Engine Advice

[Word to your Mom]

My son has recently asked me (his old mother) if you can put a 5 litre mustang engine into 1996 Ford Explorer. I was silent for a few moments trying to digest this request as I have no mechanical background other than upkeep of my vehicles. But not wanting to let him down and burst his bubble with regards to his mothers knowledge....I said, I'll try and find out. So Please, if any any of you know, let this old lady know so I can pass on your knowledge to my son.

Thanks Hey,
Mom

[shnormo05]

If your explorer has a V-8 in it and it's 5.0L it's a 302 C.I.D it has the same block as the Mustang. As long as you can get your hands on a transmission and mounting brackets and ignition to go along with your V-8 it's perfectly doable and it will work. Go to an online supplier such as http://www.Jegs.com . They have a V-8 conversion for Ford Explorers and Rangers. The 5.7L V-8 is a 351W block and is a step up... that would fit in there too but more modification and fabrication would be necissary. You'd also need to upgrade your fuel pump and possibly change ur radiator.

[NoXferCase]

Originally Posted by Word to your Mom

...if you can put a 5 litre mustang engine into 1996 Ford Explorer.

One of the "trick" things to do to a Mustang (I've heard) is to convert to Explorer heads. Now, I'm really not trying to be a smart-aleck here, but this begs a question. If we've already got the Explorer heads, why do we want the Mustang block?

{I know, I know. It's the same block, but potentially a different crank, cam, etc.}

I guess what I'm REALLY wondering is, if you decide to do this shouldn't you keep your "old" Explorer heads and put them on the new engine???

[shnormo05]

Mustangs have higher performance heads. You would need new headers if you put the mustang heads onto the explorer. I'm not sure if there is a difference in the heads. From my knowledge there is a different cam shaft and different timing. It has the same firing order. I haven't personally done the mod, but my friend has and i had helped him but i don't know ALL the specs.