V6 Acceleration

[opamort]

I recall reviews on the '96 Explorer, Edmunds I think, that felt the acceleration above 50 mph was not so good. Then in '97 they said a change had been made (either the transmission,HP, or both)that made the acceleration at 50 and above very acceptable. Now they say the V6 is not so good. Maybe they are comparing it to the V8? I had a '96 EB,leased for two years, that I felt was not all that bad for on ramps but was a little slow at the above 50 mph for passing on two lane roads.
Then I a '98 Expedition for two years. OK but handling not too good, also too big and a real billboard in the wind.
My wife would like the '00 limited. We do not tow, except for an occasional rental to move stuff.
Are the '97 and later V6 models better on acceleration?

 

[NoBoundaries]

I am not sure if you know or not, but there are 2 types of V6's. The original, the OHV V6 with 160 hp, and the SOHC V6 with 210 hp. The SOHC V6 appeared in 97 with 205 hp, then Ford corrected a timing chain problem and ened up with 210 hp. I have the OHV engine in my XLT and it is a pretty good engine. My father has the SOHC in his Eddie Bauer and I have to say that that is the best engine hands down. If you are considering a Limited, then the SOHC V6 is your only V6 option. It has 5 less horsepower and less torque then the V8, but if you are not going to be doing much towing, it is a perfect engine, not to mention the fact that you will get better gas mileage with the V6. Either way you cut it, the V6 can haul too. It is a great engine, one of the best offered in SUV's from my perspective and has also tested as one of the top engines as well. If you do a search you may be able to find a thread with a list of 0-60 times with SUV's compared to the V6 Explorer, the V6 blew the others away. Go out and get in an Explorer with the SOHC V6 and see for yourself. I wish I had it in my truck! Hope I was able to help, feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

 

[Alec]

The acceleration in my 1996 V6 OHV is pretty good. Of course, I also have a sport, which weighs quite a bit less than the 4 door. The following mods didn't hurt, either My acceleration is good until about 80 mph.

 

[Weatherman]

As I recall, at some point they put an extra gear on the automatic transmission, look through the site for the year and engine models it's on. I think it was around 97 or 98. That did a lot for acceleration I think. I have a 91 4 door with the 155hp 220ftlb torque V6, with a manual transmission. Acceleration doesn't bother me with it, but I'm probably not too demanding of it on the street, and I don't tow with it.

-Ben

 

[flyguy]

My 94 has excellent acceleration in reverse... its just that drive thing thats a little slow.

Nick

 

[01EB5.0]

the acclelration ratings are:
OHV - 10.5
SOHC - 8.1
V-8 - 8.8

 

[98Sport]

v6

I have a 98 explorer sport with the new v6. it is faster than the v8 it is better than the other v6 and is very fast. My explorer also has the new 5spd auto. it works good

Its also fully stock. I also have a 97 xlt withe the 160hp six and it is slow as molasis

[Edited by 98Sport on 07-03-2000 at 11:18 PM]

 

[sunbum]

When I was looking into SUVs, I read about the V-6 (SOHC apparently)and test drove several but liked the Explorer's ride and comfort. I was a little disappointed to find out the 4dr I bought had an OHV in it. I didn't really read about the two diff V-6s, but it's still a decent engine. Sure it's not as quick as the SOHC, but I've put in the KKM air induction kit - decent boost/sound, and am going for the Bosch P+4 plugs and Splitfire wires Friday. Hopefully, that will keep me satisfied for a bit. With gas prices and my slightly weighted foot, I don't think I'll go for the superchip just yet, as it requires you to burn the good stuff which is quite expensive and I can't justify that quite yet. heh I haul my kayaks (minimal payload yes) around and enjoy the snow of the northeast with the AT KOs on it. I don't fear on-ramps or stepping out to pass, so with a few mods, you can prob be happy with the OHV too, if you aren't already. There's probably a few other lil mods to enhance performance, but I've yet to see those and if $ isn't an object, it may behoove you to swap out the engine instead of nickle and diming mods? I defer to the experienced here on that.

 

[mbryda]

Definately go with the SOHC. I recently traded my 87 Mustang Cobra on a 2k Explorer and the first Explorer we drove had the OHV. It was (IMHO) Noisy and a dog. The drivig experience was more like driving my wife's Escort - you had to floor the thing to make it go and even then it was barely adequate.

Funny thing was - after the drive I asked the salesman which V6 it had and he told me the big v6 - they didn't get many with the smaller one. So, I told him to find one of the smaller V6's, as I was cuirious since this was so bad on acceleration. While he was inside, I compared the sticker and found it had the OHV engine. Found one with the SOHC and ended up buying it! It was smoother and much more powerful than the OHV. (Almost as smooth as the Mustang.) And the 5 speed auto helps too!

-Matt

 

[bluescat]

If acceleration is what you desire the new 2001 Explorer Sport leaves little to be desired with or without the trailer. Weighing in between 3,880-3959lbs the two weighs so much less than the four doors one reviewer called it "downright brisk". The 5R55E five speed automatic with an 'O/D off' button right on the stalk keeps the Sport in the power band at all times. The stock 205-210hp can easily be bumped past the V8's 220hp with only a muffler and induction mods under $500. Fully loaded with leather and a limited slip rear for only $28,025, this is one good deal. Try this vehicle instead of the new 2002 4 door destined for even greater weight and size according to Ford sources.