96 & up 5.0 engine question

[greg s]

Hi all,

I am building a streetrod using a 87 mustang gt 5.0 engine. Due to space limitations I am trying to get the engine as short as possible and am building custom accesory mounts. My question is regarding the water pump and harmonic balancer used on the Explorer engines. I see that these are even shorter than the normal 94-95 Mustang timing cover/water pump set-up that is generally used. I see that the harmonic balancer looks different and was wondering if anybody knew if the weight was the same as earlier 5.0 balancers and if they would interchange. The timing covers appear to be the same as the 94-95 Mustang as well as the water pump connections, just shorter. Any help or experiance would be great. Thanks, Greg

 

[Turdle]

the 96-01 v8 explorers are DIS--(Mustang 5.0 had a distrubutor)

The crank pulley on the explorer also houses the crank sensor trigger-which is for ignition timing-
The explorer v8 replaces the distributor with a Camshaft position sensor, which in turn controls fuel injector timing-
The crank pulley balance weight should be the same as later model 5.0 mustang engines-

 

[CDW6212R]

I believe that you can use the Explorer front accessories to get the shorter length that you want. They go as a set basically, and since the 94/95 balancer pulley is supposed to be located the same, that would work. You could use the Explorer balancer on a 94/95 Mustang front dress(accessories). The balancers do have the same weight, all HO 302's are 50 oz. I just recently learned that those timing covers are almost the same. The Explorer cover just also has the crank trigger sensor mount.

I'd suggest using the set of front dress parts which best fit your needs. The power steering pumps are different, as the AC is also. I can tell you that the Explorer alternator is better than that of the 94/95 Mustang, some stock units are 140 amps. Good luck,

 

[greg s]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the accesories are to wide for the front of the vehicle, so thats why I am going to build my own brackets. I am probably going to raise them above the valve covers to keep it as narrow as possible.

The explorer water pump looks shorter than the 94-95 Mustang 5.0 pump, thats why I thought I would have to change the balancer as well. It looks like the balancer has the pulley made onto it and I thought thats why I would need to use it in conjuction with the explr water pump.

I am probably going to use an explr alternator because it looks more compact. I have a 97 explr with the 4.0 SOHC engine and the alternator on it looks to be a good choice. Does anyone know what different models / amps there are for what year?

Thanks for the help

 

[CDW6212R]

The high option Explorers should all be 140 amps, in that series. That alternator started in 1996 on V8's and the SOHC, same unit. Find an Eddie Bauer or Limited, or any with full options.

FYI, the crank pulley of both the Explorer and 94/95 Mustang are in the same place, so the water pump should be your choice also. The mounting bolts may be different, but I doubt it. The lat brackets generally no longer attach to the water pump bolts, which is great for servicing.

 

[greg s]

Thanks Don,
I havent physically seen the explorer pump but looked at it online at Rockauto. The explorer pump looks shorter with a bigger fan/pulley mounting flange. I dont know if the fan/pulley is offset differently but it just looks shorter. If all else fails I guess I can order the pumps and see which one would work best.

 

[CDW6212R]

The belt rides in the same place, so if they generally both will fit, get the one which costs less. You will need the water pump pulley etc, so see which used parts you find cheaper first.