major 4.0 rebuild or v8 swap

[Dora The 4x4'a]

for the record, i have done some research. i kno how creager would feel about this. should i do a major 4.0 rebuild or a v8 swap (if so which v8)

quick motor/drivetrain rundown:
92 ohv 4.0 (see sig)
130k (started modding @ 115k)
15k on rebuilt A4LD
4.56s
35s

quick purpose rundown:
i do a lot of backroad/country drivin. but a good share of highway from time to to time goin back and forth from school and stuff. otherwise just short highway trips.
i plan to say with this tire size for maybe another year atleast.
the motor and trans run great as of now. and i am not too hard on either very often.
i want to be able to wheel confidently from moderate to slightly serious conditions.
i want maximum life out of this vehicle whether it be motor or tranny builds/swaps or both.
i would like to hav a relatively "fast" ex. not track fast, but surprisingly fast/tourquey
and a v8 sound would be nice

so what are ya'lls expert opinions on how to achieve my statement of purpose the best way.

my quick rundown:
im a novice mechanic, i go to school except for summer, i have access to professional garages and certified mechanic buddies. money is no issue in this discussion, but if youd like to keep it in mind that i dont hav much and dont make much, that would be alright.

thanks ya'll for readin this whole thing and puttin in your two cents..
- chris

 

[91exploreron37]

If you really dont have alot of money or can't afford to not have a vehivle for a period of time then I say go with the 4.0 rebuild. The v8 swap take salot of time and money.

 

[Dora The 4x4'a]

hwo much time and money could i be looking at roughyl? i CAN afford to not hav this vehicle

 

[91exploreron37]

Check out advanceadapters.com as they have a price list as well a free catalog with everything you need. Just some of the things are a new radiator, headers, engine mounts, transfer case adapter, oil filter relocation kit, and some more that I can't think of right now. I was going to go that route until I found a great deal on my enigne and tranny on ebay. Hey how are those 4.56's on the street and trail? i'm leaning more towards 4.88's but i'm not sure if thats too much.

 

[yfzut]

im throwing my 2.8 out on the freeway soon and dropping in a 460 so dont be a puss and go 460.
check out my build in the bronco 2 area. and screw advance adapters they dont know anything, they said i should just use a 302 and i told em i to get sand out of there vagi and sell a dam 460 kit like a man.

 

[91exploreron37]

How much modification are you gonna have to do to get that to fit?

 

[yfzut]

will cut the fenders if thats what it takes and move my heater box.

 

[yfzut]

atleast put in a godam 351

 

[TeckNine4]

Yea Ive seen 89 thru 92 Rangers with 460s in them but these were highly modified sand-drag trucks like the pulllers, Its the same engine bay as 1st generation Exprs. right?

 

[91exploreron37]

Seems as if they would be the same. Highly modified as in not to be driven on the street?

 

[Exploderpilot]

Hey YFZUT, i don't want to come across as rude, but this is a "family oriented website".
so try to take it a lil easier, please? thanks!

 

[Dora The 4x4'a]

yeah..thanks for the input on the 460. i am not gunna put a BB in ther. i am gunna go small block.. so im lookin at 351Ws as well. but parts and stuff for 302s are more common i eel like. anyways productive insight is still promoted

thanks
-chris

 

[Exploderpilot]

and there is still my motor that i have for sale......

 

[Dora The 4x4'a]

well apparently i need a trans now.. i hav no OD and was pinned at 3500 rpm on the highway yesterday : (

 

[TeckNine4]

If you get a 302 or a 351, an NV4500 would be pretty badazz...

 

[pauley]

is there a thread on a 5.0 swap or somthing like that cause im very intrested in puting a v8 in my 94 xlt but i really want it to be fuel injected.

 

[Dora The 4x4'a]

351.. would have to be windsor right? isnt the cleveland the big block? jw

 

[JMan689]

If money is no option, throw in a 460 with a c6. Now if you want more realistic with money being no option a 351/302 with a c4. Otherwise i'd just rebuild the 4.0 and throw a v8 trans behind it.

Plus keep in a mind, a 4.0 build can run the same as a v8 swap depending on prices in your area.

 

[sn0border88]

I think you have a date with the search button.

If you make a list of what you want, and figure ouit the pro's and con's of each this should be a no brainer.

 

[Mike_D]

The v8 swap vs 4.0 rebuild in my opinion is about how much time do you have. Rebuilding your 4.0 consist of gathering all of your goodies (cam/headers/p&p heads) and having someone yank the motor and rebuild it. My explorer was in a shop for three weeks. Dropping a 302 in a explorer can be done but it will be more like 6weeks before you dial everything in. The time is trying to hook up all the smog and electrical. your best bet is to find a wrecked mustang the same year as you vehicle, then you will have a complete motor and accessories. Either way you could then ditch you trans and bolt up a c4.