Is it worth it to dish out for a V8 over the V6?

[99explorer5.0]

I chose the v8 simply because i liked the way that 5.0L's sound with exhaust on them.

 

[Gator]

I have one of each--a v-6 OHC and a V-8 5.0. I'll sell you the V-6 any time you want it.......

 

[Stephen]

Well, when we were shopping for ours, we drove the V6 and the V8, we took the V6 because of the manual transfer case. If I had to do it over again I would have gotten the V8.

 

[stretch]

I have a V8 AWD, my parents each have a V6. I drove each of the V6's for the first time a couple of days ago, I am definately glad I got the V8. As for mods, I believe most mustang 5.0 parts should work in the X, except for the exhaust headers.

 

[EasyRhino]

Depends on what's important to you. You will find proponents of both V8s and V6s..

For my money the V8 is worth it. Having been around dozens of Explorers, I prefer the V8 strengths. Had a 97 with 5.0 V8 and AWD and it was nice, now have a 02 with the 4.6 V8 and it is also nice. But that's just me.

I believe that the 5.0 V8 is among the least expensive engines to modify (in terms of dollars to HP gains ratios), with lots of data and experts out there. It's a very proven engine.

Good Luck.

 

[Nitrous SSC]

Don't worry about the transercase issue.....my X dosn't have 4-low and that thing can climb hills like crazy....I went wheelin in the snow on some rough stuff about a week ago with my dad and his truck is a 98 F-150 5.4. He had to put it in 4-low before he could even climb a hill....I went up the same hill just barly taping the gas in my X. V8's ROCK!!! only downfall I see with having a V8 AWD is without the 4-low you can't *crawl* down really rough stuff you have to ride your brakes....if my X can handle utah wheelin without 4-low you shouldn't run into a problem

Good luck!

P.S. the V8 will last longer. The 5.0 in my stang is used/abused with nitrous and she's got 135k and still slaying imports

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I just purchased a 97 Mountaineer with V8 and AWD and love it. I test drove about 6 SUVs before I decided on Mountaineer and have zero regrets.

These engines are tanks, mine has over 100k mi and I'm confident in it to do everything a car with half the miles would do. Maintence is the key though, regular fluid changes in everything.

One thing about parts though: Although the 302 blocks themselves are the same in the mustangs and trucks, the X 302 differs from the mustangs because it has 1) a Distributorless ignition system. 2) "Short" drivebelt accessories to clear the radiator, so you can't use mustang superchargers.

-Aaron