96 Explorer OHV V6 to 96 Explorer 5.0 V8 SWAP

[CamDJClimited]

Can anyone help me out?? Right now, I have a 96 Explorer Limited with the V6 OHV engine, and I want more performance. I have access on getting a donor 96 Explorer with the V8 setup in it, so I don't think I would have to buy anything, but I need to know how to get started. Or better yet, who should I ask to do the work for me? A mechanic? How much would they charge? If you guys don't think the swap would be worth it, I would also consider making the OHV V6 more powerful (if that's even possible!) Please someone let me know! It's all about the cost right now, not how long it would take. I really want more power, and I miss my old V8 96 Explorer Limited

 

[Dan Whitaker]

It will cost a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to have a mechanic do it as there is a lot of labor involved. You could probably buy 2 Explorers witht the V8 for what it's going to cost to pay someone to do it.

 

[CamDJClimited]

It will cost a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to have a mechanic do it as there is a lot of labor involved. You could probably buy 2 Explorers witht the V8 for what it's going to cost to pay someone to do it.

Hmmm...what about turboing the V6?

 

[jds3403]

if you can't do it yourself, (isn't that hard just powertrain swap need right tools though lift etc.) then I would sell both of the explorers and buy an explorer with the 5.0, you can pick ine up pretty cheap too. You could turbocharge the ole 4.0, but to do it right, you are looking at if you want to make any real power atleast 8psi netting you about 220 plus at the crank. (5.0 level). that would requirenew 24+ pound injectors, recalibrated MAF, tuner, potential dyno time, turbo kit (rear mount easiest) oil supply kit, piping, etc etc. If done right you're looking at 1500 bucks, but then how many miles on your already worn 4.0 and associated drivetrain? IMO save your money sell the two explorers and buy a 98-01 5.0 or 3rd gen 4.6....
plus the heads on teh 4.0 suck, the intakes aren't to bad but the exhaust ports especially on the 98tm casting were really small with small valves. The heads are so bad that with a revision in the design (OHV to OHC), ford picked up 50 horsepower. 160 to 210, you're lookin at that power with atleast 6 to 7 lbs of boost on the 4.0 ohv. People have done it and I will probably catch flack from other members but save yourself the headache, I have owned many 4.0 ohvs since 2000 cammed 1 of them with ported heads intake and headers with full exhaust, and it was still weak. Plus the valve train is ****, it has a horrible oiling system which allows for excessive wear on the pushrod tips and rocker cups piss on the 4.0 ohv just my 2 cents

 

[CamDJClimited]

Is there ANYONE out here in MA that can help me do the swap?? I'd PAY you.

 

[rhauf]

i know, i know.. everybody thinks v8 means it's all super powerful and stuff... but honestly have you looked at the horsepower numbers? the v8's only make 210 horsepower. so it's still going to be slow, it's just going to consume more fuel in the process.

its a heavy vehicle what do you expect. if you REALLY want a v8 one, you'd be much, much better off (financially) to simply sell you're v6 explorer and buy a v8 one.. hell, for that matter, you'd save money even if you gave away you're v6 explorer for free, and baught a v8 one.. my point being, is that it will cost a lot more to have somebody convert a v6 explorer to a v8 one. it's not a simple swap. it requires all the electronics, wiring, transmission, engine, etc to be swapped over. thats a huge pain in the ass.

 

[2000StreetRod]

sell then buy

I'm planning to swap my SOHC V6/5R55E with a 5.0L V8/4R70W but only because I can't buy a Sport with the V8. The swap will take a lot of time and there are numerous small issues to resolve. It would be much less expensive (especially if you have to pay a mechanic) and time consuming for you to sell your current vehicle and buy another with the V8. I suggest you look for a 98 or later model. It will have significant upgrades to the 4R70W. You can get a 2WD for $2,500 to $3,000 if you're patient.

 

[CamDJClimited]

Just bought a beautiful 96 Limited V8