V8 swap, lookin for a few answers

[bobdreadknot]

ill be getting a good chuck of change here in the next few months, im lookin to swap my 6 for an 8 out of another explorer. am i lookin at major mods to do it? will i get more gas milage with it, the V6 and my big tires just arnt seeing things eye to eye. so instead of buying an bunch of engine mods could i just put in a V8 within reason?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Are you planning on replacing the transmission too? 410 Forture has swapped a lot of engines, and transmissions, so he would be the person to ask. Gremlinstien sells adapters interchanging various transmissions with many Ford engines.

 

[bobdreadknot]

no the tranny is staying the same, but is goin to be rebuilt. i just want to put in a 98 explorer V8. nothing special.

 

[Turdle]

I do believe you need to change trans and transfer case, pcm, accesories,
Wire harness, and so on
It might be best to tow a donor home

 

[bobdreadknot]

that was my first option i had, just buy a messed up X at a junky and take it home. but would it best on the vehichle to just upgrade my engine more or take the time to swap out the 6 for an 8. here something you don't see to often, "money is not a problem"

 

[410Fortune]

You cannot keep your transmission, nor should you.
You want to get a complete drivetrain from a low mileage 96-01 Explorer.
To keep a low range T case (I assume you are 4x4) you will have to install an Adapter into the back of the 4r70W transmission OR you can search around on this site and see what people with AWD explorer's are doing to get a low range T case.

Basically the drivetrain will bolt into your truck, the wiring and everything. Of course you will always run into a few issues with something like this. the absolute best thing to do is get every single part you will need from the donor vehicle.

You need to search as this topic is discussed on here ALOT.
Your 98 Sport is the same truck as far as engine/trans/suspension is concerned as the 96-01 Explorer 5.0L, making this conversion very do-able.

 

[Turdle]

If money is no object
Brand new shortblock with some good heads, and a mild-agressive camshaft, like an e cam
Get a donor with a trashed engine, the stuff you need should still be good,

but yeah, you'll always want a v-8

I don't know if this is still available, might help??

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156711&highlight=timing+cover

 

[410Fortune]

well if its no object I would also consider an atlas t case, a 331 short block & heads, GT-40 intakes, Baumman 4r70w controller, MSD DIS ignition, stand alone fuel management, and call it good Heck why not supercharge!

 

[bobdreadknot]

this isnt a 4x4 vehichle. i do moderate off roading every weekend or so but its my daily driver. im not doing a solid axel swap so its goin to stay 2x4. im really just converned about wrether i will get more gas milage because of the extra power i will recive with a V8. id hate to put in a new engine and not be satisfied. i dont tow, i dont nail the gas (like i used to ) so im just looking for more power off highway and better gas milage.

 

[410Fortune]

I get about the same mileage with my V8 as I did with the V6.
with 4.56 and 35's you will likely get the same mileage with the v8.
the big difference is the powerband and the wide ratio gearing in the 4r70w, but man this is alot of $$$ and time just to try and get 1-2 MPG, because the $$$ spent for a V8 conversion would buy ALOT of gas.

I dont see how this is justified, but then I have put alot of $$$ into an 88 BII so I am not one to talk

 

[bobdreadknot]

its not just for gas. i want more power, who doesnt

 

[410Fortune]

Okay, well this is the way to more power for sure, but dont use MPG as a justification for the V8 conversion, it doesnt work that way.

Also the Gt-40 5.0L puts out 215 HP stock, its not exactly a night and day difference over the OHV 4.0L, but the nice thing is it can be built to the hilt to make as much power as you want, but now is the time to decide.

 

[bobdreadknot]

ok well i still need a decent engine to drive around in, it still is my daily driver.

 

[410Fortune]

Ah now you are talking!
I have had 3 engines, 4 diff types of transmission in my BII and it has always been my daily driver.....the 5.0L and 4r70w is BY FAR the BEST and most fun to drive.
It shifts so damn smooth, it gets excellent mileage considering, it always runs exactly the same and fires up on the first bump, it is a real joy to drive with this setup.

to keep your trans, spend less, and get more power you should check out Brett's SOHC conversion thread...

 

[bobdreadknot]

will do, will do. is the V8 an SOHC or DOHC?

 

[410Fortune]

the V8 is a pushrod engine, it is the Ford 5.0L GT-40 Cobra roller block with a cam for an explorer, special exhaust manifolds, front serpentine dress, and oil cooler built to fit it into the explorer. the cam is not overhead, it is traditional style in the block above the crank (pushrods open valves, not cam lobes)
in my opinion this is the best V8 Ford ever built.

the new Explorer (02+) has a 4.6L DOHC V8, time will tell how good these are

 

[CougarX]

I'm looking to do the same thing in my Sport Trac, but mostly for power and driveability. I had a v8 and stock tires for 5 year with my 98 and now I have a V6 and 35s. I feel like I'm driving a NASCAR when I get back into the 98 after a month of driving the Trac.

My plan is to just watch EBay, classfieds, boards, junkyards or whatever for a wrecked V8 Explorer. I'll do a mild rebuild on the engine and then basically swap out the drivetrain, wiring, etc. I figure the only thing I'll need to have custom made is the rear driveshaft since the Trac is longer.

 

[bobdreadknot]

so pretty much just buy a donor vehicle and do the swap my self is what its lookin like. ill be starting in january when i get back from deploying. ill have tons of cash by then, so i figure i should start buy parts now.

 

[410Fortune]

yup thats about it.
After 98 you have to deal with PATS, but if you get the entire donor then you an rob its PATS module, key, switch, etc.

Any 95+ explorer with rack and pinion is a natural bolt in fit for the V8 Explorer drivetrain, exhaust, wiring, etc. You will have to deal with what T case you want though, unless you want an AWD sport trac (no thanks) or if you are 2wd of course.


I still have not seen a V8 trac, but that doesnt mean it doesnt exist.
You better hurry because my room mate has an 01 with 80K miles, and hes got $$$$ to burn these days and I have a complete 5.0L drivetrain just sitting there....