5.0 vs. 4.6??

[bmxryder]

Alright so my tranny is taking a dump on my truck and after seeing my buddy's friend with a 5.0 i cant go without that power, but i also noticed that my brother with an F150 with a Triton 4.6 is pretty badass.

so now the question is:

would a 4.6 fit??
which would be easier to find a good condition?
which would put out more power for the money?
can i keep my radiator in stock mounts with either motor?
is there companys that make motor mounts for either swap?


I may just be getting in over my head but it seems soo worth it.

what are your guys' opinions?

 

[Mac]

A 4.6 can be made to fit but not easy.
5.0's in good shape (unless out of an Explorer) are getting harder to find, last Mustang with one was in '95'.
The 4.6 get expensive when uping the power and a lot more complicated motor.
Lot cheaper to get 350-400hp out of a 5.0
Motor mounts from Mustangs fit the 5.0 swap, do a search. Since you are a welder, some things should be easy.
You didn't mention headers but tough to find for the 4.6, not much of a problem with the 5.0
Just some really quick answers.
Dave

 

[Ozwynn]

5.0L was used in the F150 until 96. Bronco until 96. and you can find them in the occasional F250 until 97 and in the explorer from 95 - 2001.

the 4.6L is physically the size (maybe bigger) of a 460...... it is a monster. I recently had the chance to see a 4.6L from a 2003 F150 sitting next to a 460 from a 95 F350.

 

[badblue]

James duff and a few other sell 5.0 ranger swap things.
The 4.6 i like a lot as far as power it is just a lot of work and you can get a dohc of you what more of a challenge.

 

[Mac]

Don't get me wrong in not liking the 4.6, I got 28 mpg in my stock '05' gt at 70 mph, 300 hp. Have gotten over 22 mpg in my latest one. Just a lot of work to swap one in if all you want is power. Like I said, the 4.6 is a lot more complex. Easest thing is to throw a power adder at it. Wiring would most likely be a real problem. The 5.0 swap has been done so many times now, no problem in getting help to get it to run.
Dave

 

[tpking]

i love the 4.6 heres a writeup http://281ranger.homestead.com/

 

[281Ranger]

In your '95 go with the 5.0. It will be a much easier swap. Don't do a 4.6 swap unless you are dead set on a 4.6.

 

[bmxryder]

So it sounds like it would be hard to find a 95'+ 5.0, and it would be harder to make a 4.6 work in my truck...

Looks like i should be saving for a 5.0 and have some hunting down too. Any suggestions? Is a crate motor worth it? Is it hard to find the wiring?

Thanks for the replies,
Cody

 

[281Ranger]

The '96-'97 Explorers with the 5.0 should be easy to find. They might have some miles on them, but if they've been taken care of that shouldn't matter. My old 5.0 Explorer (daughter has it now) has 210,000 miles on it and it still runs great.

 

[CJREX]

Get the '97 and up Explorer 5.0

They should have the GT40P heads and GT40 intake.

With any Explorer 5.0 you're going to have a distributorless ignition.

So be prepared to either use Explorer computer/harness or if you want to go Mustang electronics you'll need to change out the lower intake manifold and run a distributor.

 

[bmxryder]

So could i just use the motor mounts from the explorer?

And do i have to change the radiator?

 

[Mac]

Explorer motor mounts will not work in your year, use what everyone is using, usually the late '80's conver mounts. Lots just use the HD 4.0 radiator, see you're in Vagas so I bet you would have it. If you are going to convert to the Mustang ignition, wiring and computer just get the latest Explorer in the best shape. Swap the wiring and fuel rails. You will have wiring splicing blending in what ever ingnition system you deside on. 281 Ranger give me a very good heads up a site for parts several years ago for just about anything you need from a JY. Try www.car-part.com
No need to change your lower intake, don't have any idea why. That upper and lower is the same ones used on the '93' Cobra.
Dave

 

[CJREX]

My mistake. Mac is 100% correct.

Upon doing a bit more research I have discovered that the Mustang distributor will drop right in place of the CPS that is on the Explorer intake.

Sorry for dispensing incorrect info

Sheesh. Having owned a GTP40 Explorer for 6 years, you'd think I would've noticed that detail. But it never broke so I didn't have to look at that stuff

 

[Mac]

CJREX, you would'nt know how many mistakes I've made. One involved I DO. Lots differences in doing the pre-98 swaps and the later ones, whole different world with the ignition systems and such. I really don't know of anyone who has been succesful in blending in the Explorer system into the early Rangers.
Dave

 

[okietheranger]

here is what a 4.6 can do in a