Hi ! I need your advice regarding an engine swap. I currently own a ford explorer XLT 2006 2wd (4.0L). It has a low mileage around 12 mpg (city). I was thinking of replacing the engine with an f250's engine to increase it... is it okay to do so? is it worth it?

 

Welcome to FTE.

I take it there is a diesel in the F250. This engine will not fit in an Explorer without serious mods, and the front end of an Explorer will not carry the extra weight.

There is no easy swap to improve your mpgs. 12 city might turn into 14 or so if you make sure your 4.0 is running correctly, and lift your right foot a bit. Our worst was 11, but we got 12-13 in a 4 mile in city commute.

ymmv, but stop forever thinking that F250 motor is the answer.

ON EDIT: I see your profile says you are in Senegal. That may mean that you do not have the V8 diesel engine in your F250, but an in-line six cylinder instead. It may still be too large and heavy for an Explorer, but please advise what engine is in your F250. You are still looking at a complicated conversion and the probable loss of many functions in the Explorer.

 

Thank you 85e150six4mtod for your reply. We actually have f250s with V8 engines over here. but i just want to put a V6 engine (still f250) into the explorer cuz my mechanic says it would fit very well. he said he would not have to change the transmission and all. he said he has done it before and it worked. do u think it is worth it?

 

My original concern was a very heavy V8 diesel in an Explorer.

The V6 diesel might fit, but ask the mechanic about gauges, tach, speedo etc all of which work off the gas engines computer. And the transmission works off the computer as well.

If you have some trade offs that you are OK with, then you have to figure the cost vs. the fuel savings.

Once you figure the cost, then figure what kind of better mpg vehicle could you buy if you sold the unmolested Explorer and used that money plus the conversion money.

FWIW, I'd rather have a "factory" built vehicle vs. an engine change like this.

 

I will definitely ask him and weight the pros and cons. Thank you very much for your help. Are you a mechanic or something related?

 

Not a mechanic, but have done some work including a couple engine rebuilds, trans, rear axle....I am no wrench spinner. Grew up on a farm and my dad was a mechanic, plumber, electrician, carpenter--in other words, a farmer.

Basically I'm just some guy on the internet, but I'm a well qualified to give you my opinion guy on the internet....

 

Well i guess u've learnt a lot from your dad You seem to be a nice guy so I'm gonna ask you a last question if you don't mind....

the details are the following:

the new engine will have less than 80000miles,
the cost of the whole process will be a bit less than $2500,
the fuel savings would be around 30%.

Do you think it is a good investment?

 

12 mpg + 30% = 15.6 mpg.

To calculate the "investment" value, we need the miles per year, and fuel prices for both gas and diesel. Then you can compare and determine how long it will take to pay back the $2500.

 

In answer to your last question, NO. You will be far greater ahead, to simply purchase a vehicle that best fits your needs in terms of fuel economy by simply selling your 2006 Explorer and downsizing into a smaller vehicle that you can better manage the fueling expenses on.

And yes, I happen to believe 85e150six4mtod to be a very intelligent individual as well, judging by the posts of his that I've read through.

 

If it gets you the vehicle you want, then it's worth it. I would expect better than a 30% increase, though, since 12mpg is pretty low for a 4.0 in town. Mine turns in 14-16, and 17 on the freeway. I would expect 20-22mpg minimum since it's a lighter vehicle, as long as it's driven like a sane person.
You will have to use the engine/transmission combo together since I'm pretty sure the diesel would have a different bellhousing than the 4.0, but then we don't get that engine in light vehicles here.
I have a 69 F250 that I swapped a 7.3IDI into (easy), and an 82 Courier getting a Mercedes OM617 (major major project). That engine would be a good candidate for your Explorer as well, I keep looking at my engine on a stand and my Explorer, thinking maybe I should pick up a second one for it......

 

Well I did and it takes more than a year to reach the break even point. it's a bit long but i think there is something positive: it will be much easier to sell. people are scared of buying a ford explorer over here because of its fuel consumption. the car is said "greedy" lol.

again thanks very much for your help my friend. i really appreciate it !

 

Thank you m-chan68 for your contribution. I actually don't know much about cars tbh. But there is one thing that i know: in my country, it is VERY hard to sell a car 2wd that consumes that much, even at a very low price...

Also, the engine will be a V6 diesel powered (i'm not too sure but i think he mentioned a 2003 model). the 30% i dont know how he came up with it but as I told u before i'm not a specialist... that's why i'm asking these many questions on this forum...

 

Hi Ford Six.

Do you mean, by doing the swap i'm telling you about, i can almost double my explorer's mileage?

 

What kind of mileage does the F250 get in the real world? Consider that the Explorer weighs about 1000lbs less than the F250, and has a more aerodynamic shape plus a smaller frontal area, so it will get quite a bit better mileage than the F250. Assuming the F250 gets high teens, there is no reason the Explorer would get less than low 20s.
My primary concern would be passing an inspection if required in your country. This is major surgery, I know here there are laws that on a national level make that sort of swap illegal (the diesel isn't available in the Explorer) but in most states it's ok or just in a grey area as long as the engine is the same year or newer than the vehicle it's going in and the emissions equipment is intact.

 

One last thing: Gearing. If your Explorer has 3.73 gears, your diesel may not be happy with the rpms it will run at highway speeds. If you decide to go with this, ask the mechanic if your gearing will work well with the diesel.