Which powerplant?

[Lacky01]

hey all! my Explorer currently has the OHV 4.0 and it feels really sluggish. it pulls great at higher revs and it runs excellent. it just doesn't have the low end torque that I would expect from a truck. It is currently 2WD but I'm gonna change it to 4WD from the same vehicle that donates the engine. I am considering upgrading to either a SOHC with a M5-R1HD and whatever transfer case, or a 5.0 and a M5R2 with a BW 1356. In the end I'm going for simplicity, as it's gonna be my first engine swap and I want it to be a success. I like the idea of the V-8, but I refuse to lose the manual tranny, which complicates it. I've also hear that there is not a huge power difference between the SOHC and the 5.0. If thats true, I will definitely go for the V6 just for simplicity. also, I can get a SOHC 4WD Explorer much easier than a 5.0. as you guys can see, I am completely torn. which would you guys go? Keep in mind, with the upgraded engine it will get 32" all-terrains and a 2" body lift and will remain 3.73 gears.

 

[Turdle]

While the sohc will rev higher, thus making about the same power, the low end torque is not even close to what you can get from the 302.

Also, timing chain issues will not keep you awake with the v8.

 

[dkchrist]

If your going to all the work, go V8 it will give you greater options for upgrade down the road.

 

[yellowford]

Having owned both engines the 5.0 is bar far my favorite the only thing that I like better about the 4.0 is about 3mpg better but with the manual and manual t-case you will easily make that up.

 

[Lacky01]

thanks for the replies guys!

I will be attempting this swap after I get my mustang running as my daily driver, so I won't be concerned with mileage at all.

hey Turdle, I see what you mean about the auto tranny and for those reasons i've considered it. however, I don't really like driving autos nearly as much as I love manuals so I can't really justify the simplicity of the swap in my mind.

If I could do a floor shifter for the auto as a temp so I can save to swap the M5R2 later, then I wouldn't have to hack up my dash or anything and I could save up for the manual. but then I would prefer doing it all at once and working out all the bugs at one time. it may take longer to swap, but at least it's what I want as opposed to changing it down the road sometime.

keep the opinions coming guys, nothing is set in stone!

 

[97sprt4x4]

just a thought. i don't think that you can use the 1354 as that to my limited knowledge is only used for the v6 engines. for the 302 you would have to use the BW4406 from a F150. However if you're going to go through all the trouble of swapping all that stuff out, i would go to the v8. it will be a little more work, with a much higher reward.

Justin

 

[IZwack]

In addition, I'm not sure the 5.0L will fit in a Sport w/o spending some TLC with the gas tank and whatever else is in the way. And I'm not sure about this but you might even need to change the rear axle's pinion angle due to the different lengths between the 4.0L and 5.0L drivetrains.

As for the SOHC vs the v8, I think they're not too far in power - the only difference is where that power resides. The SOHC has a variable length intake plenum which kicks in at around 3k RPMs so its max torque and hp figures are probably above 3k RPMs. The v8 and the 4.0L OHV do not incorporate this design which means their optimal output is probably lower.

 

[Willard]

FWIW, the OHV can have plenty of torque, it's just that most of them are geared 3.55 and higher. Lower geared differentials will put the motor at more happy RPM's for the lower speeds. The OHV gets knocked a lot, but it really is a good motor.

 

[97sprt4x4]

In addition, I'm not sure the 5.0L will fit in a Sport w/o spending some TLC with the gas tank and whatever else is in the way. And I'm not sure about this but you might even need to change the rear axle's pinion angle due to the different lengths between the 4.0L and 5.0L drivetrains.

As for the SOHC vs the v8, I think they're not too far in power - the only difference is where that power resides. The SOHC has a variable length intake plenum which kicks in at around 3k RPMs so its max torque and hp figures are probably above 3k RPMs. The v8 and the 4.0L OHV do not incorporate this design which means their optimal output is probably lower.

I'm 110% positive the v8 fits in the sport, Joshuaj0214 did it. with little or no problems, then again he has a body lift. so that may have something to do with it...

 

[Lacky01]

well, either way theres gonna be a 2" body lift and 32's. Nick 26 put the M5R2 behind his 5.0 and he needed to cut the crossmember down a couple inches to fit. that doesn't bother me.


with either swap, I'm kinda concerned about the PATS system. how do I use my original key with the PCM from another truck? or am I supposed to use my PCM for the new engine?

 

[Lacky01]

thank you all for your input!

I think once I have the Cobra running as my daily driver, I'm going to find a rolled or non-running Ex Sport with OHV, stick, and 4x4. swap the 4x4 and tranny into my ex along with a 2" body lift, new tie rods, balljoints, and some swaybar quick disconnects. then slap some 32's on it and get a V8 later on down the road. I would love to have 4WD on my ex before winter hits, but I don't think that will happen.

sorry I can't go all out with the swap the first time, I can barely justify putting 4WD in it let alone pulling a strong running engine just for a bit more torque. maybe one day they will call me a patient man..... but not right now.