98 5.0 into a, um, focus ;) (Need some questions answered and some help)

[mikebontoft]

Hi all, I figured this would be the best place to ask anyway.

I've been gaining some info on small block fords in general, and now I'm starting to look at parts before I start.

What I pretty much have to do:

-get the 98 engine from the junkyard

-pull it apart to check out condition

-rebuild

-install in car

(and do an S/C later lol)

What I've realized (and expected) is that when I look for internal/misc. engine parts for the Explorer 5.0, they're all stock replacements.

What I've been wondering now, is what other mustang engines can I basically fudge and say my Explorer engine is? IIRC I thought that 94 and newer 5.0 mustangs were somewhat similar to that of the Explorers. (not exact, but in general) and everything 85 and up was pretty much the same other than PCM/MAF variances.

SO basically I'm wondering where I can find things like a different valve train, forged pistons, and possibly a different cam, that will work in the Exp. engine, and maybe for the future, if a supercharger made for the 94 5.0 mustang with A/C and GT40 heads/IM would work.
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OK that was one section, now I just realized WTF is the EEC V system anyway? I just read a few minutes ago that it was pretty workable to run the engine anywhere .

With that in mind, Am I likely to run into any issues running two PCMs, one to control just the engine and emissions, and one for the rest of the focus' normal non-drivetrain functions?

I have major issues I think though. This has to pass Emissions and Inspections, and as a SOHC Focus . I'm guessing if they hooked up their machine to my ECU and ran the readiness test, it may pass that, but if they did anything else I may fail as it would read up as a 98 explorer?

Anyway, thanks for any and all help!

(If you refuse to help me..... well, if it means anything, my parents had both a purple and a green Explorer back in 98. LOL. )

 

[techieman33]

What year focus is this going in? Are you using the explorer transmission? For drive train parts any ford 302 parts will be compatible. A mustang supercharger will not work, the explorer uses a different front dress. There aren't really any superchargers available for these motors anymore, so most people go to a remote turbo setup.

EECV is obd-2. In most places swap are legal if the engine is out of the same year or newer vehicle. And as far as the electronics go, I don't really know a whole lot about how that would work. One thing that you will need though is an aftermarket computer tune to disable the pats system, and transmission functions if you go with another transmission.

 

[mikebontoft]

OK I suppose I did only put half the story in....

I'm working on finding a correct T-5 transmission that will be running to a 90's cougar IRS with CV axles out the rear, considering the Focus is FWD right now. There is a possibility that if this wrecked mustang at the junk yard is a manual, I'll pull the transmission out of that too if it is indeed a 6 bolt bellhousing pattern.

it's a 2002 Focus sedan..... so as I knew, If THEY knew I wouldn't be able to pass.

sucks about the supercharger, but a turbo works for me and would probably cheaper anyway. LOL.

I take it the engine and PATS kinda go hand in hand? What good would it do if it didn't immobilize the engine. LOL. Screw pats though, I'll just get an alarm system

 

[techieman33]

Yeah the pats is built into the ecm and gem (which need to match btw) and the engine won't do anything until pats is happy (right code from the chip) disabling pats will give you a lot more options, won't have to have a matching gem, won't need the explorer lock mechanism, etc.

 

[mikebontoft]

OK didn't even know anything about the GEM till now, I'm assuming my car currently has one then since it's non-engine.

NOW I'm wondering something else.... anyone know what post 02 fords have a 302 in them? I bet I can say it was a crate engine (or engine from that vehicle) and use the ECM for that so it can be scanned and "verified"

OR I could just register down in St. George but I don't know HOW I'd do that. I DO want to live down there though. LOL.

 

[techieman33]

Nothing was built with a 302 in 02, the last thing they were in was the explorer and that ended in 01. Another option is a 4.6 swap someone makes a kit for it.

 

[mikebontoft]

yeah that's true, it's what I was looking at first..... I have better access to the 302s though.

I saw something of an 05 mustang the other day with the Boss 302 emblem. Just a name now?

 

[techieman33]

yeah that's true, it's what I was looking at first..... I have better access to the 302s though.

