Blown tranny, I'm thinking screw the 4.0, install a sick 351 and a C4. Suggestions? | Ford Explorer Forums

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Blown tranny, I'm thinking screw the 4.0, install a sick 351 and a C4. Suggestions?

97xltBlwnTranny

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City, State
Brandon, SU, United Kingdom
Year, Model & Trim Level
1997 XLT
I've been pondering pulling out the 4.0 SOHC and installing a small block for a long time to match with the Harley Davidson two-tone style paint job that is planned. Now that the transmission crapped the bed I have the opportunity to add another project to my list! I don't plan on running fuel injection, probably a Holley DP. Has anyone ever done this sort of swap? Does anyone have any suggestions?

My father has been borrowing the truck/making the payments. He's not willing to pay 1200-1600 to replace the one year only transmission(???, I've been trying to look up this info to no avail.). So it looks like I'm taking over the reigns on this beast.

Any advice is appreciated.
 



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5.0L, 351 can and has been done but its huge for the gen II Ex.
Also I dont think you would use a C4 with the 351, C6 is it?


WHat do you use the truck for?
 






410Fortune said:
5.0L, 351 can and has been done but its huge for the gen II Ex.
Also I dont think you would use a C4 with the 351, C6 is it?


WHat do you use the truck for?


I'm not sure about what tranny can be used, I'm a Mopar guy. You're probably right. A 302 was my first thought but, I wanted to take it up a notch from what was offered from the factory + the concept of a Harley F-150 look alike that has a bigger engine than a Harley F-150.

I actually drive an '88 Camaro everyday. I want to do this just to have an off-the-wall, completely impractical show piece. But then if I had the money, all my cars would be like that.
 






My tranny is on the way out too and I am wondering if anyone ever shoehorned in a 390.I would buy a ford 4x4 with a 390 and pull tranny, motor, transfer case and do a SAS at the same time.
 






Clearance around the A/C stuff with the 351 will be hellishly tight. From what i remember the one guy ive heard of who did a 351swap threw the A/C in the trash. You could use either a C4 or C6. I would personally go with a mildly built C4. You will not be able to use the 351 truck upper intake and still be able to close the hood. You will need one of the various mustang uppers.
 






My suggestions: 1) Get a 5.0L explorer engine and drop in, possibly supercharge. 2) Get a 351W and all of the accessories, trans, and wiring from a 5.0L explorer and "drop" in.

In either case, the 5.0L explorer mounts will bolt right up. The transmission is the 4R70W, which is plenty strong for either and gives O/D. The A/C with a 351W is plenty feasible, just need to make a longer line from pump to evaporator. The oil pan will be the biggest challenge, as the 5.0L explorer pan will not fit the 351W. The wiring should be a straight plug and play as long as you get a 1997 harness/eec. You will have to re-set PATS when finished, due to the new EEC.
 






So are you saying if I get mounts from a 5.0 ex they will fit a 5.0 in a first gen?
 






No, not at all. I was responding to the thread starter. 5.0L explorer mounts will not work in a first gen. The frames are totally different.
 






:( uh....for some reason I thought we were talking about first gen's....sorry. Not trying to hijack the thread :nono:
 






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