I still want this truck to be a daily driver tho. But a 351 would be the cats ***.

 

idk im doin an sohc swap from the ohv and moddin it just a lil bit lookin for about 235hp and 250tq, with a 3000-5000rpm powerband that imo is a good upgrade from 160hp and 225tq that is if none of the lil things i have now dont add a lil bit and all for around $2300 and all the stuff im getting has less than 2000 miles on it

 

Do me a favor and keep me posted on what you are doing to you V6. I might be following suit.

 

sure but i mean it isnt going to happen for a month or two tryin to save up enough bucks lol

 

Ya thats cool I just want to see what your doing thats all

 

Why? so you have 10 grand in a motor? Why? It will always be a V6, and it reaches a limit very quickly. What you are describing will make no low end power. And I highly doubt you will end up with better MPGs. A 351 is doable, but you will need to remove the AC box because it wont clear the valve cover. Also, you will not be able to run the explorer computer and wiring harness, so you will have to do a lot of wiring to make something from an F-150 work. I still say the 302 or stroked 302 is the way to go. If you are going to go through the trouble of putting in a 351, you might as well drop in a 5.4 from a new Shelby, it wouldn't be much harder lol.

 

I'd spend about $4k and drop in a supercharger. Your back on the road after a weekend with no major problems to deal with.

Thats assuming your engine is in decent shape.

 

IMO, V8 swap if you want simplicity (to a degree), OEM reliability (depending on mods) and decent MPG (a stock or bolt-on 302 if well driven can see exceptionally good MPG).

The modded V6 would be cool for originality. A modded V6 could have some more unforeseen issues (do to the lower amount of aftermarket support, in comparison) and higher cost (again, depending on applied mods).

I would still scrap my 5.0 project for a built and charged 4.0 for the rarity. Seems the 5.0 swap has become as common as a body lift in the past 2 years

 

Yes, it is common because you get the most bang for your buck with it. You can pick up an explorer 302 from most any pick and pull or pull a part for a really good price, and it is basically a bolt in swap. And like you mentioned, aftermarket support for the 302 is a million times better than for the 4.0 SOHC. Also, because of this, 302 mods are A LOT cheaper. The supercharged 4.0 would make more HP than a stock explorer 5.0, but the torque would still be less. If you plan to tow or daily drive, it seems the 5.0 is the way to go (possibly why it has become so popular). However, if you want to go out and Jump sand dunes all summer long, fuel mileage and bottom end torque isn't an issue, and you like the sound of a blower, then the Supercharged 4.0 is the way to go. My only thing is; look at Zach Beard, he has a blown 4.0, and its coming out because "it makes power in the wrong areas." He wants more bottom end, so thats why its getting the 5.4L DOHC.