'97 Explorer 5.0 in a '67 Ranchero !

[stilbo]

Okay.... Four Explorers since 1991 and all 4.0's. I've built a few 390, 351C, 429 and 460 Fords but for some reason I've never been into small block W's. Maybe cheap gas? Anyway... bought a fairly clean '67 Ranchero because I can't afford another S code '67 Fairlane GTA. $1200 in 1972 V.S. $28,000 today so the Ranchero will be resto-modded into a Ranchero GTA. It has a cobbled together 5.0 kinda like a Frankenmotor. 1998 Explorer 5.0 (I was told) with roller valve train, a cast iron 2bbl intake with an old Autolite 2bbl, Explorer upturned exhaust headers (these look really wierd in there) an electric fuel pump, a 289 point distributor and a 289 crank (the seller said he did that so he could run the 67 accessories but this thing only has an altenator!). It actually runs (kinda ratty though) and I even risked a big towing bill by flying down to Louisville and driving the old girl 341 miles north to my shop and amazingly enough, she made the trip. Exhaust leak, won't idle without stalling.

I have an opportunity to buy a '97 Explorer 5.0 with 67,000 miles on it for $300.00 and it runs perfect with 46 psi oil pressure, no rattles etc. I'd hope to only install new seals, gaskets, valve covers, pan, intake manifold, carb and point type distributor with solid state module and that's about it...

I've thought about going to a few Mod-Rod sites to check out stuffing late model Ford small blocks (5.0, 4.6, 5.4) into antiques but I've been coming here for years and the help and insight and even humor can't be touched by these other sites. Besides... these numnutz expect you to stuff a cheapo BowTie motor into everything... so....

I've thought of trying to stuff all the high tech factory stuff like injection, sensors, computer etc. into the '67 but if I were to go that far I'd probably find a Lincoln 4.6 dual cammer Cobra motor so...

Questions:

1. Anyone out there have experience using an Explorer 5.0 in it's simplest application, i.e., carb & distributor set up? Does the late model 5.0 take to this well? Can I find a pulley kit or simple serpentine kit?

2. If the above question is feasible, what kind of mild mods might be a good idea?

3. Does blue paint work okay on a '97 5.0?

4. Am I crazy?

Thanks!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

The Explorer front dress is completely different from any other Windsor. The Explorers also use a 50 oz balance harmonic balancer & fly wheel as opposed to 28.2 oz.

You would be much better off using a 5.0 from a Mustang.