Fixing engine soon... V6 4.0 SOHC or V8 302 swap?

[Marcelo RT]

Hi, this is my first thread, hope someone answers. I have a Ford Explorer Sport 1999 rwd (2 door) with the 4.0 sohc engine bone stock. It´s my daily driver and I use it to go to work and my university, also I take my girlfriend home everyday. Every week I ride about 800-900 kilometers (about 500-550miles) weekly and about two months ago my transmition started failing along my engine and radiator. Truck is full of leaks and everything will be replaced soon. Engine and tranny are getting a full makeover and will be rebuilt from scratch. The thing is that I really want the V8 so I investigated a little and found out that my 5R55E has the same bolt pattern for either V6 or V8 (correct me if I'm wrong please) and also same engine mounts for the V8 and V6.
My question here is do I need to buy something other than the engine computer and wiring harness to make the swap work? Maybe torque converter or something else that I'm missing? Do someone has a list of requirements to make the swap work or is it really a bolt on swap?
Also I was curious about MPG. If the difference is barely noticeable between the two engines I'm willing to do it but if it hurts my pocket considerably more then no, because I don't have a lot of money to spend weekly on gas. If someone has info about this toppic that could help me I would really apreciate it because I'm gonna be doing it in about two weeks.
Thanks in advance

 

[tinman_72]

I investigated a little and found out that my 5R55E has the same bolt pattern for either V6 or V8 (correct me if I'm wrong please)

4.0 V6 does not, in fact, have the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 5.0 Windsor V8. Your best bet would be to buy a complete running Explorer with V8 to do the swap with engine, trans, wiring and all.

 

[C420sailor]

V8 swap is extensive, especially on a Sport

Rebuilding the trans and engine is the fastest way to getting roadworthy. Make sure you use OEM timing components ONLY with the exception of aftermarket *mechanical* tensioners. They are a game changer on these engines.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

if you are pulling everything out, and want to do a v8 swap, now is the time. to make it a lot easier, i would find a running donor that is the same year however.

How to: - So you want to convert to a 5.0? 5L swap for dummies

so years after doing my 5L swap in my sport (which you could NOT get a v8 in, no matter how hard you cried) i still see this question pop up lots. so lets look at a few things before diving in, and rip everything apart and haft way threw it you wounder why you did this to yourself. the main...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[allmyEXes]

I bet there are 5.0 Explorers sitting all around Guadalajara.

 

[Turdle]

First question.
How long can you do without your current transportation?


Thought
V8 swap will require you to tow another vehicle to your site. Parts won't come to you.

 

[Marcelo RT]

4.0 V6 does not, in fact, have the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 5.0 Windsor V8. Your best bet would be to buy a complete running Explorer with V8 to do the swap with engine, trans, wiring and all.

Damn, I really thought they did. Going to look for the complete package then, thanks

 

[Marcelo RT]

V8 swap is extensive, especially on a Sport

Rebuilding the trans and engine is the fastest way to getting roadworthy. Make sure you use OEM timing components ONLY with the exception of aftermarket *mechanical* tensioners. They are a game changer on these engines.

I’m going to use aftermarket to almost everything. Even ARP bolts for the heads and I think conrods and maybe exhaust cause I really like flooring it haha. Thanks

 

[Marcelo RT]

if you are pulling everything out, and want to do a v8 swap, now is the time. to make it a lot easier, i would find a running donor that is the same year however.

How to: - So you want to convert to a 5.0? 5L swap for dummies

so years after doing my 5L swap in my sport (which you could NOT get a v8 in, no matter how hard you cried) i still see this question pop up lots. so lets look at a few things before diving in, and rip everything apart and haft way threw it you wounder why you did this to yourself. the main...

www.explorerforum.com

Thanks for the link! Will investigate if it’s worth all the trouble but man I really love my truck and really want to put the V8 in it. Hope there is a 99 V8 sitting around somewhere wrecked for me to buy around my city

 

[Marcelo RT]

I bet there are 5.0 Explorers sitting all around Guadalajara.

I work at a mechanic shop and they have all the tools and contacts to look for one, but they in fact do not recommend me to try the swap. If I find a complete wrecked one I’ll try it nevertheless

 

[Marcelo RT]

First question.
How long can you do without your current transportation?


Thought
V8 swap will require you to tow another vehicle to your site. Parts won't come to you.

Maybe about a month and a half. I’m on vacation from school and I’ll work daily like 1-3 hours on my truck after I finish my job on other cars. And also in my work my boss has a 91 Chevy Silverado in which we bring all the engines-gearboxes to the workshop so transportation won’t be a problem. I hope there is enough time to look and find a wrecked V8. I have about a week and then I’ll start tearing apart the truck.

 

[C420sailor]

The stock components are fine. Do not use aftermarket for the cam chain and associated parts, with the exception of manual tensioners…you WILL regret it if you use Cloyes or similar

 

[410Fortune]

V8 swap into 99
Sport I could do in days if you have the entire donor 98-01 5.0 rear wheel drive explorer or
Mountaineer

You can drill a hole and re use the sohc engine mounts

You can swap everything into your sport like it was factory including the pats security key and tumbler pcm and module from behind glove box
The wiring and plumbing will all
Plug directly in

The only real changes are to the change the length of exhaust pipes and the rear driveshaft.. everything else is plug and play

There are a couple of wires to move around for the alternator, and ac, instruments, but nothing major

The big benefit is reliability and longevity
The pushrod 302 and 4r70w are much stronger then the sohc and 5r auto

 

[SparkyGT]

i had thought about the same thing with my 98 4.0 SOHC 4 door, then found a 1997 5.0 Limited. so solved my problem, am still debating on what to do with the 98 with previous thoughts of a 4.0 sport trac swap.