5 speed, V-8 Explorer Sport build

[dasfinc]

Yay new build thread for kicks and giggles in general because it's not a ranger build.

With my 1998 ford ranger having finally been scrapped, I now need a new home for my Supercharged 5.0, so here is the start of my build thread for my new platform!

Ordering my first pile of new parts:

For this:

To go into this:

Engine:
GT-40P Headed 5.0 V-8 from a 1998 ford explorer
M90P Headunit X-Charger at 8PSI
46lb injectors
Walbro 255LPH fuel pump
K+N Panel filter in stock intake
A/C Deleted
ProForm 1.6 Roller Rockers
CompCams Double roller timing chain
CompCams Hydro roller lifters
CompCams K35-349-8 Camshaft *Specs below*

Truck:
1997 Ford Explorer Sport
5 speed/2wd
White on grey
Black Cragar "Soft 8's"

I purchased this truck from its first owners at 106K miles late in 2009. I ended up trading it to a friend in May of 2010. My friend put $1000 into suspension and tires, and then unfortunately bent the shift fork inside the transmission over winter of 2010. I bought it back and had the transmission repaired with a fresh clutch and have been using it as my daily driver since late spring.

Plans:
Buy an M5OD-R2 Transmission to put behind the motor
Torque Monster Headers
SCT and a real tune
Basic fresh coat of paint.

Goals:
13.XX my first time out with it, I'd like to snag a 13.5 or better on my regular wheels, and 350whp/400wtq without nitrous or alky.

The first little piece of the V-8 rangers soul is now on my Explorer (Cragars):

 

[Gotta_gofast]

FREE CANDY! haha I would imagine you should have better weight transfer with the expo than with a ranger. Good luck to ya!

 

[dasfinc]

FREE CANDY! haha I would imagine you should have better weight transfer with the expo than with a ranger. Good luck to ya!

I honestly want to spray it till it pulls tire, A photo of that would be worth replacing the block if I crack it in half.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Actually right now with the white body, black wheels and chrome center caps it looks a lot like a police vehicle.

Maybe start painting certain panels black so people get out of your way.

 

[dasfinc]

Actually right now with the white body, black wheels and chrome center caps it looks a lot like a police vehicle.

Maybe start painting certain panels black so people get out of your way.

The paint on the roof is shot, I was/am thinking about painting that all black... Hmmm

 

[gribly]

I bet that's going to launch really good with some drag radials or something!

 

[ZMan]

explorer=rbv...moved to the build section. Cool project.

 

[RangerSVT]

Which EFI/fuel system are you going to use?? You planning to use the 2001 setup, or something different??
SVT

 

[03ranger30]

I will defiantly be following this.

Any plans to lower it?

 

[dasfinc]

explorer=rbv...moved to the build section. Cool project.

Dunno why I didn't consider putting it there... Thank you!

Which EFI/fuel system are you going to use?? You planning to use the 2001 setup, or something different??
SVT

My ranger used an 01 Fuel/ECU setup from an explorer, I will be using a 96/97 setup on the explorer (Different CPS, Return style fueling, different ECU, and wiring obviously). I've learned my lesson with the ranger, and will be going with wiring as close to OEM as possible, anything else becomes a HUGE bitch.

I will defiantly be following this.

Any plans to lower it?

I'm torn between going up or down. Explorer Express's 1 and 3/8ths drop is like $800, which is very mild for a lot of money, but increases the handling quite a bit. Drops more aggressive than that alter stock geometry and really **** the ride quality from what I've been reading. I'm seeing I can do a "Spindle Lift" for Sub $400 since my trucks a 2wd, which would look pretty sexy with some larger/more aggressive tires on my black Cragars, and keep stock suspension components/geometry all around... I have all the time in the world to decide since the suspension/tires/rims don't need any replacing or maintenance right now.

 

[flamingx]

Explorer Express's 1 and 3/8ths drop is like $800, which is very mild for a lot of money, but increases the handling quite a bit.

It's a waist of money if you ask me, the kit includes a set of lowering blocks w/U-bolts (4-dr kit) that I bought at the truck acessory shop down the street for $75 and some alignment keys that any alignment shop can sell you for a couple bucks each. Mine didn't even need them when I lowered it. And since you will most likely end up getting your hands on a 5.0 Ex at some point for parts during this build anyway, make sure you get the sway bars and the rear leafs (I find the Sport's mono-leaf is too soft and causes more body roll).

 

[Kage]

Sub'ed. Document the heck out of the 5 gear swap please!

 

[ZMan]

800 for a lowering kit? Thats a ripoff. Crank the bars and get it aligned, its not that big a deal, seen guys go way lower than that for nothing.

 

[RangerSVT]

I need the ECU, harness and sensors, and returnless style fuel rails so I can put my 5.0L into my 02 sport trac...I have my motor from my 89 mustang that I plan to use, so I have an intake and plenum, I would need the sensors as well to replace the dizzy. Would you have all that and would you do a package deal on that??
SVT

 

[03ranger30]

IMO I wouldn't lift it if you are putting that engine in there, keep it low and fast