I saw something of an 05 mustang the other day with the Boss 302 emblem. Just a name now?

yeah, there was a boss mustang, but it didn't have a 302. There is a new 302 but it won't be out until 2011, and isn't anything like the old one.

 

[mikebontoft]

damn...... and after 01 they pretty much stopped all non-modular engines, huh?

I wonder if I could still get it to pass if I find an explorer 5.0 dated november of 01? hmm I dunno if those exist; they'd be technically 02s which was what I was trying to trick the device into thinking anyway....

how do those other guys with crate engines manage to do it, no emissions in their area I assume?

 

[mikebontoft]

OOH..... I had a good idea (sorry for stacking posts....I don't usually like to do that)

What if I were to hook all sensor wiring and whatnot up to the explorer ecu to have a proper running engine, and just patch/splice my current harness wiring for emissions to the explorer's wiring harness that controls emissions, and anything NON engine controlled will still be seen by my stock ecu....

I suppose in theory, what I'm trying to say is trick the emissions station's pc into thinking what it's reading is still my Focus' VIN/make/year/model etc..... but the actual engine is being run by a "hidden" ecu from the explorer? I know all they do is plug it in and if all systems pass, I get my emissions certificate with a check mark indicating I've passed.... they didn't have the hood open last time. I know a few places jump right under the car to check for a cat..... I wouldn't have an issue with that, I'd have one or two or three or four on it. LOL.

 

[410Fortune]

98-2001 Explorer 5.0L's are identical as far as emissions are concerned...not sure about Utah but a referee should not have a problem with a 98 engine in a 01 car IMO

 

[mikebontoft]

hmm too bad mine's an 02, even though 00-04 models were the same.

SO if you guys wouldn't mind helping me still, this is what I pulled from the UT DMV page about rebuilt vehicles.... can anyone make any sense of this (better than I can) because I think if I do this can't my car just be special and pass emissions as a 98 explorer?

Reconstructed Vehicles

A "reconstructed vehicle" is a vehicle that is required to be registered in Utah, and has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition or substitution of essential parts, new or used.

The make and year of the vehicle are determined by what the vehicle looks like after reconstruction.

Example: A 1998 Ford pickup body is mounted onto a 1997 Ford pickup frame the vehicle will be a 1998 Ford. The model is reconstructed.

To title and register a reconstructed vehicle the owner must:

* Complete a Form TC-569A, "Ownership Statement," explaining how essential parts were acquired, how the vehicle was constructed and the completion date.
* Turn over to the DMV the title(s) to vehicle(s) from which essential parts were used (essential parts include the frame and body). If the title(s) are not available, an "Ownership Statement" must be provided, stating in detail why title(s) cannot be surrendered.
* Turn over to the DMV the original bills of sale and original receipts for parts used in construction of the vehicle. The owner may retain copies of the receipts for his or her records.
* Complete a Form TC-162, "Application for Utah Motor Vehicle Identification Number" and a Form TC-656 "Application For Utah Title".
* Provide the DMV with a picture of the vehicle or bring the vehicle to a motor vehicle office for a visual inspection.
* Obtain a safety inspection and emissions inspection, if applicable. Vehicles with 1967 or older engines do not require an emissions test. In counties that require emissions testing, the owner must obtain a waiver from the local county emission office.

If all requirements are met, the vehicle owner will receive a Utah Official ID number for the vehicle. The owner will be instructed as to how to affix the assigned ID number to the reconstructed vehicle. After installation, the VIN must be inspected by a police officer, a DMV-CSR or certified safety inspector. This may require more than one visit.

In addition to the above procedures, all other title and registration requirements must be met, including payment of fees and sales tax. Sales tax is due on the amount paid for all parts, except for parts on which sales tax has already been paid.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I would start with this site:

http://www.ford-v8-focus.com/

Jim can help ya out.

If anyone wants to know why, the reasoning starts at 22 seconds in this video.

 

[mikebontoft]

^^ although that's a 351, it's about the same lol.

OH but for anyone else......that car's gone a long LONG way. It's now bored out to a 408 []

 

[mikebontoft]

Ok I'll deal with making it legal when it's done....

I've been thinking about a 331 stroker now. This should still be totally possible in an explored engine right?