New '97 Explorer: Lots of problems, temp sensor, header leak? Cam questions...

[Bughracing]

I just bought a 1997 Explorer V8 about three months ago and was hoping some of you guys could answer some of my questions. First off, the temperature sensor in the overhead console has said nothing but 140* since I bought it, it doesn't matter what temperature it is, it always says 140. Do I just have a sensor out, if so, where is it? Also, every time I accelerate, there is a loud hissing noise coming from the engine bay. More of a ticking... it sounds like a header leak but I have changed both gaskets and it has not changed? Any ideas what that is? It sounds like it is coming from the back of the engine. I have checked all of the vacuum lines as well. I am trying to find a set of aftermarket headers for this truck. All I have found are headers for the GT-40p heads (late '97 explorers) and I have the earlier (1996 and earlier) GT-40 cylinder heads? Anyone know where I can get headers for this vehicle? One last thing, I am going to be swapping camshafts over Christmas and was wanting to get some input on the E303 and the B303 offered by Ford. Does anyone have any experience with either camshaft? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Jon

 

[Bughracing]

Anyone?

 

[Bughracing]

ttt

 

[Doug904]

THe E303 canshaft should work well in your truck. I havn't put one in a explorer but I have put a explorer gt-40 long block in a mustang, early model with the GT-40 heads. We put the engine in a 88gt, which now has a Vortech supercharger and a whole host of other goodies. We put the E303 in first due to its range of power threw out the rpm. Its a good offidle-5000 rpm cam, Now Im not sure how your computer will react to this? So you might wanna call Saleen and talk to them about how there explorers deal with aftermarket cams. Later Doug904.

 

[Bughracing]

Well I am also a Mustang guy and actually bought the explorer to pull the Mustang race car. Seeing as how the motors are nearly identical I can't see why a mild cam such as the E cam would mess with the computer, but I want to hear from people who have done this? I also talked to Ford today and they have the headers for my truck for only $175 so I will hopefully have those on in the next couple of weeks. Does anyone have any comments on cam swaps in the Explorer 5.0?

Jon