In my search to locate a replacement 5.0 engine for my '96 XLT I've come across many 90-93 trucks with the 5.0L in my price range. Online parts search engines group 94-95 together and list 96 as its own grouping. Is there a reason why I couldn't use a 5.0 from a 90-93 truck and swap over the sensors and harmonic balancer from my 96 to make it all work?
Anyone know what's different? Are the pre-94 5.0 engines not roller cams? Does it matter?
I'm confused and just want to find an economical replacement 5.0 without limiting my choices.
Thanks,
WES

 

You're located near me.
Any 5.0 that is 94 up is the same. The obd2 electronics are the difference.
Mass air was 94 and obd2 was 96. Roller was like 92 or 93.

Personally I'd get an explorer motor and some headers. Way nicer engine than a truck 302.
The accessories on the explorer are different but I'm sure you can make them work. If not just take the timing cover and accessories and swap them on.

 

Funny you should suggest the explorer 5.0. I'm going to look at a complete '97 explorer engine tomorrow. I'm hoping it has GT40 heads and not the GT40P heads. Assuming I get it, I'll swap all of the F150 stuff onto it and drop it in. If it has GT40P heads then I'll probably swap my heads on it to simplify things. Headers could be an issue with the P heads.

And Maine is a loooong way from Pennsylvania LOL

WES

 

I'm a little confused myself about the info: I've got a 95 that's speed density and not MAF. Is it because its a 250??

 

Yes very likely, unless it is a Cali truck very few HD trucks got MAF.

 

Any 5.0 will work in your truck once you put all the truck and OBD-2 specific parts on the longblock. A '94-96 truck motor will make the same power as the old one, an Explorer or Mustang 5.0 will make more, a '93 or older truck motor will make less.

 

I live in north wales.
I can't change my info so it still says Maine up in the corner.
If you click my name and go to my profile i think it will say Lansdale, where my garage is.

 

Well, I bought the '97 Explorer 5.0 longblock today. I think I'll have the block re-ringed/ freshened up before I put it together. Still debating whether to use the GT40p heads it came with or stay with the E7 heads. The only things stopping me from going with the GT40p's is the header issue and the fact that here are no holes in the back for the AIR system. My truck is a '96 with OBD2 so I don't want it to throw codes.
I hope to get it running before Labor Day

 

E7's suck. I have a GT40P engine in my Bronco and it rocks. I just deal with the light

 

There are headers that fit the gt40p heads just fine. You only need 90* boots on plug wires and 1 dent in header tube.
Research the fitment, its been done many times

 

Exactly what I did. I think cylinder 5 is the one that needs a little dent in the header tube. Some people have gotten lucky and only needed 90 degree plug wires with headers that aren't exactly GT40P style headers.