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Engine swap list

riceplant

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November 30, 2023
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City, State
Gastonia, nc
Year, Model & Trim Level
1990 volvo 740 gl
Hey all. Im trying to 302 swap my volvo 740.
Im just trying to get a rough idea of the parts id need because ive seen conflicting answers.
I can get a gt40 headed 302 from a 96 explorer at a junkyard for cheap. So im just wondering what wiring harness would be recommended?
Foxbody harness, or the explorer harness. Also ill be using a t5 transmission, so would i be able to use the automatic ecu from the explorer withiut issue or would i have to get it flashed or whatever.
Mainly just confused about the wiring part. Ive seen people say use manual ecus, or autos are fine, and to use the mustang harness and whatever. I just want some clarity. Appreciate it
 



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Explorer harness
It is obd2 and works with that 96 explorer engine
You will need a 96-97 harness there were changes in 98-01 including pats security
The explorer has no distributor instead it has coil packs and a cam synchronizer
You will have to get the pcm flashed to remove the auto trans functions because all 5.0 explorers were automatics and the pcm controls the engine and trans.
I am currently driving a 03 sport trax with a 5.0 and m5od-r2 5 speed manual. I used a “huge”
Clutch meant for a 2004 f150 with a 4.2l, the clutch is like 11.5” driven disc vs the 10” the mustangs and older f150’used

My sport trac also uses a 96 computer

I have been doing 5.0 conversions since 2005 and drivetrain seaps since the 90’s

If you need any more questions answered just ask! Welcome to ef! That will be a nice setup when done
 






Also you might hunt the other examples of Volvo's with 302's in them. I know of one that had a 302, and is now a late model LS, he documented his LS swap extremely well. I bet his 302 swap and others are out there to check out for other details like the radiator, engine mounts etc. I think he had a thread in some other forum, I know him(Michael) from the Corral, he had a post I found with 82 Volvo 242 w/5.0L "FJORD" in his old signature.
 






Okay sounds great. Hell of a lot cheaper than the mustang route lol. Where would i get it flashed? I have a ford tuner near me but idk if theyll do it. Is there a user that specifically specializes in it, or is it as simple as taking it to a tuner
Explorer harness
It is obd2 and works with that 96 explorer engine
You will need a 96-97 harness there were changes in 98-01 including pats security
The explorer has no distributor instead it has coil packs and a cam synchronizer
You will have to get the pcm flashed to remove the auto trans functions because all 5.0 explorers were automatics and the pcm controls the engine and trans.
I am currently driving a 03 sport trax with a 5.0 and m5od-r2 5 speed manual. I used a “huge”
Clutch meant for a 2004 f150 with a 4.2l, the clutch is like 11.5” driven disc vs the 10” the mustangs and older f150’used

My sport trac also uses a 96 computer

I have been doing 5.0 conversions since 2005 and drivetrain seaps since the 90’s

If you need any more questions answered just ask! Welcome to ef! That will be a nice setup when done
 






Also you might hunt the other examples of Volvo's with 302's in them. I know of one that had a 302, and is now a late model LS, he documented his LS swap extremely well. I bet his 302 swap and others are out there to check out for other details like the radiator, engine mounts etc. I think he had a thread in some other forum, I know him(Michael) from the Corral, he had a post I found with 82 Volvo 242 w/5.0L "FJORD" in his old signature.
Yeah i have his build bookmarked. He used the foxbody engine and harness. His 302 came out really clean though. What motivated me to do it lol
 






Yes, his many details and upgrades made his car excellent. You will be much better off with the Explorer front dress, being very short, plus the PCM is a step better than an EECIV.
 






