98 Explorer Swap/Upgrade Help????

[ytsejam777]

I currently have a 98 Ford Explorer Sport, with a 4.0L SOHC. It has 140k miles on it and runs great. It only needs a new Battery, and a New Muffler.I can easily get a new battery, so no problem there.The muffler is rusted and has a couple holes, its just a matter of time,Since the exhaust is the original I want to swap it out completely, and upgrade the entire exhaust system.Possibly to headers and a complete true dual exhaust.But I am wondering,since it has such high mileage,would It be worth it? Could I swap the engine out for a 5.0L/302? I just want something cheap, it doesnt have to be a new Crate or anything special. Just something with some more power,and pickup. Even a used 5.0 with less mileage would suffice. As the V6 is beginning to show its years.It used to be pretty quick and would get up and go.But now it feels like a 4 cylinder.I have never done complete Tune-up. I have change to Oil,Filters,and simple stuff like that.But never the plugs or Fuel injectors.I think the reason for my interest in speed, is I recently was blessed with winning a (yes,I said WINNING) a New Car!!!In the end I got a 07 Mustang GT/California Special. 4.6L,5 Speed AOD,Dual Exhaust, 3.31 Rear, The Works!! It was an awesome car,and it brought out the teenager in me again, as far as the awesome feeling of adrenaline running through your veins when you stomp on the gas pedal and take off like a rocket and keep going right on up to 130+.Because I am unemployed I had to sell the Mustang and go back to my Explorer. Hence the reason for my questions. I need the Explorer to last me at least another 2 years until I can get a job and get back on my feet.So I need to invest some more money into it,(7 months ago I spent $1100 getting all new brakes on it). So I wouldn't like the money to goto waste. I need help deciding what would be my best,most logical, and cheapest course of action. What do you think I should do? Should I upgrade and get Headers and Dual Exhaust for the V6? Should I Get a Complete Tune-UP and hope for hte Best? Or Should I find a Cheap 302 and swap it out completely? And if I do the Swap, Will it fit the current Tranny? Will I to replace anything along with the engine? Would the Cost of the swap be more than swapping to a New or used/younger 4.0L? Help, Please!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Signed,
Stumped

[rhandwor]

I think it would be cheaper to buy a good used car with a lot lower mileage.
Doing engine swaps always costs about twice you think and the other parts are worn out.

[91blackexplorer]

rhandwor is right . I have been trying to do an engine swap in my 91 Sport for a very long time. there are lots of road blocks,but if you decide to go thru w/it...I'd get a reputable mechanic who is not afraid of the wiring because that is where they seem to have problems. I got a low mileage engine&tranny from a 98 Mountaineer. The frame rails on the earlier X's are more narrow than the ones that came w/v8's. Also,if you do go thru w/it...I now have a set of Stainless,chrome Torque Monter headers (shorties)that were made specific to this actual engine swap. The heads on those Explorers and mountaineers are GT40p's. You CAN NOT use regular 5.0 headers! If interested..contact me. My set is for resale. They were never installed and I still have the box they were shipped in. They are pretty expensive,but well worth it. Look them up on their website.. http://www.torquemonsterheaders.com/