Motor swap
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Motor swap
I'm looking to swap a '98 Explorer 5.0L motor into a '91
full size Bronco. Does the Explorer motor have a roller cam and GTP40 heads? Anyone ever done a similar swap. I'm thinking
this may be a good upgrade for the blown motor in my '91.
Any comments appreciated.
Fordmech
full size Bronco. Does the Explorer motor have a roller cam and GTP40 heads? Anyone ever done a similar swap. I'm thinking
this may be a good upgrade for the blown motor in my '91.
Any comments appreciated.
Fordmech
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Motor swap
Yes the Explorer engine is roller and has the GT-40P heads. All the mid '97 and up Explorers that came with the 5.0 had GT-40P heads, and a different EGR system than the '96 and early '97. They had regular GT-40 heads and an internal EGR setup.
One thing I would recommend changing in the engine is the cam. Maybe go with an E-303 or equivelant. The Explorer setups were rated at 210hp, but are capable of doing much better with just a couple of changes. I would also get a set of headers for them also, as the stock headers were very stifled and restrictive.
You should not have any problems making the swap if you get the entire engine including the wiring harness and PCM. If you do, I think the only prblem you could run into is if you try to use a 5 speed tranny. All 302's in Explorers came with automatics, and they were controlled through the PCM. It will not support a manual.
Hope this helps!!! :X22
One thing I would recommend changing in the engine is the cam. Maybe go with an E-303 or equivelant. The Explorer setups were rated at 210hp, but are capable of doing much better with just a couple of changes. I would also get a set of headers for them also, as the stock headers were very stifled and restrictive.
You should not have any problems making the swap if you get the entire engine including the wiring harness and PCM. If you do, I think the only prblem you could run into is if you try to use a 5 speed tranny. All 302's in Explorers came with automatics, and they were controlled through the PCM. It will not support a manual.
Hope this helps!!! :X22
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Motor swap
You should not have any problems making the swap if you get the entire engine including the wiring harness and PCM. If you do, I think the only prblem you could run into is if you try to use a 5 speed tranny. All 302's in Explorers came with automatics, and they were controlled through the PCM. It will not support a manual.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
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From: Fort Smith
Motor swap
You can use the Mustang PCM, and I think the Explorer harness will work (don't know for sure 
). The only person I know of that is using a Mustang is a guy that goes by Troll, but he did it because of the ignition:
Speedfreak.cc
He is pushing a little over 500hp in a 347 stroker in his X. But i know he is still running and automatic. You shouldn't have any problems once you do that, the only problem might be where the shifter comes up through the floor...
This is the route I have thought of for a year or so. I have not decided if I am going to try to go with a manual or just leave the auto in. Got a few more miles left before the new engine goes in, so I've still got some time to debate...
). The only person I know of that is using a Mustang is a guy that goes by Troll, but he did it because of the ignition:Speedfreak.cc
He is pushing a little over 500hp in a 347 stroker in his X. But i know he is still running and automatic. You shouldn't have any problems once you do that, the only problem might be where the shifter comes up through the floor...
This is the route I have thought of for a year or so. I have not decided if I am going to try to go with a manual or just leave the auto in. Got a few more miles left before the new engine goes in, so I've still got some time to debate...
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Motor swap
Yea, I know all about Troll. Someday I'm hoping to push about the same power as he is. As for the floor shifter, X's in the U.K. come with one (automatics), and I believe ours have the hole under the center console, but don't quote me on that. If it is there, I would think that the hardest part would be running the linkage for the clutch pedal.
Someday I'm hoping to push about the same power as he is. As for the floor shifter, X's in the U.K. come with one (automatics), and I believe ours have the hole under the center console, but don't quote me on that. If it is there, I would think that the hardest part would be running the linkage for the clutch pedal.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 111
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From: Madison, AL
Motor swap
I'm thinking about doing something similar to what FordMech had in mind, only I want to crank up an existing 5.8L instead of swapping an 5.0L. This means I can't use the GT-40P heads because I need the internal EGR. So I'm limited to heads from '96 and early '97, right? Also, I've got an E40D trans, which is controlled through the PCM -- do any Explorers come with those? I want to get rid of the Speed Density PCM while I'm at it, if possible, so I need to find a PCM that controls the tranny. My other option is to find a Lightning in a scrap yard that has all the goodies, but that's hard to do.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Motor swap
Ford racing catalog shows a convesion kit for 351 lightnining that has a wiring harness that uses 2 computers. One for the engine and one for the tranny.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 111
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From: Madison, AL
Motor swap
I've got that catalog!! What page were you looking at? The Mass Air Lightning kit I saw only had one PCM, and it had a bunch of stuff I don't need (like 30lb injectors). It also costs a small fortune.
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Brett Foote
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Motor swap
Page 103. Kit comes with the engine ecu and you supply the stock one to shift the tranny. Look at harness. It has 2 connection blocks. Easier to do like Steve83 says and use comp, harness that matches engine. (96+351w/EOD?) Expl 5.0 has shortenned timing cover/water pump and accessory brackets to clear radiator. Also has oil filter relocator (not a remote), Forward pointing TB to clear ac fittings.