Just wanted to get some feedback on my budget project.
Truck = 98 std cab, blown 4cyl,strait body for the most part cost: Free from friend
Engine= 92 5.0l multi-port FI H.O. motor stock 30k mile since re-build cost: Free (complete engine w/ harness,accessories,computer)
Trans= Automatic still bolted to 5.0 : Free

Still need 8.8 rear end, exploder v-8 radiator, mounts ordered from summit allready, pusher fans, and headers.

Has anyone used 5.0l exploder factory exhaust manifolds?
How bad is the wiring going to be between the 92 harness and 98 body harness? (If at all) {All gauges will be replaced by autometers}

I've checked into a few swaps and dont plan to do a body lift for clearence, looking to go lower 2/4. Need ideas on how to get it to hook up. Traction bars,aftermarket rear sway bars, I've never set up a high HP small truck for cornering, 60ft times.

Engine mods I'm covered, last 5.0 was a 92 notchback std running 12.3 motor only....thats fast enough...for the moment.

Truck will be a DD maybe minor track duty, wont haul more than my yamaha/harley...a/c isnt a must have, neither is fuel mileage.

p.s I didnt realize a 2.5l head could crack in soo many places...between intake/exhaust valves on every cylinder and twice to the cooling jackets

 

Explorer manifolds kinda suck.

Being that you have the older head from the mustang you should have far more choices in headers than stock explorer crap.

 

You have a pretty good start. The wiring for the 92 harness isn't bad at all. TRS has all of the wiring diagrams. The only thing i'm not a fan of is the stock AOD trans...

 

Only three:

Stock Explorer - restrictive
FRPP Explorer headers - slightly better than stock.
Torque Monster Headers - Best but expensive.

 

They don't 'kinda' suck, they suck to the brazillionth power.

 

advance list a conversion manifold on summit racing's site but ranger year models are excluded from what I can see...look like decent headers start around 250$ Do any of them work with a 98 body.
2.5l is out and dissasembled net weekend Im going to try to get the 302 pulled and I mis-spoke earlier, buddy informed me its a truck engine not an H.O. soon as I get an exact year I'll post the info, just not sure how well the heads flow, factory cam profiles...etc gunna look into some heads and e303 cam at swap meet. Truck intake manifold flow ok? For now. Rather have trick flow but I want to get it on the road first. Sorry about the bad engine info, just found out today.

**edit** allmost forgot tell say those torque monster headers are pimp rwenzing

 

IMO for a DD I'd go with a 3.31 or 3.55 rear gear and a 2500 stall. That way you could have your cake and eat it too. (good 60fts and good mpg) It'll also make it easier to launch.

Rich