V6 to V8 swap?

[tjsxplodr]

I don't think I have the OHV 4.0, how can I tell what version of the 4.0 I have?




Also, would transferring a complete f150 engine/manual transmission work with the stock Explorer drivetrain/transfer case or would I have to replace all that stuff?

 

[arco777]

I don't think I have the OHV 4.0, how can I tell what version of the 4.0 I have?

Also, would transferring a complete f150 engine/manual transmission work with the stock Explorer drivetrain/transfer case or would I have to replace all that stuff?

If your 91-94 Explorer is equipped with the stock motor, it is a OHV 4.0. You'd have been told when you bought it if an engine swap was done, as it's an involved process. They are good motors; very reliable, and in my opinion stock or with intake and exhaust they produce more than enough power. Many people on the board have reported the ability to roast tires stock, and mine with the 3.27 axle outruns many other cars on the highway yet still has good torque.

A SOHC 4.0, available in post-94 Explorers and in Rangers, can be easily installed and produces a bit more power and torque stock, and can be modified to produce more. It is a good option if you have access to a cheap low-mileage motor and want to change few if any driveline/mounting components.

F150s came with a lot of engines and trannies... many can be installed with the right adapters and go to the stock T-case. I would recommend checking out the link below, Advance Adapters, which has kits to put all kinds of motor and transmission options into the X with what you need.
http://advanceadapters.com/index.php?p=view_category&search_text=explorer

Don't be suprised if you catch some flak here... the questions you're asking have been asked countless times before, and learning to use the search feature will pull up more useful info than what you can get by asking people to type out answers again.

 

[tjsxplodr]

http://advanceadapters.com/product/1714/50-4502.html

Would that be the adapter I'd need if I went to the F150 5.0 with 5 speed?

 

[arco777]

Looks to me like that's the one... then you'd need some engine mounts of your choice for the 302, and decide what you're going to do for fuel (i.e. carb it or what). If you're serious about the conversion, the book they offer may be a good investment, or at least download and read the manuals for that adapter kit and the motor mount kit.

Also talk to Spdrcer34 and Seth247 after you read their threads on 5.0 conversions for an idea of what to expect and what you'll need.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=223022
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224362&highlight=seth

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok thanks.

 

[tjsxplodr]

How will I know what transmissions will fit into my explorer and fit my drivetrain?

 

[arco777]

the book they offer may be a good investment, or at least download and read the manuals

Alternately send an email to the guys at Advance Adapters, or call them, or do a search on the board using the particular choice you have in mind as an option. The manuals on the products that you can download off the AA site often have clarifications on what versions of trannies can be used. For example, a GM 700R4 (automatic) is a popular swap, and you can get a shifter that will hold it in any gear you choose or run it full auto. By reading the manuals you can see that it requires a 700R4 made for 2WD or 4WD depending on your application, and a certain (60 degree I think) bellhousing version. Then research which vehicles had those transmissions, i.e. many S-10s and such had the proper 700R4s, and there's the donor vehicles to look for.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Sooo, i still haven't decided what I am gonna do yet. I just don't know if spending all the $$$ on a V8 swap is gonna be worth it. My good friends who work on cars etc..don't think its worth the money to swap the sixer to a v8. and, they don't think it would be worth to rebuild the 4.0 and put in a supercharger or turbo. Is it just cuz the X I have is so old that I would be better off buying something newer?

 

[arco777]

What do you want from the car?

The 4.0 OHV is excellent as an all-around motor. It produces plenty of power for off-roading, towing, and (in my opinion) mild sport driving... I have beat lots and lots of ricers with my stock 4.0, even with 3.27 gears. It has been run off-road at Superlift a few times, hauled over 800 pounds of cargo from Alaska to Arkansas, and survived a winter with lows of 40 below zero plus several others. Total parts investment has been two sensors and the initial aftermarket heads to replace the stock cracked ones when I bought it. It's never had a bad day, let me down, or complained no matter the abuse.

If you want to build a performance-based vehicle, a V8 or SOHC swap may be a route you'd be best taking for the availability of power adders. Otherwise, in most cases I'd simply recommend getting your OHV running well and enjoy it. Just my 2 cents.

:frospecta

 

[tjsxplodr]

Yeah, my husband says why keep putting money into a vehicle if I'm not gonna keep it? Soooo, guess I can always just save money for the V8 swap if that's the route I decide to go. Gonna have the ticking noise checked out next week, hopefully its nothing major.