I have a couple of questions.

1) Are the heads on the Explorer different than other 5.0Ls ?

2) Are there any other headers than the Torque Monsters ?

Ok more than a couple.

3) Why can’t you use another type of header ?

4) if you aren’t using Explorer Heads, say Trick Flow instead, can you use another type of header ?

My ’88-5.0L Ranger was a lot easier than the new ones.
I have a built 5.0L Long Rod w/Trick Flow Heads and was wondering if I can use it instead of an Explorer engine ?

 

3) I believe its because of clearence..

Also about using your motor. It depends on state laws i know in some places the motor must be out of the year of your truck or newer.

 

Agreed, I think Torque Monsters are used because the fit in Rangers the best.

 

The motor is brand new, SVO Block, new steel crank and aftr mkt rods and pistons to compensate for the longer stock stroke rods.
so there is no year attached to it, wonder what year I will call it.

So the older V-8 Swap header won’t work because of clearance ?
That $uck$ !

 

Torque Monster, the old FRPP, or custom are your only options. WAY tight package around the frame, steering, HVAC, etc..

 

96~97 1/4 Ex 5.0 used GT-40 heads as used on the 93~95 Mustang Cobra.
97 1/4~2001 Ex 5.0 used GT-40P heads.

Overall, the GT-40P's are similar to the GT-40's. The P's were more emission friendly with reangled plugs, slightly reconfigured ports, slightly smaller exhaust valves and higher compression. Which is better is a matter of opinion. Either is about as good as you can get in a production 5.0 head.

Factory Explorer manifolds (highly restrictive) and Ford Motorsport tube manifolds (only a little better). If you want anything that resembles a real header, the TM's are the only game in town.


Nothing else is a direct fit in the 98+ Ranger engine compartment, especially if it is a torsion bar model.

Same problem with engine compartment fit.

You can use any 302 but you may have to fight clearance problems. Ford built a bunch of special parts to adapt the 5.0 to the cramped Gen 2 Explorer engine compartment - a dead ringer for the 98+ torsion bar Ranger's. This includes special engine mounts and plates, a much more compact front end accessory drive and an oil pan contoured to clear the frame, diff and driveshaft. When I did my swap, all of that stuff was a bolt in.

These Explorer-specific 5.0 parts will bolt on to any most any 302 but the accessory drive is set up for 34/50 ounce imbalance. Earlier stock and many aftermarket cranks, especially strokers, use 28.2 ounce imbalance. So, depending on the engine used, it's possible that you'd have to work around that if you decided to use the Explorer's FEAD.

 

Wow a lot of info, thanks.
what was the last year or should I say best Explorer/Mounty year for the V-8 engine ?

My Ranger is an 03, will I have to have any special year to get all of the electronics ?

Sorry for the question and I could search I know but it is good having it all in one thread to copy out.

Thanks

 

IMO, a 99~2001 Ex 5.0 is the absolute best swap donor for your 2003. The fuel system is plug and play and much of the wiring is compatible. It would still require some rewiring though. The most difficult involves transplanting the Explorer PATS and reconfiguring the vehicle speed sensor circuit.

The Ex engine/PCM was set up for a 4R70W automatic, an excellent transmission in the 99~01 years. Aftermarket adapters ($$$) are available for the stock Ranger 1354 transfer case or a full size case can be adapted. If you want to keep a manual transmission and 4WD, it will add another dimension to the complexity of any 302 swap.

Be sure to check your state laws about engine swaps. Many states require an engine that is of the same year or newer than the vehicle year.

1998+ 5.0L Ranger swap discussion:
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=170886

2001~2003 5.0L Ranger wiring guide:
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=186450

My 2003 swap in progress:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=44326
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=46004

BW4406 swap into 5.0 Explorer:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=166726

 

Bob, thanks…
My engine as stated was built bot bought, so the year is anyones guess
You said the best year, maybe I should have asked “What is the easiest year to install” ?
Is there a year Ex/Mty that has a pin for pin swap ?
Thanks

 

The 99~01 is by far the easiest but still requires some rework as noted.

 

Thanks Bob and all for the info, i got the idea.
I will start gathering parts for that too.
I am a little slow to get things going so it will be a while unless the OEM engine gives me trouble.
ltr,