What to do for more Power?

[divemaster5734]

I just purchased a 94 explorer with a blown engine.
Started to tear it apart to rebuild then discovered performance building isn't what it used to be.
My question, would it be wise to just drop in a later model 4.0, like a SOHC?
What are some mild performance options for the engine?

I don't want to spend thousands. I don't want a 10 second 1/4 miler.
I just want a little better performance while maintaining reliability.

Any suggestions?

 

[bilzy7]

Yes sohc would be an upgrade with more power and reliability. Without doing anything to it.

 

[wood1]

Search modified 91-94. I found this in about 10 seconds with the search.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288618&highlight=sohc+swap

And welcome to the forum!

 

[divemaster5734]

Yes sohc would be an upgrade with more power and reliability. Without doing anything to it.

OK,I am a total small engine newb I have a couple dumb questions.

What is a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation engine?
What years are the "generational" separations?

I'm pretty "old school" stuff, pre 85 v8's.
Built a 350 that did 11.5 1/4 mile with 127 ET, and a bunch of lifted 4x4's.
That being said, even though I have never touched a cam sensor it's pretty obvious where to look for it.


So, does that mean a 1997 SOHC would just bolt right on with no modifications?
If a 3rd gen is even better is there a lot of mods?
Thanks.

 

[divemaster5734]

Search modified 91-94. I found this in about 10 seconds with the search.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288618&highlight=sohc+swap

And welcome to the forum!

Very nice find.

Guess I'll have to start some research.

And Thank you, I think I'm going to like this forum.

It sometimes takes days to get an answer from some of the 4x4 or diesel ones.
You guys left an answer right away.

Much Appreciated.

 

[bilzy7]

There's always a troll or two on explorer and ranger forums lol.
But I believe don't quote me this: 96-01 is second gen. 91-95 is 1st gen. 2002-2007 is 3rd gen. 4th is 2008-2011? I don't really follow the new explorer... I like 2nd gens like my 98.

Im not sure about the engine mounts and when and how they mount differently.
I just did my drivers side rear shock, the passenger side top bolts are seized; those tiny ****'s!! So I have one new shock and one that has 125k miles on it haha.

 

[RustySJohnson]

Wait for a response form JD4242

Nuff said.

 

[Jason94sport]

I wouldn't touch the sohc engine. It's not much better. Plus it has it's own set of issues.

Swap in a 5.0l from a f150 or later explorer.
Or put a rebuilt 4.0HOV in with upgraded internals, cam, ported heads, & intake, headers, etc.

 

[watt9386]

Get a 302. Stay away from the sohc.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Forum Runner

 

[watt9386]

There's always a troll or two on explorer and ranger forums lol.
But I believe don't quote me this: 96-01 is second gen. 91-95 is 1st gen. 2002-2007 is 3rd gen. 4th is 2008-2011? I don't really follow the new explorer... I like 2nd gens like my 98.

Im not sure about the engine mounts and when and how they mount differently.
I just did my drivers side rear shock, the passenger side top bolts are seized; those tiny ****'s!! So I have one new shock and one that has 125k miles on it haha.

91-94 is first, 95-2001 is second, 2003-2005 is third.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Forum Runner

 

[bilzy7]

So 2002 doesn't count as a third gen?

 

[wood1]

From what I have read the SOHC swap is not that bad and you can make it run on the '94 computer. That being said, I would swap in a 302 if I was looking for more power. The OHV 4.0 has limited potential N/A and the SOHC has timing chain issues and would be expensive to buy and swap in. 302's are a-dime-a-dozen.

Mind you, that's just my opinion (;

 

[watt9386]

So 2002 doesn't count as a third gen?

Yes, it does. Sorry. On my phone. Keyboard isn't too accurate.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Forum Runner

 

[Naasau]

I wouldn't touch the sohc engine. It's not much better. Plus it has it's own set of issues.

Swap in a 5.0l from a f150 or later explorer.
Or put a rebuilt 4.0HOV in with upgraded internals, cam, ported heads, & intake, headers, etc.

x2. The SOHC is numerically a better engine but I've only been underwhelmed with it. For the cheap, a 5.0 v8 is the way to go.

 

[jd4242]

Nuff said.

Bahah
Ill add just a little without getting to deep.if your wanting MORE power then yes the 302 is the best way to go.yes you can build the 4.0 ohv up and make plenty of power for the explorer but the cost to do so can get very expensive!!! Just remember unless you are two wheel drive and plane to race your truck its not all about hp.you can do a simple build with a 422 cam and some upgrades combined with the proper gear and have plenty of power for most uses.the 4.0 v6 ohv is a strong very reliable motor but if you want big power 302 is the only way to go.just remember its not a drop in bolt up swap.if you chose to keep the ohv i can help you with anything about it tho

 

[tweakedlogic]

I guess I'll chime in.

If you want a drop in motor that's cheap, plentiful, reliable, makes a bit more power, and gets a little better fuel economy, then the shoc is the way to go. just be sure and replace the timing chains and guides if it has more than 80K on the clock. The rear timing chain was a problem in the earlier versions, and very hard to reach to replace. There are a couple sensors the sohc uses that you don't have, either don't worry about it, or replace the ecu and wire harness too.

If you don't mind a little more work and $ for the swap, want big to monster power, no gain or loss in fuel economy (depending on build), but still very reliable, and a huge aftermarket, then go with the 5.0.

 

[2TimingTom]

You can also change the gears in the diffs. While technically you still have the same power, it sure feels like you have more. I went from 3.55 to 4.56 and it screams now- with or without a trailer attached.