So I was going threw the local New Brunswick forum there this morning and noticed one of the members is selling a 302. Here are some specs on it.

It was recently polled out of a 96 Ford Bronco
Has been stripped down to the bear block and then rebuilt,
Comes with a E303 cam
" " " M.A.F
" " " E.C.M
the heads have been stripped and then rebuilt as well. All new seals the whole works. Degreased and repainted.
Here are some pics of it out of the engine.











I know that this is going to be no were near a plug and play aplication becasue it did not come out of a exploder. But with a $300 price tag it is kind of hard to pass. Seeing as how the cam alone is $200. So I am open to any and all ideas on this possible purchase/mod. Also if you could post, what would be the best way to do this seeing as how it is not comeing out of a exploder. I.E what trany, transfercase ( altho I have np 205 sitting on the garage floor right now.) how to run the wireing, stuff like that. If I do go with this I think I might just get Painless wireing kit and run from there.But like I said I would appretiate any and all ideas.


Cheers
Chris

 

do it. do it now. look at it this way... even if you dont install it, part it out and make some money back if not more...

 

Here is a link that should help you out. Swapping An Explorer 5.0L In To A 1998-Up Ranger

IMP....I say do it. I'm in the middle of a 5.8 swap in my 97 and its from a F-150.

 

If they're the stock heads they're E6's (which aren't worth upgrading/porting) which suck for performance, the E303 isn't a great cam for a truck, especially if you plan on towing/using it as a truck, and if it's the stock intake setup, it most likely won't even clear your hood. You'll need a "H.O." ECU and harness(es) if it's still the stock Bronco 302/5.0, and a Ranger-compatible oil-pan (depending on year of your truck which isn't shown).

IMO, I'd suggest looking for an low-KM Explorer or if not Expo, a Mustang H.O., because by the sounds of it you won't be wanting to spend enough to make a stock non-HO 5.0 up to the H.O./Expo power ratings/compatibility.

Example) I'm selling a complete 110,000km 92' Mustang H.O. long-block for $400 with a mild Crane cam and full wiring harness + extras (in Saskatchewan though) which is about going price over here, so it's all about finding a good deal.

 

As far as i know he is selling it as you see it in the pics. So I am going to half to buy a intake for it. He is also selling it with the stock cam, in a box not in stalled. If the stock heads are crap, what would you suggest for heads. Will most of the aftermarket heads work as long as I dont go retardely high.


And if i did get this engine it would be going in to a 02 FX4.Not any time soon. I would want to build it up a bit, my Thoughts were maybe do the following to it,

Slightly bigger pistons
Maybe....maybe,,,,,maybe strock it
A set of Edelbrock Performer heads, maybe E-street. Not sure really just something better then stock. i would need to research that.
cold air intake

As for a cam i would be open to suggestions.

Thats about it for what I would do to the engine if I get it.

So I am not going to cheap out and not build this thing up. If I am going to do it I will do it right (Not trying to be rude just sayin ). But even if i get this will the Explorer wireing harness plug in to it even tho it is out of a Bronco. Or will the engine only care that it is a 302.

 

Its a decent deal but it feels more like your interested because someone waved it in front of you, rather than it being what you want and need for your application. As for your questions any aftermarket heads should fit right on. If your looking for a low buck head check out the GT40 or GT40P heads. They came on the cobra mustang and the explorer 302's. Has larger valves than the E6's and higher flow. As for swapping in larger pistons to the above motor, that seems a bit foolish to me if it was just rebuilt. You wouldn't really gain anything by boring out the cylidners, mayb 4 cubic inches of displacement? As for the cam that would be the last thing I would be selecting. You really want to know what heads and intake your running as well as the motors power goals and designed usage. There are many things that affect selecting a cam.

 

For this application or as the basis for any other 98+ Ranger 302, the 99~2001 Explorer engine is a far better choice than the 5.0L Bronco.

