Engine Exchange

[Jerry Sanders]

I have a 91 unmodified Explorer with 150,000 miles. Although the engine cranks and runs o.k., I'm sure it doesn't have the power it did when it was new (I sometimes pull a 19' boat). I'm thinking about putting a rebuilt engine in it. I'd like to put either a sohc 6 cylinder
or a 302 V-8 in it. The local shop that does the remanufactored engines (3 year, unlimited mileage warranty) says I should only put in the same V-6 that came out of it (160 hp). He says that the other two engines would cost too much because of the different changeovers and adaptions he would have to make.

Is this true or do you think he's just taking the easy way out? What options do I have with engines? How much extra work is involved in putting in either of the two engines above?

Thanks for your help.

Jerry Sanders

 

[FMExplorer]

Jerry,
1st - welcome to the site! I can assure you the answer you are looking for is already in here. GoFast swapped his OHV 4.0 for a 5.0. However - you need to switch the computer and tranny when doing it. The swap can be done, but you need to ask yourself what your goals are to answer how much you are willing to spend on the swap. One word of warning - THIS IS ADDICTING!!!! I was thinking a swap, then I figured I would build a new 4.0 with a supercharger, then back to the V8 - I have no clue how my truck will end up. Go to the conversions forum to read more about the engine and tranny swaps...

Jon

 

[SteveVB]

Hes right

Jerry,

youir engine man is correct. The SOHC v-6 would take a lot of work, electronics, trans control, - to the point of making it cheaper to sell and purchase a new or used explorer with the engine you want. Do check the threads under swaps for the v-8 info. My take is that it is a ton of work and money, and the only reason I could see doing it is if you had a truck that you have already done some mods that you are happy with and plan to continue.

If you want a v-8, an are close to strock now, selling what you have, and purchasing a new, or use vehicle with the v-8 would probably be cheaper.

JMO take them for what theyre worth!

Good luck.