So I want to rebuild my 96 Explorer 5.0 AWD. I think 5.0 is a 5.0 right? well maybe and maybe not! Nobody seems to sell rebuild kits for this engine. Northern Auto Parts sells the master kit for the VIN Code P engine that's $650 and they dont offer any upgraded cams that will work with our computers. I asked what EXACTLY was different between our 96 engine and a mustang engine. He said some gaskets were different and he thought the timing chain was different also. Does anyone know what kits I can use on it?

I also have a chance to buy a 91 302 from a F150 that was rebuilt but never run for $400. Would this engine work 100%? I'd rather take my existing engine out and rebuilding it so I know everything will work.

Please help me

Zack

 

Any 302 shortblock will work. There are PLENTY of modifications you can make to rebuild your engine. What exactly are you wanting to do? You mention cams, etc. Are you looking for more power or are you just looking to rebuild to factory specs?

There are some differences between an Explorer setup and a Mustnag 302 setup. But there is nothing that can't be overcome.

I'm running plenty of 'Mustang' parts on mine - but they are not only for mustangs. I am using a CompCam, MSD ignition setup, etc, etc. And they work with the stock computer.

To start this, give us a little more information about what you want, what power you are looking for, and a rough estimate on budget.

 

Well I was also reading up on new shortblocks on ebay and they list some for E150's that say different locations for knock sensors, etc. So I'm worried about the little things that are different. I have done engine swaps before where i had to jury rig knock sensors becusae they changed between years (96 car and 01 engine before in a grand am) so I'm really leaning towards taking my existing engine out and rebuilding it. I'd always love more power but not at a huge sacrifce of gas mileage and driveablility. I need this truck to last 4 more years at least till I get out of school. Its paid off and that's the best kinda truck.

Anyways what do you think if I get the Northern Auto rebuild kit ( http://www.northernautoparts.com/Pro...ctModelId=9032 )

and then call up compcams and ask them for a recomendation for a cam? I will get my existing heads rebuilt and a 3 angle valve job (nothing fancy)

Northern said they dont offer any cams that will work with my stock computer setup. The reason I dont want to go with new heads is becuase I have a 96 with the internal egr passages and I want to retain that system.

My budget is roughly $1200-1500 for the complete engine swap. Plus another $1000 for a rebuilt tranny. The tranny I've got covered off ebay but the engine will be done locally.

I'm not sure how much to budget for machine work becuase my old machine shop closed up and I have to find a new one.

In that $1200 i figure $650 for the rebuild kit, $150 to rebuild the heads, $?? machining the block, $100 water pump, $50 painting the engine all nice, $60 plugs and wires, etc etc

I'd like to get a cam but not sure what to get and the $650 comes with a new stock cam.


I guess it all boils down to I want a nice clean worry free engine that will last me along time and have some more getup and go then what I've got now. With 145k on the clock it doesnt' move like it should.

Any more info needed to help?

Thanks

 

I'm not familiar with that specific rebuild kit, but I see they do give you the option to choose what year. Everything else sounds pretty good.

I would suggest looking at either an E303 FMS cam or one of the CompCams. I know the stock computer will run with on E303 and a CompCam 35-510-8 - I have done it with both. I would also suggest chaging from the stamped 1.6 rockers to the FMS Motorsport 1.6 solid rockers (or Crane, etc). If you are going to go through it enough to change cams, you might as well get the best efficiencies out of everything with solid rockers also.

I know this might be a little out of the budget, but I would recommend looking at Torque Monster headers and a SCT xcal2 tuner. You will be close to $1,000.00 for those together, but they are probably the best two thigns you can do to help the 302's in the Explorers for power/performance.

 

I think the explorers have the 5.0 HO like the Mustangs, but with the better heads. I know a lot of Foxbody Mustang 5.0 guys will get the heads and intake from and explorer for a HP mod. The HO has a firing order like a 351 (5.7) and has roller rockers. All that said, 145K really isn't that much for a 5.0, unless it's been a really rough 145K.

If you're wanting to know more about 5.0 Mods you might also want to look here:
http://www.mustangforums.com/forumid_14/tt.htm

 

thanks for all the help guys.. i think this is what i've settled on

local machine shop bore block, do a total block prep, install new engine rebuild kit with all new bearings, gaskets, assemble rotating assembly with new pistons, and install a FMS E303 cam and lifters, they will also check the crank and grind it true if neccessary

The shop will also strip down my gt40 heads and rebuild them, shave them down a little and do a 3 angle valve job.

All said and done this job will run approximatly $1400 of which $350 is the engine kit, and $315 is the cam kit, the rest is labor and machine work.

Does this sound good?

Thanks

 

if anyone is interested the price is as follows

$350 engine kit (pistons, bearings, oil pump, gaskets, w/o cam)
$270 engine block prep (cleaning block, boring, checks for cracks)
$200 rotating assembly charge
$40 to swap new pistons onto old conn rods (press fit)
$315 cam and lifters
$130 rebuild and clean heads with 3 angle valve job and check for cracks
$100 crank grinding (if needed)
$60 head resurfacing (if needed)
$36 head valve guide work (if needed)

all totaling $1500

does this sound about right? do any of these prices seem way off base with anyone? will this net me a good reliable torquey engine?

thanks again
Zack

 

Hey my name is Neil and I just blew the engine (5.0LTR) in my 1993 Ford F150 4X4 short box Flare Side. If u do not buy that rebuilt engine for 400 dollars that was never used could u please tell me where I can buy it I just want a regular factory 5.0LTR like what my truck came with. If anyone can please also tell me of anything like that I would appreciate it I mean 400 for a rebuilt sounds like a dang good deal to me and I want it right away...........someone please help me out.......knmcleod@rogers.com..........thanks ............Neil