Cobra engine into Explorer swap.

[rattleheadXLT]

I have my 96 Explorer that I would like to beef up as I get my new daily driver soon. I was first thinking on pretty much making it a Lightning Explorer but then I thought "hey...Dodge put a Viper engine into a Ram, so why cant I put a Cobra engine into my Explorer?" How well do you guys think this would turn out? Id like opinions on both ideas, the Lightning Explorer and Cobra Explorer.

oh btw, 4L v6 right now.

If these dont seem worth the $ or trouble ill just stick to changing headers, exhaust and chip for now before i do much more. I'm mostly looking to get this thing into the 99-04 Mustang GT performance range atleast, nothing too speedy.

Another thing, for swapping in the lightning engine + tranny, would there be much fabrication? I am just worried about the position of the motor mounts.

 

[section525]

I'd go Cobra. I pretty much have a Cobra motor in mine right now. Since the 1996's came with a 5.0, it would be much easier bolting the new "Cobra" drivetrain in VS going a total custom 5.4L route.

 

[rattleheadXLT]

For going with the Cobra, would it do much at all to the towing capacity of the engine? I'd assume its more than the stock i have now but as for puting a car engine in a truck, im just curious how the "truck" aspects of it would go up or down. I dont have some big boat or anything im hauling around so its not much a big deal really.

Another thing is the tranny, I'm sure id have to swap it out either way. But any suggestions on the tranny route?

 

[bmxking5]

You can install a new cam in the motor and it will be much more "truck like" (more low end torque). There are several options for auto trannys, but not as much w/ manuals.

 

[CDW6212R]

Start with a complete Explorer 302 engine and tranny, with accessories, wiring, and PCM. Those parts bolt in and plug in. Don't put a high duration(intake valve) cmashaft like the Cobra or FMS lettered cams. They will raise the RPM range, and kill bottom end power. Keep the Explorer intake, it is the equal to any factory 302 intake, including the GT40.

You will also need 302 exhaust parts. The factory headers are the worst ever made, search here for threads about headers. Good luck,

 

[MalcolmV8]

I agree with CDW get a complete donor Explorer V8. It's a great platform. If however you are dead set on a Cobra motor and willing to do lots of fabrication and spend lots and lots of money I highly recommend the 03/04 super charged 400+ hp Cobra motor. They are extremely streetable and well mannered on the road, and with the twin screw blower making full boost from idle they pull like hell through out the rpm range. I think that would be a bigger project though than what you are looking to take on. Find an explorer donor, engine harness computer, sensors etc. Oh and unless they throw in a free transmission don't waste your money, get a rebuilt or new unit.

 

[90ranajo]

You can always go this route:

It runs!!!!!
4.6 Swap - First Test Fit

 

[rattleheadXLT]

So far it sounds like getting the Explorer 302 is the best bang for the buck. Id rather not shell out the major bills for not too much more under the hood, not really worth it. I am going to keep a look out to see if i can find a donor V8 to mooch off of. Thanks for all the input guys!

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/56/cat/5

Is this anything similar to what you guys are talking about? Or should i look for an Explorer specific one.

 

[section525]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford...iewItemQQcategoryZ6012QQitemZ4584410403QQrdZ1

 

[Texplorer]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford...iewItemQQcategoryZ6012QQitemZ4584410403QQrdZ1

How the hell is a bent frame and bent leaf springs "minor damage"? Thats a good donor vehicle right there.