What's in store for Rick's Pumpkin?

[Rick]

I vote make it a driver. Something you can enjoy on the street as well as off road. 2.3 ecoboost would be nice to have with the 10 speed.

The 2.7 V6 can be had for about $8000 with 10 speed and transfercase. It's definitely on the list.

 

[Rick]

Crate 5.0 are cheap (?)

Some sort of turbo diesel (?)

I have considered turbo diesels, but the RPM range is limited and that goes back to wheel speed when hill climbing.

 

[Josh P]

I have considered turbo diesels, but the RPM range is limited and that goes back to wheel speed when hill climbing.

What kind of rpm are you looking for? The VW 3.0 diesel can spin north of 4k rpm.

 

[Rick]

What kind of rpm are you looking for? The VW 3.0 diesel can spin north of 4k rpm.

It will need to go through AZ emissions. I think it would be easier with an OBDII gas burner.

 

[Josh P]

It will need to go through AZ emissions. I think it would be easier with an OBDII gas burner.

If it's registered as a 93, they'll still abuse it on the rollers

 

[Fix4Dirt]

The 2.7 V6 can be had for about $8000 with 10 speed and transfercase. It's definitely on the list.

My only qualm w/ the 2.7: OIL PUMP BELT

Everythign else is great CGI block, port & direct injection... but that belt seems like achilles heal to me...

 

[Rick]

If it's registered as a 93, they'll still abuse it on the rollers

To do it right it needs to go to an emissions referee to certify that everything from the newer engines emissions system is intact. After that it just gets OBDII testing. Pisses me off that I need to go through emissions with it at all. 140k over 31 years isn't adding to the Valley's pollution issues. For the last few years the only place I've driven all year is to emissions. That's why I let the registration expire this year.

 

[Josh P]

To do it right it needs to go to an emissions referee to certify that everything from the newer engines emissions system is intact. After that it just gets OBDII testing. Pisses me off that I need to go through emissions with it at all. 140k over 31 years isn't adding to the Valley's pollution issues. For the last few years the only place I've driven all year is to emissions. That's why I let the registration expire this year.

If you register it as a classic car and get the correct insurance to go with it, then it's emissions exempt.

 

[Rick]

If you register it as a classic car and get the correct insurance to go with it, then it's emissions exempt.

I have two classic car policies. One with Hagerty, the other with American Collectors. Neither would insure the Pumpkin.

 

[410Fortune]

I vote small block ford
It’s a natural fit in the chassis
Reliable and proven also likely 1/3 or less the cost of an Ecoboost project and easier to adapt then the turbo diesel (you guys know I love both of these conversions)
I like Josh idea of the 351 in a heavy 4 door like this
The coyote is also a very tempting setup
If you wanted to push the limits a little with your drivetrain conversion, coyote gives you some transmission options but lots of custom required to stuff one in there

Each build is different, to me, your explorer screams smallblock pushrod 302 or 351.. I know you have seen a lot of them done in these rigs.. there is a reason why

Brian said it best Doubler would be the next best mod

I want to see this electric brake booster setup!!!

Whatever you decide it’s gonna be cool

A birdseye camera system may help with visibility on the trail?
Glad to see her coming around front and center!!!

 

[Josh P]

I vote small block ford
It’s a natural fit in the chassis
Reliable and proven also likely 1/3 or less the cost of an Ecoboost project and easier to adapt then the turbo diesel (you guys know I love both of these conversions)
I like Josh idea of the 351 in a heavy 4 door like this
The coyote is also a very tempting setup
If you wanted to push the limits a little with your drivetrain conversion, coyote gives you some transmission options but lots of custom required to stuff one in there

Each build is different, to me, your explorer screams smallblock pushrod 302 or 351.. I know you have seen a lot of them done in these rigs.. there is a reason why

Brian said it best Doubler would be the next best mod

I want to see this electric brake booster setup!!!

Whatever you decide it’s gonna be cool

A birdseye camera system may help with visibility on the trail?
Glad to see her coming around front and center!!!

Im thinking a 351W with a 6R80 controlled by a Coyote pcm. There's some relatively inexpensive heads that would add 70 hp and 70+ lb/ft of torque. It fits, it's simple and it could be emissions tested as obd2

 

[Stic-o]

My vote is to find a 2.3 manual totaled Bronco, and just swap everything. Find a old first gen cheap and body swap . Old 90's cars are becoming hot.

https://www.copart.com/lot/75441834/salvage-2024-ford-bronco-black-diamond-wi-milwaukee-south

 

[tdavis]

After thinking of doing an OBDII/CA SMOG compliant swap in to the Zuk, I found the requirements crazy.

What ever engine you pick, make sure it's legal to put in before you do anything. Aka, in CA SMOG rules, a truck engine can not be installed in non-truck, and vice-a-versa; if you put a newer engine in, it has to come with the smog equipment for that engine, not the vehicle. I'm sure AZ has a book somewhere that says what's legal and what's not for their smog.. or call up the smog refs and ask them, but do realize they can say one thing and it could still fail.

If you do an OBD-II based swap, get a wrecked vehicle and strip for the emissions parts. You will need everything OBDII certified.. That's the engine, transmission, transfer case, speed sensors, vent/vapor system, gas tank, and cats. OBD-1/Pre-95's are much more easier if you stay away from the OBD-II stuff.

You otherwise, I say a Ford Godzilla/7.3 gas engine and some 8 speed transmission with transfer case. You could put it in 4x4, lock the axles, and smoke all 4 tires..

 

[Paul]

We’re all really good at spending your money. . .

Paul

 

[Josh P]

We’re all really good at spending your money. . .

Paul

The goal is the most smiles per gallon. Maybe have the earth's rotation change when he hits the gas, too.

 

[410Fortune]

93 explorer is a lot like a 96 explorer when it comes to adapting a drivetrain to it and all emissions equipment to be a legal conversion
I had to add one sensor to my
Truck to make it think it is a 97.5 100%,

The fuel tank pressure sensor… otherwise everything exists on a 93 to accept a 96-01
Drivetrain…

a little wiring and simple plumbing the 5.0 swap is the absolute easiest and cheapest
The 351 can be run with the same electrics

 

[Turdle]

93 explorer is a lot like a 96 explorer when it comes to adapting a drivetrain to it and all emissions equipment to be a legal conversion
I had to add one sensor to my
Truck to make it think it is a 97.5 100%,

The fuel tank pressure sensor… otherwise everything exists on a 93 to accept a 96-01
Drivetrain…

a little wiring and simple plumbing the 5.0 swap is the absolute easiest and cheapest
The 351 can be run with the same electrics

351 would need a longer cam sensor shaft, but I bet that's doable

 

[Rick]

Playing with the Pumpkin today, contemplating a path forward. It's not an easy decision that's for sure.

I usually have a path forward and am excited about the future build. I'm just not there yet with this one.

 

[Josh P]

What's the budget? Ford Racing has a 351W based 460 stroker short block.

 

[Rick]

Budget would be whatever it takes. Part of me wants to take it to the next level, another part says just leave it be.

I just can't picture what I would be using it for or how often I would be using it.