motor, Explorer v8 5.0) Im looking at a 98 right now...will that go in? If NOT, what has to be done to make it and other years fit??? Thanks guys!
Chris

 

[section525]

You can use any motor 96-01 for your swap. You just have to change various sensors and whatnot.

 

[NirvanaCDR]

do you know what sensors and or connectors from the wiring harnesses? is that all?

 

[section525]

The Camshaft Position Sensor is different, as well as the crankshaft sensor. Uhmm... that should be about it. Just reuse your old fuel rail too.

 

[NirvanaCDR]

hey thanks a lot here...just that Im actually doing this for my dad and money is tight, so i am going to be doing the actual swap myself and want to just get this done the fastest and most cost efficient way possible...crankshaft positioning sensor and thats it? nothing else like manifolds or anything? i reallly appreciate it....

 

[section525]

Ooh.. wait. You'll actually have to swap the upper and lower intakes because 96 is internal while 97 1/2 and up are external. Which means you'll have to swap the exhaust manifolds as well. But this is all easy stuff once you have both motors out.

 

[NirvanaCDR]

ok so those sensors (which differ 97 and up) and have to change the gt40 intake and the exhaust manifolds? so i guess unbolt from the newer motor and take from the old and that should work? (im also a chevy guy here, so this is new to me...just tryin to help out my dad here)

 

[section525]

Yeah, I had to do all this. I am running a '99 motor in my '96. The exhaust manifolds and upper intake would have to come off anyways to pull the motor out. So it's not like it's a lot more work or anything.

Aligning the CPS (camshaft sensor) will take a special tool. So you may want to research that before you get started.

 

[410Fortune]

You are gaining the GT-40 P heads with the 98 engine = nice. they use an external EGR system, where as your 96 has the EGR inside the upper intake manifold.

Section you have the P heads and the 96 intakes with the internal EGR?
Just want to be clear on that. I as under the impression the P heads would only work with the external EGR pipe??

 

[section525]

Yeah.. I have P's with internal intakes.

 

[410Fortune]

I think it would be just as easy to keep the 98 intakes and exhaust manifold and hoko the 96 computer up to the EGR on the 98, no?

You dont have to pull the lower intake and exhaust manifolds to yank/pull an engine Heck you can even leave the upper intake on if you use some chains..

 

[section525]

Doesn't the '98 have some sort of vac controlled EGR junk? I wasn't certain the '96 computer had what it took to control an external egr function. Plus, all the EGR stuff was fubared on my donor motor.

 

[410Fortune]

I will look at my two EGR setups and see what I think.
As far as the wires from the PCM I am pretty sure they are the same on both intakes.

 

[section525]

...and I would rather disconnect the exhaust manifolds at the head than at the collector any day! That passenger side inner bolt is a $%#!$. I have to use 3 feet of extensions.

 

[410Fortune]

I had no issues dismantling either of my 96's
yes that bolt is the hardest one, but I did not find it THAT difficult

hahahaha man if we could all have a shop together we could knock these suckers out in nothing flat!

 

[section525]

After doing that '97 last weeekend, I am ready to tear my own motor out again and do something stupid to it.

 

[410Fortune]

you did what now? What are you doing this to? the ex or the Mounty? plans?

 

[NirvanaCDR]

ok so i found a 98 motor really cheap 90 day warranty and low mileage.... it looks like a great deal, and like i said, i am trying to save some $ here and am doing this for my dad because he is sick and money is tight....so all of ur help is so greatly appreciated....

so with this EGR stuff....can the 98 motor swap directly in and hook up to the 96 comp and wiring harness? or what mods would have to be done? also, any additonal mods? thanks again!!!!!!

 

[410Fortune]

Buy it, it will work in your 96, we are jsut trying to figure out the best and easiest option to hook up your EGR, as we have both done similar setups and are familiar with both sets of heads. In fact i will look at my two engines tonight and come up with what I think is the best solution to you. But these are minor details for putting that 98 block into your 96.

Whats a good deal and how many miles?

 

[NirvanaCDR]

ok thanks for checking up on it....i guess i just need to know if the current 96 egr will bolt onto the 98 motor and hook up electronically, or if the 98 egr setup will connect to the 96 comp...then i guess im good to go right?

65000 miles, 90 day warranty for $450