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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
97 Sport with the 5 speed ..the motor is weak, I want to replace it but if I pull it I'm definitely wanting more horses. It's a shame how the HP are so much more on the same bottom block but different heads. Can it be done and what all is needed? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
97 Sport with the 5 speed ..the motor is weak, I want to replace it but if I pull it I'm definitely wanting more horses. It's a shame how the HP are so much more on the same bottom block but different heads. Can it be done and what all is needed? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
You do get more power (I posted curves a while back) but you are installing a very problematic engine. I would suggest rebuilding all the timing components with quality parts, run synthetic oil. Don't just drop in a JY motor, you need to pull the motor to r/r the rear timing components.
You may want to just upgrade to the V8, many have done it. A sport is lighter and would probably be very fast.
I like the thought of the V8...but my transmission is the Mazda and it doesn't mate with a V8 block from what I've been told...besides wouldn't I have to get a wiring harness also if I went the V8 route?
I like the thought of the V8...but my transmission is the Mazda and it doesn't mate with a V8 block from what I've been told...besides wouldn't I have to get a wiring harness also if I went the V8 route?
Auto is out of the question...I like the stick shift rides, main reason I bought this Ford and I'm a Chevy guy lol. The F-150...what year model in particular?
If you're putting in an engine I would go ahead and put a V8 in it. The SOHC doesn't run as long without maintenance, my OHV has run for 300k with just oil changes and regular maintenance. It's been 200k since its last tune-up and it still runs like a tank... slow but unstoppable. *Knocks on wood*
So basically I'm limited to the V8 that came in the Explorer?? If so I need the motor...what about ECU? I have been driving this thing for 9 years and still have the slightest clue where the computer is on it lol
I like the thought of the V8...but my transmission is the Mazda and it doesn't mate with a V8 block from what I've been told...besides wouldn't I have to get a wiring harness also if I went the V8 route?
I did the 5.0 swap in my 97 two door and its great ..... but its a ton of work and a pain in the ass , the sohc is an awesome motor , yes the timing setup is a pain but if you put new guides and tensioners in they will keep going , and im pretty sure you can run it off your ohv pcm , search on here ive seen a few swaps , and a sohc with a stick a would be a fun ride , you also could look at your gear ratio ,
Check the AX code on the door sticker, then do a search. I have a 4.10 LS. Very strong getting started. I think a stick would have higher gearing.
The SOHC was used in recent Mustangs, so it is very respectable. Probably just minor changes to the harness needed, and the stick will just bolt up (just like a Ranger). Just do over the timing, not a big deal if the engine is out.
The OHV has slightly more torque up to about 2400 RPM, but the SOHC eats it for lunch afterwards.
Beyond the V8, you get into deep pocket territory :lol:. Anything can be done with $$$$$$.
Believe me I know about the SOHC. My brother has a 4 door Limited, I swear the extra LBS doesn't even matter...that thing pulls on me like I'm sitting still beyond 2nd gear. Actually he told me about an hour ago his 2001 didn't have the timing chain guide issue, I think Ford corrected that fragile plastic guide by then. I'm gonna look into it. 40 more horses would be sweet and like you said if the engine is out the guide replacement wouldn't be a pain in the ass to do.
Possible - yes, recommended - no. The SOHC engine is nothing but trouble. I agree that the only swap worth doing is a V8 swap, but it's a lot of DIY work and you really need to have a complete V8 donor vehicle to have all the pieces you'll need.
I think if the sohc was rebuilt properly with top quality parts especially the cam chains it would be ok.
the standard 5 speed will bolt up less one bolt that was moved for the rear timing chain.
roscoe
There were no fixes to the cassettes. The only change was a pin in the front one so you can replace it without having to remove the head. You would need to take the ecu, interment cluster, wiring harness, and engine. You may also need to take the ABS system. Best bet is to have an entire complete donor. For the minuscule power gains, and decrease in reliability it truly isn't worth it.
Is it possible?: Yes. You don't even need to change the computer, the OHV PCM will run the SOHC.
Is it a better option than the OHV?: Yes.
Its almost a direct drop in, why wouldn't you?
I just love the opinions on here about what a crappy motor the SOHC is...other than the timing chain guides the engine is fine and has plenty of pep. Get those fixed and you have another 100k out of it. I have driven with all three motors and the SOHC is one of the more fun.
