Build 4.0 or 5.0 conversion?

[5.0Xover]

I have a question regarding whether it would be cost effective/easier to build up the 4.0 and throw a turbo (or two) on it, or just convert it to a 5.0, of which I have the block and a set of P&P E7's. The block will have to be rebuilt, and I will have to find another intake for it, but that's not really a problem. I would just like to know which would be easier or more cost effective.

Thanks

 

[F14CRAZY]

No turbo kits for the 4.0 exist, as far as most of us know.

The 5.0 would have more possibilities for modifications.

The 4.0 can be supercharged with a kit. BBK no longer makes them but they have to be around, or someone else makes them. Explorer Express is coming out with a 4.0 kit, but for the SOHC only. I guess you're screwed if you have an OHV.

4.0 built up would be much eaiser, because you wouldn't have to mess with electricals, fuel delivery, motor mounts, adapter plates, etc.

 

[Rhett]

If I had a 302 block laying around, and a cam, etc. I would be pretty tempted to build the 5.0 and put it in, but that's just me. But...like F14 said, it would be a lot EASIER and more COST EFFECTIVE to rebuild the 4.0. And you did say easier and more cost effective...

Dropping an EFI 5.0 in will run you at least $3000 and probably a good deal more than that unless you do all or most of the work yourself. And the wiring is tough unless you have a lot of experience. Rebuilding the 4.0 or dropping a Jasper 4.0 in can be done for $1500 or sometimes less if you just need to put in new pushrods, gaskets, etc.

 

[98 XLT 4x4]

I found everything i need to do the 302 swap for $1800.... im still debating it. Id love to the V8. That sound reasonable for Engine, tranny, transfer case, wiring, headers, etc all with 60k?? I might just go ahead and do that.

XLT

 

[Makahveli]

vortech has a supercharger kit for us.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It all depends on your goals. If eventually want a fast high hp truck, with tons of aftermarket support, and you have the ability to do a motor swap the 5.0 is for you. If you are looking for a mild, easier, and probably a little cheaper, then build the 4.0 to the max. Factor in a few of the junk v6 trannies you will likely go through the v8 is probably still in the price range.If you want 4x4, as opposed to AWD, then the v8 will be more work in that area.

 

[5.0Xover]

Well, I'm tempted to swap the 5.0 because I have the block, heads, and valvetrain for it, not to mention the fact that I pretty much know the engine like the back of my hand. Any chance I could use the EFI system from the Stang? I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. And yes, all engine work (and suspension,and drivetrain for that matter) is done by me. And as far as the twin turbo setup is concerned, I could make a kit. I also have a racing tranny, but it's for the stang, so it's not gonna do any good. I don't even know why I mentioned it.

 

[Rhett]

Yeah you can use the EFI system from a stang. The 302 would never know it's not in a Mustang if you used the heads, intake, and wiring from a Stang. Are you going with auto trans or a stick? Maybe you already said earlier..?

 

[tmsoko]

What year is your explorer? That will be the determining factor on how costly and easy a V8 conversion will be. If you are 95+ or better yet 99+, theswap is an absolute piece of cake. Buy a V8 explorer that has been rolled and swap engine/trans/t-case/ driveshaft/ exhaust/ radiator over and plug into your harness. Then tow to Ford to reset PATS system and you are done.

 

[5.0Xover]

it's a 91 XL, pretty much the base model. Manual windows, locks, hubs, 4x4. . . pretty much just somethin that would get me around and allow me to have a lil fun after I lost the stang. As far as the tranny is concerned, it's a stick, and just for ease of installation, it will remain a stick. I will prolly have to get a new tranny and maybe transfer case to handle the power. I'm not sure how stock 4.0 trannies take to that. Still learnin the X.

P.S. Rhett, earlier you mentioned the Jasper 4.0. Is that a built 4.0, pistons, rods, crank, all that stuff? Or is it more a stock style rebuild?

 

[Robb]

I will prolly have to get a new tranny and maybe transfer case to handle the power. I'm not sure how stock 4.0 trannies take to that. Still learnin the X.

The 5.0 won't bolt up, so you would have to replace them anyway.

 

[5.0Xover]

ya makes sense

 

[Rhett]

P.S. Rhett, earlier you mentioned the Jasper 4.0. Is that a built 4.0, pistons, rods, crank, all that stuff? Or is it more a stock style rebuild?

http://www.jasperengines.com/

I'll let someone else answer that question...typically most people have gotten a basic stock engine from them. However, I would imagine they can build to suit; or if not, you could find a shop that would bore it out, port and polish the heads, etc.