Which motor SOHC or OHV?

[My98xplorer]

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience good or bad with the 4.0 OHV motor? I have a 98 Sport with the OHV and its rated at 155hp, and i think the SOHC is rated at 195 i think. Mine has plenty of power and ive pulled way over the limit many times, on the bumper ball and my bumper is still straight. Are there any problems i should look forward to with the OHV motor compared to the SOHC? I hear a lot of people saying to make sure you get the SOHC motor, and i was wondering why. Mine has been great to me so far, only have 77,000 miles on it, so hopefully it will last a long long time. I would appreciate any comments you may have.

 

[CodePoet]

The SOHC has more hp but not alot more torque, that's where te OHV really shines in my opinion. I guess the reason alot of people say to get the sohc is they only thing in hp numbers, and they don't understand that torque is actually what gets you down the road. The sohc is just as good as the OHV after a timing chain issue is corrected. The ohv is an extremely good engine though, very durable, great torque, and reliable. But i'm bias towards my engine LOL.

Later
CP

 

[huskyfan23]

The OHV is rated at 160hp, SOHC at 205. 225 ft/lb torque compared to 250. The OHV has more aftermarket parts but it's just slow. That's probably why people prefer the SOHC.

 

[celly]

I've owned Explorers with both, and much prefer the SOHC. The OHV is a decent engine, but always felt sluggish making my Ex feel underpowered. I like the SOHC much more, especially with mods.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I have one of the last of the OHV's, and love it. They have plenty of torque, especially in a lighter weight Sport. I like the simplicity and reliability of the OHV, and plan to get many miles out of mine.....knock on wood. :exp:

 

[IAmTodd]

My old sport had the OHV. From what I've heard its a very durable motor. Unfourtunatly it was backed by one of the worst trannies. Although mind got winded easily, it did excellent pulling hills and still delivering decent mileage.

With all of the problems the OHC has been plauged with, I would rather have the OHV than the OHC. Plus I liked that most of the power is made at a lower RPM than the OHC.

 

[matt97]

Mine has the OHV engine, it's got 140k on it and runs like it just came off the car lot.Just keep the oil changed every 3k and keep it tuned up.it should last you many more miles.

 

[boominXplorer]

With all of the problems the OHC has been plauged with, I would rather have the OHV than the OHC. Plus I liked that most of the power is made at a lower RPM than the OHC.

AMEN

 

[axionplaya]

When my old OHV engine crapped out, I went for the SOHC engine... I haven't turned back since. I'm on the SOHC bandwagon as well

Roy
________________
1996 Ford Explorer XLT
4WD
4.0L SOHC V6
K&N Filter
Flowmaster

 

[My98xplorer]

Thanks for all the comments. Like i said, i have the OHV, and my friend has a limited with the 5.0 and we raced one night and he didnt have a chance. I guess the weight difference and the torque that the OHV has really shined!

 

[My98xplorer]

bump

 

[IAmTodd]

The 5.0 isn't as fast as what you'd think. Its more of a work horse engine in stock form.

 

[Robb]

Thanks for all the comments. Like i said, i have the OHV, and my friend has a limited with the 5.0 and we raced one night and he didnt have a chance. I guess the weight difference and the torque that the OHV has really shined!

If your OHV beat a 5.0, your friend needs a tune up BAD!!! (or needs to learn how to drive) The HP and Torque of the 5.0 should have whipped ya. The weight difference isn't that great, and his specs far outweigh yours.

btw: no need to bump your thread one minute after you posted

 

[sk1er17]

the SOHC has a bad rep because of the stupid timing chain tensioners... which have been recalled and fixed with the newer models.

hell i hydrolocked mine twice, and it still ran great but i blew a piston rod 2000 miles after my 2nd hydrolocking .. and that was with 145k miles of towing/wheeling. big in my book.

i love the SOHC

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

I love the SOHC much more than the OHV. I've had no issues with it at all and it makes the X much faster. The OHV was too slow especially with 3.27 gears that my old '95 had.

 

[IAmTodd]

I love the SOHC much more than the OHV. I've had no issues with it at all and it makes the X much faster. The OHV was too slow especially with 3.27 gears that my old '95 had.

Wait, don't you only have 4k miles on yours? You opinion don't count if thats the case!

 

[RedEB]

I love my SOCH! I used to have a 92 OHV and I loved that engine. It never let me down, but neither has my SOHC and it has 110K miles. All OEM (except the time tensioners)- I wouldn't trade my SOHC for anything...except my a s/c 302...that would be sweeeeeeet
But the 20-22 mpg I get with mine really endears me to the overhead cam, especially with a college income.

 

[davesexplorer]

I've had both and MUCH prefer the SOHC now.... until it comes to repairs I assume

 

[00XLS]

I have a OHV and have to say I have no complaints, the higher RPMS lack some power but I'd put it up against my old vortec without a fear.

 

[n3m3s1s]

im a pretty big fan of my SOHC, it pulls at 3000rpm+ plenty hard enough to get up the onramp at 70mph.
if i went to bigger tires, i might find it lacking.
then again, who doesnt dream about a D60, an Atlas II tcase and a 300hp+ 5.0 crate engine?...now to convince IamTodd to trade me his :navajo: white for my :roll: red.