best way to build a 5.0 for my 95 Ex

[ProjectAviator]

I am looking to rebuild my 89 Crown Vic motor and put it in my 95 Explorer. What would be the best to do to it. Stock rebuild(to a HO) or modified ( for torque) My 95 is my off roader so I am really thinking maybe performance with torque.
Thoughts /ideas

Thanks

Tim

 

[fordX302]

one word for you. STROKER. seriously though. there are plenty of ways to build up a motor, all depends in what your looking to do with it? u wanna be a rock crawler? speed demon? plenty of parts.... just look around the internet. google some parts you will do fine.

 

[IZwack]

I think you got the right idea - definitely a stroker for off road use. You'll be able to run a wider range of tire sizes without having to necessarily regear.

 

[Turdle]

In this case bigger is better.
You will face several other issues also, be prepared.

 

[410Fortune]

Man I hate to break this to you but putting a old 5.0L into your 95 is going to cost more and give you more issues then it would if you were to use a 96+ explorer 5.0L drivetrain as your donor.

You can still use the old 5.0L block if you wish, but you are going to need the oil pan, engine mounts, exhaust manifolds, serpentine front dress, cooling, heater box, etc etc from a Gen II Explorer to make the 5.0L fit anyways, you mine as well get the GT-40 roller 5.0L and 4r70w trans from a 96+ Explorer and get everything you need right from the start.
This will save you $$$$, time, AND you get a superior pushrod 5.0L and trans over your crown vic setup. These trucks at auction go for $1500-3000 depending on the damage/miles.

Just my 02

 

[Turdle]

Man I hate to break this to you but putting a old 5.0L into your 95 is going to cost more and give you more issues then it would if you were to use a 96+ explorer 5.0L drivetrain as your donor.

You can still use the old 5.0L block if you wish, but you are going to need the oil pan, engine mounts, exhaust manifolds, serpentine front dress, cooling, heater box, etc etc from a Gen II Explorer to make the 5.0L fit anyways, you mine as well get the GT-40 roller 5.0L and 4r70w trans from a 96+ Explorer and get everything you need right from the start.
This will save you $$$$, time, AND you get a superior pushrod 5.0L and trans over your crown vic setup. These trucks at auction go for $1500-3000 depending on the damage/miles.

Just my 02

Also the electrics, and sensors, plus the transmission-transfer case will nedd to be v-8 explorer, and you'll need a pcm
so, it sound like all you'll use is the block, and have to locate everything else
around it

 

[410Fortune]

GEm module, OBD-2 connector, OBD-2 Evap system and fuel tank sensor, etc....his 95 is ready to accept all the parts to make a 96-01 5.0L conversion a bolt in affair, I have seen this conversion done in a WEEKEND.
I didnt want to go into too many details, just get him pointed in the right direction.

 

[Turdle]

I agree, I was just trying to reinterate the fact a donor vehicle is really the only logical way to swap a v-8 into a 2nd gen explorer.
You can't just expect any old 302 to work.
I almost think it would be easier to find a straight v-8 driveline, on a frame, and swap bodies lol

oh yeah, will the 95 fuel tank and system even work with the obdII thwt will be needed for the v-8

 

[Glacier991]

And I have the 4R70W for his project !

 

[410Fortune]

I believe the 95 style HVAC system is identical to the 96+ OBD-II system, with the charoal canister above the spare tire and the purge solenoid mounted up under the battery tray
the 95 will also have the OD button and would be a really easy conversion for a 96-97.5 5.0L donor. I am not sure the 95 will have the fual tank sensor, but if you get the whole donor at auction then you can swap gas tanks....like you said almost easier to swap bodies

 

[tnmk]

as for how to build it i would first take a look at some specs of available crate engines and then follow suit. The manufacturers of the crate motors have done their homework and really know what they are doing.
You also might try looking to "trucks" on Spike network. There may be some good info there. (I haven't looked at the site so I'm not sure)

 

[ProjectAviator]

The heater box is differant between the v6 and V8 explorers. My 96 seems the same as my 95.

Seems like it would be cheaper to rebuild my V6 for performance. then drop in a C4

Tim