4.0 OHV vs. SOHC

[RonSerling]

Hi all,
Just looking for some information here as I am contemplating swapping out my 4.0 OHV for a SOHC motor if it makes sense. I have been looking around for any articles on swaps, which seems pretty easy, and engine mods. I am also looking to get some opinions on the SOHC as to what anyones point of view is on the motor. Like I said just starting to do some research on this as it may be a near future possibility for me as I have a 02 SOHC with computer for a great price and my OHV now has almost 400K miles on it. Any info or links would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[rangerenthiusiast]

Don’t know a great deal about it, but here’s the wiki entry:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Cologne_V6_engine

According to what they have listed, there should be about a 50 HP boost.

 

[RonD]

1997 to 2003 4.0l SOHC engines fall into the timing chain problem area.
So if it hasn't been done already, change the cassettes(chains and guides) and tensioners while engine is out.

OHV and SOHC use same motor mounts and same transmission bell housing pattern, so they are plug and play in that respect.

Things to check
1998 and up Rangers use Returnless fuel system with 60psi fuel pressure, so '02 computer and injectors need that.
1997 and older Rangers used Return system with 30psi fuel pressure, so if your Ranger is 1997 or older, you may need newer fuel pump.

'02 4.0l transmission will be a 5R55E, and that is what the computer expects to see if you use an automatic, 1997 an older Rangers didn't use the 5R
If manual then both will be an M5OD-R1 so all is well

Speed sensor "may" be an issue, the '02 computer will want trans or transfer case output shaft VSS sensor, 1998 -2000 Ranger didn't have that

 

[aspevacek]

1997 to 2003 4.0l SOHC engines fall into the timing chain problem area.
So if it hasn't been done already, change the cassettes(chains and guides) and tensioners while engine is out.

OHV and SOHC use same motor mounts and same transmission bell housing pattern, so they are plug and play in that respect.

Things to check
1998 and up Rangers use Returnless fuel system with 60psi fuel pressure, so '02 computer and injectors need that.
1997 and older Rangers used Return system with 30psi fuel pressure, so if your Ranger is 1997 or older, you may need newer fuel pump.

'02 4.0l transmission will be a 5R55E, and that is what the computer expects to see if you use an automatic, 1997 an older Rangers didn't use the 5R
If manual then both will be an M5OD-R1 so all is well

Speed sensor "may" be an issue, the '02 computer will want trans or transfer case output shaft VSS sensor, 1998 -2000 Ranger didn't have that

My 97 Has a 5R55E in it. Even has some update shit and the pan replaced back in 99 while it was at the ford dealer for a transfer case leak. to this day the sticker from what ever they did is still on the pan. Just putting that out there.

 

[adsm08]

The SOHC is a very wide engine. In anything older than 95 it will require major modifications to the air box. As in be prepared to loose all function from the HVAC system.

 

[bobbywalter]

theres room to trim and plate and still fit it in there.


the new style hvac swap requires firewall mods.


not fun but doable with the engine out

 

[Truckedup]

I'm no expert on anything...but...I have a 09 Ranger 4.0 5 speed...it certainly runs well enough but if the SOHC a struggle to fit ,the performance over an OHV 4.0 isn't worth the struggle unless you plan to extract more power from it...And of course you can modify the OHV 4.0....Or swap in a 302 or whatever...

 

[Will]

It's a 50hp boost right off the bat. Very noticable--I drove a 2000 Exploder Sport 5-speed when I had a 4.0 in B2 and the Explorer made me grin. Its not much different right off idle to 3000ish, but the pushrod motor has no legs.

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah, 4.0 ohv lays down at 4k


but its good from idle to 4 k.

not sure i would swap to a cammer over a good running ohv in a ttb chassis though.

firmly a ls swap at that point.

 

[adsm08]

yeah, 4.0 ohv lays down at 4k


but its good from idle to 4 k.

not sure i would swap to a cammer over a good running ohv in a ttb chassis though.

firmly a ls swap at that point.

Eh, in a 95+ it would be largely bolt in. PS pressure line and maybe some fuel connections are all that wouldn't match up vs an ohv. It's only how far the VC sticks into the air box on the old firewall that is a problem.