Engine Swap

[asp84]

Think about this way.... If your going through all the work to adapt a fullsize tranny, and an engine that was not made for your Explorer, why not just go with a 5.0? None of the engines you are talking about, are popular Explorer conversion engines. ....and would require extensive production of new custom parts. The 5.0 conversion has many companies backing it up.....and Ford even thought it was a good idea too, so they started putting them in Explorers in 1996! The only thing that would be a direct fit and require no modification and custom parts would be a 2.9L V6 from a Pre-1990 Ford Ranger!! (for the engine swap) If you just want to keep it simple, build up your 4.0 and get a Mazda 5spd. Or if you have $5-7K to spend go with the 5.0 H.O. With Automatic Overdrive tranny.

Sorry to bother you... I am just venting my troubles with the A4LD and 4.0 setup. and trying to justify my 5.0 Conversion! Do as you wish....and good LUCK

 

[BislamJoe]

To be honest, the only reason I'm looking at a V6 is just to be different. The 5.0 has been done, and redone, and done again. Yes, it is a very good choice, and yes, it is probably how the Explorer should have been built. Like I said before though - I'm only toying with the idea of a V6 right now. I want to find out exactly how much it would cost to do a built 6 before I just settle on a 5.0. But it's still just toying. Another thought - there was a thread a while back about swapping in a 4.9L I6, and the general consensus was that it's just too long. I think I might take a look at my friend's '87 F250 with the 4.9 and take some measurements though. Does anyone know if the 4.9 will bolt to the AOD? :smoke:

 

[blackdiamond]

yes it does

the 4.9 has small block v8 bell housing, but it would be a awlfully tight fit, it is a long block. good luck. Don

 

[BislamJoe]

Thanks for verifying, I thought it did, just wanted to be sure. I know it's a really long engine, that's why I'm going to measure one and see exactly how tight it will be... A 4.9 would be really cool. :smoke:

 

[BislamJoe]

4.9! 4.9! 4.9! 4.9!

Sorry, just bumping this back up, I'd like to get some info as fast as I can. Does anyone have any measurements on the 4.9 vs. the 5.0? I'm sure someone knows... I haven't had time to measure yet. :smoke: