I'm getting $3k. What to do to my engine?

[Synyster 1337]

I have a 97 stock Explorer XLT, and I was wondering what I could to to not only expand the life of my beloved vehicle, but, if possible, up the power as well?

I was thinking about dropping a new motor in, maybe soup it up a bit.

What do you guys think?

 

[Turdle]

mmmm, soup and v8

 

[Synyster 1337]

Maybe a v8 with a chip controller and full flowmaster series 40 exhaust...

 

[jonlax]

unless you already have a V8 thats going to run you alot over the 3k your getting.

 

[BrianDye]

How about a big diesel V8 engine from an F350, those haul ass, so imagine that in a little explorer LOL that would be amazing!

 

[Synyster 1337]

unless you already have a V8 thats going to run you alot over the 3k your getting.

Well, I don't. What are your suggestions? I just want it to be a little more powerful and live for a good bit longer.

 

[jonlax]

Do your regular maintenance. Plugs/wires filters all around and fluids change. Its a 97 i see so you will awaken it a little bit with just a tune up. Then you can go into preventive maintenance so ball joints and any grease joint. After that to get some more pep to your step throw an exhaust (flowmaster or gibson) with nothing over 2 1/2 inch piping. I would also add an intake of some sort (mac, k&n or you can build your own). I would first worry about getting all of your maintenance done so you have something that will last you.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Which engine?

If you have the SOHC V6 from a maintenance standpoint I suggest that you:

1. Replace the upper and lower chain guides and tensioners

2. Add an engine preoiler and remote oil filter

3. Replace the upper and lower intake gaskets

4. Add an ATF remote oil filter

5. Replace the fuel filter

 

[Synyster 1337]

Do your regular maintenance. Plugs/wires filters all around and fluids change. Its a 97 i see so you will awaken it a little bit with just a tune up. Then you can go into preventive maintenance so ball joints and any grease joint. After that to get some more pep to your step throw an exhaust (flowmaster or gibson) with nothing over 2 1/2 inch piping. I would also add an intake of some sort (mac, k&n or you can build your own). I would first worry about getting all of your maintenance done so you have something that will last you.

Does this regular maintenance (and what was suggested right after you wrote) run under $3000 on average?

I don't really want to have a powerhouse under my hood, just something that's nice and fun to drive, which doesn't take much because I drive the manual trans. I love stick-shifts.

 

[lander]

Doing the maintenance will cost you a couple hundred bucks, tops. Put the rest into a savings account.

 

[97xlt4.0]

Yeah, I'll second that one!!! I'm getting some $$ pretty quick too, gonna sink some into preventive maintenance on the Explorer, and save the rest.

 

[Synyster 1337]

Well, I figure the rest could go to fixing my rear left rocker panel, a new paint job, and some wheels. That'll do. I've already got a pretty decent audio system in there.

 

[Elessar65]

How about a big diesel V8 engine from an F350, those haul ass, so imagine that in a little explorer LOL that would be amazing!

That engine is WAY too big for an explorer, lol. A Powerstroke and transmission would fill the engine compartment, stick out the sides, and fill up the front seats as well. Not to mention it weighs so much that the suspension would be bottomed out just sitting still. They have to pull the body off to get the engine out of those trucks, lol.

That being said, it would be cool, albeit nearly impossible. Have to chop the frame of the 350, quarter the X body and stretch and widen it, then put it on the 350 chassis.

 

[Synyster 1337]

If you have the SOHC V6 from a maintenance standpoint I suggest that you:

1. Replace the upper and lower chain guides and tensioners

2. Add an engine preoiler and remote oil filter

3. Replace the upper and lower intake gaskets

4. Add an ATF remote oil filter

5. Replace the fuel filter

Preventative maintenance and this would run approximately?

 

[Todd82TA]

In this economy, the smartest thing to do would be to save every bit of that $3,000 you can. BUT... if your truck needs maintenance, then I say take care of it.

Change the fluids, belt, coolant, etc...

Hold onto that $3,000 in a money market so the loss by inflation isn't as bad. Man... sure sounds like crazy talk coming from me.. a guy who once had 9 cars (2 that didn't run), spending almost all of his paycheck on car parts.

It's amazing what a little recession will do, the birth of your child, and remembering Great Depression stories from your grandfather!

 

[aldive]

If you are V6, consider going with an underdrive pulley.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

we all can't forget the #1 item, sct programmer from henson performance

 

[Mbrooks420]

First things first, which v6 are you? SOHC or OHV? If you need body work and a paint job, and aren't doing them yourself, that will eat a huge chunk of your 3k. How much work do you plan to do yourself?

 

[Synyster 1337]

First things first, which v6 are you? SOHC or OHV? If you need body work and a paint job, and aren't doing them yourself, that will eat a huge chunk of your 3k. How much work do you plan to do yourself?

Well, I'm pretty sure it's an OHV V6. I don't really have any expenses because I live @ home and am on scholarship, so wasting money isn't going to hurt me. I just spent $800 on the bass alone in my audio system. My cousin used to paint cars for a living, so he could paint. He also knows a few people that could do body work for cheap. Don't programmers add a couple-hundred hp? Would I then need to upgrade different parts to be able to handle the power going through? And what's an underdrive pulley?

 

[Mirge]

Don't programmers add a couple-hundred hp?

No