What are my options for new engines?

[TheRookie]

Well book is like 15 hours for a long block swap on the first gen. Multiply by 75 and you are at a rough guestimate of labor. Expect to also pay a little more for fluids, and any random hardware required.

 

[Electrohacker]

to confuse the matter more.. you can make a 302 bigger... I saw a 302block that pushed 400 something when it was done (truckstv.com) (I'm pretty sure he was talkin Cid, I watched it twice... maybe I'll watch it again, can never see that episode too many tiems)

 

[Mascman]

I had an '82 Ranger 4wd. I put in a 351 Windsor. I lucked out and had the electronic lock-up tranny (code W I think) that was basically the same as a C-4...or was it a C-5? This conversion was done around 1989 -90 so I can't remember all the details!

Anyway, all I had to do was change the output shaft from the original Ranger tranny to the new tranny and it bolted up to the transfer case. I used manifolds from a Maverick and had a custom exhaust done. The only non-junkyard pieces were the motor mounts that I got from advance Adapters. I probably could've used some stock v-8 ones though.

The 351 kept snapping u-joints...it was just too torquey. After moving on to other vehicles, my brother needed a winter vehicle. We swapped in a 302 that was a little more forgiving on the drivetrain.

If the older Explorer is similar to my old Ranger, this is a pretty easy swap. Now that I have a real job and alot more experience, I'd love to do a little project like that again.

 

[redsport]

yeah i have a 351, i havent been around lately because i just bought a 03 suzuki z400, my new love. I still have the explorer, but i am currently swapping out the dana 30 for a 44 and the 8.8 is gone for a 9 inch. It should be back on the road soon, but with the heat and the new quad i dont know. BUt your right i didnt use a stock tranny, no way it would hold up