The 5.0L Ex has better heads, intake manifold and throttle body. The engine control is 104 pin EEC-V and OBDII just like the Ranger and the 99~01 Ex returnless fuel system is compatible too.

Most importantly, several engine parts were created specifically for the 2nd generation Ex engine bay - virtually identical to the engine bay of the 98+ torsion bar Ranger. This includes the compact oil pan, water pump, accessory drive and exhaust manifolds that were not available on any other 302. The unique 5.0L Ex engine plates and engine mounts bolt directly into the torsion bar Ranger frame.

Any 302 swap will need a compatible V8 transmission and a 4x4 would need a full size transfer case or an adapter for the Ranger's 1354. Driveshaft lengths would likely need to be adjusted.

For a 99~01 Ex engine in a 2002 Ranger, the PATS feature would need to be turned off in software or have some parts transplanted from the donor Ex to make it operational.

There have been many other threads that discuss this type of swap. Check my signature for a link to my 5.0L FX4 build thread.

 

Hmmm I think your right Rob. After reading Bob's thread on his swap I think this is more then I can chew right now.

 

Not that my opinion is needed, ref Bob’s above, but don’t buy it with the idea of parting it out, not knowing you but that almost never happens.
No mention of mileage, how the vehicle was driven, what it sounds like; could be all kinds of problems.
The first picture show a rusted engine, did they just blow some paint on it or take things apart and clean it up right ?
Too many IF’s for me.
Also, what else do you need to run down for parts for the overall package to operate in your vehicle ?
Buy a complete package from later model Ex and start off right.

Just thought of something, Ford’s Oil Pans and Valve Cover like to rust out from the inside out, is that a new Oil Pan ?

 

Ya I think I am going to keep a eye out for a Expo and go that route. much easier.

 

That’s my approach too.
I am looking also for an upgrade to my 03 EDGE.

 

So I noticed again today that the guy selling this engine dropped the price again. He is now selling it for $250. I know it would be a pain to get it to run in the truck but At this price I think it is almost to good to pass up. Let me know what you guys think. Also just for conversation sake. What should i get as a upper intake to fit under the hood. Will a mustang intake work ? might sound like a stupid question but i am just trying to think of a lower style intake.

 

Offer him 200. If hes lowering the price and its been for sale that long he's probably willing to bargain. As for the intake it normally has to be matched to the lower for the ports to line up. I'm not very firmiliar with the bronco's intake to say what it will fit with. A mustang intake is decent, but an explorer intake is better. The GT40 intake (explorer) with a little port work is worth decent numbers compared to a mustang HO's intake. Both should fit under the hood just fine depending which motor mounts you use.

 

I take it then that explorer motor mounts are smaller then those on a full size bronco/F150.

 

i'm not sure. I just know that the different swap motor mounts out there all mount the motor slightly different. Some Higher some lower. Usually their aren't any clearanace issues with the hood that I have read.

 

Ok. Now if i went out and bought a complete upper and lower intake would i have problems with the holes in the block not lineing up.

 

According to a friend who's a 5.0 expert, there is no Mustang upper that will match up to the 5.0 EFI truck lower. If necessary, you can verify that with a simple gasket check.

Obviously, a stock 90's 5.0L upper manifold and dual butterfly throttle body from an E/F/B truck should bolt right on. Ought to be a dime a dozen at a junkyard. These are taller than the Mustang/Explorer but might still fit under the tall 2002 powerdome hood.


I know that the $250 price is tempting but there will be several problems with that 302 in a 98+ Ranger 4x4. Clearance of oil pan, oil filter and front dress for starters. Then add the fuel system and electrical differences. I paid $300 for a much more complete 99~01 Explorer 302 which is a near bolt-in by comparison.

Keep in mind that the swap will likely cost you several times the price of the engine before you're finished. IMHO, saving $50 or whatever on the Bronco 302 won't mean much compared to the hassles involved.