4.0L SOHC build for power?

[dashhho]

A local guy has a 2006 ranger with a 4.0L SOHC that runs quite well and has ~200k kms. The truck got T-boned near the rear axle and he's looking to sell it for parts/salvage.

I found lots of info on building the 4.0L OHVs for power. What can one expect from the SOHC? I'd likely go through the entire engine as I have time and some local help.

My other option is a V8 swap but at this point its probably above my skill level - maybe the next one!

 

[dashhho]

From what I can tell the most cost effective option might be a turbo setup...

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

cams and headwork can be done to help out, or a super charger can be added. http://www.moranav6racing.com is gonna have everything you needfor either option

 

[RonD]

302/5.0l V8 would be better base to build on, in my opinion

The 4.0l SOHC would be fine to use as is, replace the 2 long chain tensioners, always
Ford pushed this engine a bit to get the 207 horse power rating, pushing it more would knock down its reliability
If you were limited by 4 liter displacement in a racing class then 4.0l SOHC would be a good starting point, but for street use, it would be a weekend warrior class if modified, not a daily driver

Even a mild build 302 would eclipse a 4.0l build and be reliable
More and cheaper performance parts as well
and
"there is no replacement for displacement"

 

[dashhho]

302/5.0l V8 would be better base to build on, in my opinion

The 4.0l SOHC would be fine to use as is, replace the 2 long chain tensioners, always
Ford pushed this engine a bit to get the 207 horse power rating, pushing it more would knock down its reliability
If you were limited by 4 liter displacement in a racing class then 4.0l SOHC would be a good starting point, but for street use, it would be a weekend warrior class if modified, not a daily driver

Even a mild build 302 would eclipse a 4.0l build and be reliable
More and cheaper performance parts as well
and
"there is no replacement for displacement"

Would you still recommend replacing the tensioners on a 05 or 06 SOHC? From what I read its mainly the earlier models that have the issue?

I've been searching for a 5.0L v8 from an explorer of similar year but it seems like there are not many around my area. It looks like the parts for the V6 are incredibly expensive and you'd be building a niche engine.

 

[RonD]

Explorers only had the 5.0l V8 from 1996 to 2001, those are the years used for Ranger swaps

Yes, I would replace the 2 long chain tensioners every 100k miles just as general service, like changing oil or trans fluid
The downside it just too far down in my opinion, i.e. you won't know there is a problem until you hear the rattle, and at that point the damage is done, a guide is broken, engine will have to come out
So there are no "warning signs"
And 100k miles is usually 8 years or so, Motorcraft parts cost $100-$130, only use Motorcraft for these
So at $16 year its cheap insurance in my opinion

And it you get a 4.0l SOHC engine or vehicle without papers showing when and what kind of tensioners were used, then just change them and you are set for 8 more years

 

[gaz]

dashhho,

Though I don't know what you want to swap into, I agree regardless with RonD, the v8 swap is the way to go for non-stock POWER.

If swapping a 5.0, is above your skill level then rebuilding a OHC 4.0l is not a sound move.

The Ford 5.0 and 302 came in other vehicles than Explorers

 

[Dirtman]

*cough*

Engines is goes vroom.

*cough*

 

[DILLARD000]

^^^^Ditto on RonD's comments above.
Change those 2 OilPressurized TimingTensioners every 100kMiles in the V6~4.0~SOHC,
along with being OCD about Engine Oil+Filter & Tranny ATF+Filter changes.
Details on the Tensioners at

Engine Oil Pressurized TimingTensioners

As of this 2020 writing, I'm just dumb lucky, not having had any TimingChain component failure with this 20yr old V6-4.0L~SOHC engine; only issue noticed is momentary rattling during very cold morning starts. The recent removal of the lower Oil Pan & Pump Screen was clean, without any...

2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com

 

[don4331]

Modd box supercharger. https://modd.me/

Simplest, cheapest, most reliable way to get from 200 to 300 hp in a Ranger, largely because all the experimentation has been done for you. Also, note a 5.0 burns V-8 fuel amounts to warm up in January. A 4.0 SoHC only burns V-6 fuel quatities.

Yes, if you're lucky, you can do a Explorer 5.0 for <$2k Cdn*, but note the Explorer 5.0 only has 210hp and it and the 4R70W weigh a LOT more than the 4.0 SOHC/5R55E. The 5.0 certainly can be built for more power, but that eats into/exceeds the cost of supercharger.

*Odds of getting an Explorer with <200 Mm, especially at cost that you would want to use it in swap is getting slim these days. And rebuilding the 5.0/4R70W before installing adds a lot of cost.

Changing the cam synchros in 4.0 Sohc if you have engine out, just seems like smart thing to do. Better than having to pull motor again to do it 3 weeks later.

I did the V-8 upgrade more because it was on my bucket list, than because it was best power solution for Ranger (And I should have done a 2.0 Ecoboost, but hindsight is 20/20).