99 2wd Ranger Swap Questions

[Ryanb56]

I apologize in advance if this has been addressed before, but I read the tech section on this, the stickies, and browsed the other posts. So far it sounds like everyone says swapping from a donor explorer is the way to go, and it is my understanding that all of those are AWD. I have a 99 2wd 2.5L auto reg cab, short box. I would like to have a Mustang 5.0HO rather than an explorer 5.0 due to aftermarket speed part availability, aftermarket wiring harnesses and info, etc. Is there any reason I couldn't use the motor mounts and radiator from an Explorer and a motor, computer, and wiring harness from a Mustang? I want a manual trans and it sounds like there is some info out there on making the T-5 work. Oh, and I don't think there are any laws preventing the use of an older motor in my state. Thanks for any insight on this in advance.
Ryan

 

[Mac]

The point in using the Explorer motor is not the block/heads but for the short front dress, intake and the ease of the wiring. All the performance parts fit the Explorer, start out with a Mustang block, add a cam and set of heads. Both the Ranger and Explorers have a 104 pin CPU, same functions, the '93' Mustang only has 60 pins. Motor mounts need to be fab'd up if you have the coil spring suspension, radiator works good. Auto functions just get programed out if you throw codes. You don't have the PAT's so I'd use the '97' Explorer computer and maybe the '98' wiring harness. Just some quick reasons to use the Explorer.
Dave

 

[AllanD]

The explorer engine actually makes more power than the mustang engine.

And there are some "speed parts" already on it that are markedly superior
to the mustang.

The GT40 heads used the first few years are a part the mustang never got.
The later GT40-P heads have a revised spark plug location that prevents
the use of most headers not specifically made for them.

The Explorer intake is also the "round port" GT40 type.
it is a better intake than any Non-Cobra 5.0 Mustang intake.

The fact that the engine is "Dressed" to fit in a gen2 Explorer
makes it child's play to swap one into a Gen4 Ranger.

As for "older engine" in a newer chassis?
State law is irrelevant, it's FEDERAL law that's at issue.

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[Ryanb56]

Ok, I am starting to understand. So since I have a 2wd coil spring suspension there are no factory or aftermarket motor mounts that would work for me. But since the belt driven stuff is shorter in front and the wiring is similar to stock, it is an easier swap. But as far as performance, when I did a search I came up with 215hp from a 2000 v-8 explorer and 225 from a 1992 mustang. It seems to me unless there are parts available to significantly increase the power from the Explorer 5.0, the SOHC 4.0 only puts out 10hp less (205)and would be much easier. Are there people who have pushed the Explorer type 5.0 to say, 350hp or so? That is interesting about federal law preventing putting an older model year engine in a vehicle. I knew you had to have cats and evaporative emissions stuff by federal law, but I didn't know that was federal. Thank you guys for clearing those things up for me. Basically I am trying to decide whether to go the turbo route or the v-8 swap route. I am just trying to understand the advantages and challenges of each. I really appreciate the insight and experience you guys have.
Ryan

 

[Mac]

Performace parts that you would use in the Mustang work in the Explorer to get that 350hp (at crank?). Hp rating is down on the Explorer because the stock cam was made for torque moving a 800 lb heaver vehicle and the type of use of the Explorer. Very crappy exhaust manifolds, port smaller than a quarter and smaller sometimes. Several guys that were on here have pushed close to 400hp and ran in the 11's with Explorer based motors. Got pictures of just about anything needed for the swap in ever you get that far.
Dave