mcsteven
Active Member
- Joined
- June 19, 2011
- Messages
- 79
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- Oakland, CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '96 XLT 4DR 4X4 4.0L
OK,
I might be taking a small bit of my retirement plan to pay for this, but need to get the truck fixed and want to do a few things.
I've got:
1996 Ex XLT 4 dr, 4.0 L, Auto, 4x4.
I've got a few problems, and one might be either a valve issue or could be as simple as a bad coil pack. There are others as well. So, I'm considering an engine swap. I want the power and reliability of the 5.0, as well as the easy customization. I am also looking at buying another vehicle and selling my current one. Again, want a V8 (5.0 or if newer 4.6). Want the 4x4 and 4 doors (so with the V8 that rules out the Sport and Sport Trac).
Is there a better year for a V8 motor if I do a swap? I know that I'd rather have a donor Ex or Mounty since I'd have all the extra parts including an application specific transmission (wiring harness, larger motor mounts, maybe even the exhaust). And of course there would be the availability of some extra parts, then parting out the donor vehicle.
If I go with a different vehicle, does anyone have suggestions on a year for a different vehicle? Best year with a V8 (probably looking at 2nd gen, possibly 3rd)? I know the 3rd gen V8 had about 240 horses vs the 210/205 for the 2nd gen V8/SOHC V6
Lastly, if I do an engine swap, is there a qualified shop anyone can recommend in the Oakland, California bay area? I've got the Yellow Pages, etc but would rather do business with a recommended company or someone who participates here.
Thanks,
MCS
I might be taking a small bit of my retirement plan to pay for this, but need to get the truck fixed and want to do a few things.
I've got:
1996 Ex XLT 4 dr, 4.0 L, Auto, 4x4.
I've got a few problems, and one might be either a valve issue or could be as simple as a bad coil pack. There are others as well. So, I'm considering an engine swap. I want the power and reliability of the 5.0, as well as the easy customization. I am also looking at buying another vehicle and selling my current one. Again, want a V8 (5.0 or if newer 4.6). Want the 4x4 and 4 doors (so with the V8 that rules out the Sport and Sport Trac).
Is there a better year for a V8 motor if I do a swap? I know that I'd rather have a donor Ex or Mounty since I'd have all the extra parts including an application specific transmission (wiring harness, larger motor mounts, maybe even the exhaust). And of course there would be the availability of some extra parts, then parting out the donor vehicle.
If I go with a different vehicle, does anyone have suggestions on a year for a different vehicle? Best year with a V8 (probably looking at 2nd gen, possibly 3rd)? I know the 3rd gen V8 had about 240 horses vs the 210/205 for the 2nd gen V8/SOHC V6
Lastly, if I do an engine swap, is there a qualified shop anyone can recommend in the Oakland, California bay area? I've got the Yellow Pages, etc but would rather do business with a recommended company or someone who participates here.
Thanks,
MCS