Hey all, while I'm new to this, I am new to modding a 5.0 EFI motor for an early car transplant. Here's what I've got (I feel out of place, not being in the 48-60 section), a '63 Falcon Futura 2dr Sedan. I am currently doing some frame, and front inner structure repair. I have a 5.0 EFI roller cam motor out of a '86 Lincoln Town Car. I am hearing lots about the Explorer GT-40 heads, and intake. I'm putting an aftermarket IFS in the car, and it's getting the AOD, and 5.0. It will be on air springs/struts, whatever you want to call them (the ShockWaves). They're for ride, and handling, not pavement scraping (yuck). I am going to do the MAF conversion, and will also be doing a 347 Stroker build. I like the thought of using the GT-40 heads, for the fact that they are a factory Ford performance part. I want to get at least 400 hp out of it, and make it an all around really fun little car to enjoy. Any info you all have on these Explorer parts, and if they are worth it, please let me know. I can get a whole motor out of a '96 Explorer from the wrecking yard for $400 my cost, so they would be a very cost effective bolt on upgrade, if they are worth it.

 

Double check those heads..my understanding is that the gt-40 heads were not put on Explorers until '97 (called '97 1/4"). Wilkipedia has some notes about it as well, but their input says it needs to be confirmed..It's probably on this site somewhere, I'll snoop around..

 

While they are a nice upgrade from the stock parts the GT40 heads and intake won't make anywhere near 400hp.. more like 300, so if that's your goal you'll need much better heads and intake plus a pretty radical cam. For ideas of what it's going to take have a look at the articles on the AFR website. http://www.airflowresearch.com/articles.php#SBF

If you just want a decent 5.0 to start with then pick up that Explorer motor and drop in a better cam and you'll have a very streetable 300hp motor. The AOD will also need a complete rebuild with all the upgrades and maybe a 2000 stall converter, and plan on 3.55-3.73 gears in the rear end.

P.S. The explorer motor got GT40 heads starting in '96, halfway through '97 they were switched to the GT40p version.

 

The GT40P has a different spark plug orientation than "conventional" heads; they come almost straight out of the head instead of angled. That makes it nearly impossible to use most conventional exhaust manifolds or headers. The Explorers using that head had a very specific exhaust manifold made for them. If you use that engine in your truck, you will need to use the Explorer exhaust manifolds and build the rest of your exhaust system to match, or have a set of manifolds custom made.

 

That gets thrown out a lot but I have seen pictures of GT40P equipped motors with headers on them.. some of them right here on this site, so it is possible and not all that difficult according to those that have used them.

 

After some more research, and input from you guys, and especially the articles in the above link, I have a modified direction I want to go. I want to use the 5.0 roller cam block, and build a nice, solid bottom end. I will be going 347 stroker, and using the older style "Cobra" oil pan, the aluminum one with the kicked out sump. For the top, I am leaning towards the AFR heads, probably the 205 series. I'm goin to go full on work over with the engine. I have decided to use a FAST EFI system instead. By doing that, I can run a dual quad set up, and even though I may not need the dual quads, it will be a more authentic looking "Cobra" set up, and I can use the Cobra oval air cleaner. I should be able to actually be over 500 hp with this set up. I like the look of the Comp cams XFI series cams. The AOD will handle the power, after I rebuild it, and it will get a 2000 RPM stall converter. The nice thing about EFI, is that even if you go big on the cam, you can still make it streetable through PCM programming. Now, I was leaning towards a budget build, but for what I want, that just isn't a realistic thought. Since the donor block, and tranny I have only cost me a little time on my day off, it won't be any real loss if I don't use all of the stuff. I will, however, hang onto all the parts I don't use, as they may prove useful down the road.

 

That's probably a good decision overall. I'd suggest you consider going to a 351 based motor though for reliability, you'll be pushing the limits of the stock 5.0 block at the 500hp level.

 

Good luck with that engine, with the economy the way it is, folks will really appreciate your business.

"P.S. The explorer motor got GT40 heads starting in '96, halfway through '97 they were switched to the GT40p version."

For what it's worth at this point, I left the "P" out, thinking that was the only gt head put into the Explorer....but knew that the knowledge base here would clear it up in short order. Thanks.

Yeah, hang onto those parts...here in Carolina they are hard to find, and demand a premium when you do find.

Happy 2010 to all....I pledge to work even more hours at my business...since the alternative is complete and total financial ruin!

 

My friend who installed a set of GT40P heads into his classic Mustang kept burning the plug boots on the headers. The driver's side got it the worst. He tried a different set of headers with smaller primaries, but the boots still got burned. He eventually got some plug wires with metal shield around the boots, and they survived, so far.

In any case, these heads will require special attention to the headers or spark plug wires due to the spark plug angle. That's probably why they were so cheap; I think my friend paid less than $500 for a pair, ready to install.

 

After going over more info, the picture is getting more clear. Well, let me clarify, this is NOT a Ford truck, it is a Ford Falcon. I have been an active FTE member since 2004, so I came to my trusty FTE brethren for input. This car came with a donor car. The donor car was a 3 on the tree car, so the plans have changed slightly, again. I will be going with a T-5, instead of the AOD. I will be using the 5.0 roller short block, and am still undecided on a 347 Stroker base. I think I should just say to heck with it, and go for the Stroker. I opted against the 205 AFR heads, and instead, will do the 185 AFR heads. They have a 58cc combustion chamber, and with the flat top pistons, I will have to run premium unleaded. The EFI is going to be the FAST dual quad set up, and will go onto an Edelbrock low rise dual quad manifold. The Falcons, and Mustangs shared a lot of parts back then, so I will be able to use some Mustang performance parts, including an aftermarket bottom feed fuel tank. Our shop, where I work, uses JW Rod Garage for mail order MII based IFS kits. I will be using a 4 link rear suspension, with Shock Wave air struts, and Shock Wave front air struts. It will be lowered only slightly, so as to achieve the "Muscle Car" look. The goal in the engine bay, is to represent a classic "Cobra" engine in appearance. The end result, with a Comp Cams cam and lifter set, and push rods, and roller pedestal mount 1.7 ratio rockers, should be some where close to , or even a bit above 500 HP. It will stay naturally aspirated. The 5.0 block will get a main girdle, and also a lifter valley reinforcment kit. It should handle the 500 HP with out any troubles, since it's basically just the block I'm going to use. The front will be dressed with one of those Tru-Trac serpentine kits, no A/C, with PS. There is a factory looking shifter available for the T-5, that is styled like the old "T" handle shifters. I am going to go with either 16, or 17" tires, but probably 16's. It will get a 9" with 3.73 gears, and a locker. I want it to resemble a "could have been" styled performance package, kind of like the Falcon Sprint, but better, and way more powerful. Kind of like Shelby Cobra, meets Falcon type of thing. Since I don't have a shop yet for my '54 F-750, I have to focus my attention indoors (too cold to play Ford trucks right now). I am budgeting $5,000 for the truck, since it's almost done, and $10,000 on the car. I have the knowledge, and experience to build the car entirely by myself, except for boring the block, so I will be able to keep at or below the budget roof.