Thats a relief to hear. Was hoping i wouldnt be downgrading in choices lol.
Yes, his many details and upgrades made his car excellent. You will be much better off with the Explorer front dress, being very short, plus the PCM is a step better than an EECIV
 






The 96-01 gt40 302 is the best if the best, full roller, gt40 intakes, obd2, serpentine front dress w metal power steering pump, 135amp alternator , high volume waterpump and the shortest front dress available on a sbf
Dis ignition and mass air
Returnless fuel from 98-01

Last of the pushrods 1969-2001 was the best of them all
 






Explorer harness
It is obd2 and works with that 96 explorer engine
You will need a 96-97 harness there were changes in 98-01 including pats security
The explorer has no distributor instead it has coil packs and a cam synchronizer
You will have to get the pcm flashed to remove the auto trans functions because all 5.0 explorers were automatics and the pcm controls the engine and trans.
I am currently driving a 03 sport trax with a 5.0 and m5od-r2 5 speed manual. I used a “huge”
Clutch meant for a 2004 f150 with a 4.2l, the clutch is like 11.5” driven disc vs the 10” the mustangs and older f150’used

My sport trac also uses a 96 computer

I have been doing 5.0 conversions since 2005 and drivetrain seaps since the 90’s

If you need any more questions answered just ask! Welcome to ef! That will be a nice setup when done
Hey question about the pats system. Would i be good to use an engine and ecu from a 99? Ive found a couple good deals on fb for some stuff so just curious if i should be strict on 96/97
 






99 will work fine just need to flash the pcm to remove the pats or actually install the pats system into the Volvo

I prefer the 99-01 5.0 actually it has returnless fuel rail, better exhaust manifolds and the 4r70w trans has all the upgrades after 98
 






Looking at it, reflashing is expensive lol. Would i be able to use a 96/97 pcm with a 97+ engine setup to avoid rhe pats issue entirely
 












That would get more expensive.

I'd prefer to have the whole donor vehicle with 2 keys if 98 up is used.
Trying to avoid buying a whole car. So basically just keep everything 96/97 to simplify everytbing?
 






Or, get all from 98 up donor. This way you can hear engine run before pulling all the stuff.

You'll easily get 400.00 for the remaining shell.

I don't care for 97 down egr. Just me. The added hassle of donor truck would not be the deal breaker, in fact I bet you'll pull more out of a good one and be glad you had it.
 






Im going to be rebuilding the engine si whether it runs or not doesnt matter as long as the engine isnt cracked or smth. But i could make excuses to not get an entire donor car all day. All jt boils down to is i dont want to deal with parting it out and having it sit in my yard for weeks before it's all sold. Let alone getting a probably non operable car home.
Ill just keep my searching to 96/97
 






Yeah, my wife would make life hell if I did that.

Understood.
I believe with 2 working keys, and paid subscription to forscan, pats can be turned off . Check this out before taking my word.
. This you would do inside cab of pcm donor, it'll need a battery of course, then remove pcm. You might need to retain vin number of vehicle pcm was taken from.
 






The egr is the big dealio here

Using a 96/97 pcm it is expecting the older style egr
Running the 99-01
Engine with a 96 pcm gets tricky only because of the egr. I can defeat every other sensor. So a tune is needed or run the 96/97 intakes and egr on the 99 engine

There is a lot to know here. I could pull this off easily, just another conversion for me. But there is a lot to know, the 96-97 uses 3 wire cam sensor, 98-01 2 wire. The transmission range sensor went from analog to digital signals, you have to use the appropriate dtrs for your pcm. The solenoid wiring to the trans changed in 98, wiring at the trans changes to make. Wires move at the c115 42 pin connector and at the pcm 96 to 98. Wiring and plumbing changes are a part of conversions. My best advice to people is to always get the entire donor

The 98-01
Pats components can also be transferred to any vehicle if you know what you are doing… the starter and relays can still be controlled by the vehicles factory ignition switch while the existing stock pats system can be tucked up under the dash… removing the key pats would disable the vehicle.

As pointed out it maybe possible to disable the pats with simple app and Bluetooth dongle these days, our 25 year old pcms have been hacked! Lol thank goodness
 






The 1998 cam sensor is three wire, that changed for 1999-01. The 1996-98 uses the three wire sensor, the 199-2001 is the later style two wire sensor, which is the one that OEM's and aftermarket EFI systems use. That one is now super scarce and expensive, thanks Ford.
 






The Holley efi system likes the 3 wire just fyi
 



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