1997 explorer 5.0 engine repower

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Aug 23, 2009 | 10:17 PM

jlscheele

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Joined: Aug 2009

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1997 explorer 5.0 engine repower

Hi,
I picked up a 1997 explorer 5.0 engine for my 1961 econoline PU.
I want to put a better cam, carb and HEI distributer in it.

Is this motor like a Mustang 5.0? If so what years so I know how to order the parts?

I didn't see anything listed for a 97 5.0 in Summit

Thanks for any help in advance.
John

Aug 24, 2009 | 08:43 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Any small block windsor cam will fit this motor they never changed the critical dimensions, but you're gonna want to stay with a roller cam I'm sure so just search for roller cams for this series and leave the year blank it doesn't matter. If you want to get really technical all 5.0 blocks after 1987 are exactly the same, that's when they got updated for the factory roller cam assembly. You'll probably want a mechanical timing cover as well unless you plan to use an electric pump, but in any case this casting is the same for all years too, so a cover from a pre EFI motor will bolt right on this one. With the cam try to limit total valve lift to around 0.500" to prevent valve spring coil bind, the Comp cam I have produces 0.512" lift and that works no problem. If you're going to spin the motor beyond 5000rpm new springs wouldn't be a bad idea either.