I was looking into adding a much needed horsepower boost to my 2000 4.0. I have found very few ways to get serious horsepower out of one of these engines.

I was debating swapping in a 5.0 (205hp) from an explorer or getting Morana stage 3 heads for my 4.0 (160hp+ 30hp + bolt-ons already in place).

Swapping heads would be easier and my bolt-on applications would be able to live up to their potential with better flowing heads.

The 5.0 has way better horsepower and torque out of the box, but may be a bear to install.. Along with hidden costs that go into any customized job.

Both ideas are expensive, heads being slightly cheaper.. in time and money spent.

Any opinion on the matter?

 

5.0 with headers

 

If you have the tools and knowledge available I'd go with the 5.0L swap. All kinds of potential to go farther with it after!

 

If you can get your hands on a 99-01 5.0 explorer you will have a major step forward in a swap.

 

I've been looking for either mountaineer's or explorers that are 96-2001. Supposedly these are the easiest to swap in. Few electrical mods, and a trans. spacer to keep the stock transfer case.

Sadly, no good doners so far... I'm gonna keep looking, but wanted to explore the option of beefing up the 4.0 still. The 4.0 would be a little different at very least.. but the name of the game is HP and torque.. which the 5.0 would give me.. just gotta keep my fingers crossed for a solid doner..

 

^ plus you get to throw a 5.0 badge on there if you do the swap

 

96-98 run a return fuel system 99-01 will be better choice as your truck is returnless. It just means you will need to run a return line and swap out the fuel pump. Or get a 99-01 fuel rail and reprogram the computer.

Also the 96-97 run an internal egr head setup and are less desirable.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...er_ranger.html


For the 500-600 bucks the adapter costs I would squeeze in a 1354 case.

 

heads and supercharger for the 4.0 unless you are proficiant with wiring and troubleshooting. the 5.0 swap isnt overly complicated but it does take some creative problem solving and solutions. It is easy to overlook things, get in over your head and have your truck down for way longer than you anticipated. I know I just finished the 5.0 swap in my manger.
I cant judge your level of mechanical skill cause I dont know you but my advice would be do your research on every forum you can and read peoples project logs that have actually done the swap. Anybody else's advice is just them living the project vicariously thru you. lol