Another 4.0 ohv to 4.0 SOHC swap question

[dsm21]

Hey guys I am considering swapping out my 4.0 ohv (Blown head gasket) for a 4.0 SOHC.
I have a 99 XLT 4X4.

I have been researching this and I know it has been done usually on older trucks late 80s early 90s with different model year engines....

But my question is If I got a hold of a 99 Explorer 4.0 sohc engine could I just drop it in without doing any real modifications???

I heard of guys use a sohc on a ohv computer

I also stumbled across this thread. (FIrst post)
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=331549
Any and all help is welcomed. Thanks

 

[Snoranger]

I heard of guys use a sohc on a ohv computer

Been there... Done that. I wouldnt go that route... Use the correct computer and harness, it will make your life a lot easier.

As far as bolting it in, everything should bolt up fine since the front half of the trucks are virtually identical.

 

[dsm21]

Been there... Done that. I wouldnt go that route... Use the correct computer and harness, it will make your life a lot easier.

As far as bolting it in, everything should bolt up fine since the front half of the trucks are virtually identical.

The expert himself!!!

Thanks bud for anserwing my question, probably gets annoying after hearing it so much.

I do have another question though with the new ecu / computer will the other harnesses plug in the new computer and work correctly?

Also what years would best work for a direct plug and play? 99 would be the ideal correct?

 

[Snoranger]

I don't think you'll find a plug and play computer harness, I could be wrong though. The wiring may need to be modified some, but should be close. I'd look for a 98-00 SOHC and take everything from the fan to the y-pipe, Air cleaner to motor mounts. Just pick up the Ford EVTMs (search eBay) for both the donor and recipient vehicles, you'll have everything you need to rewire it to work.

The engine harness may even have different plugs on it then the body harness... If you have to cut and splice wires, solder and heat shrink is the only way to make a permanent connection that will last in the engine compartment.

 

[dsm21]

Wait if I got the SOHC engine, harness and computer what would need to be spliced??

 

[Snoranger]

Wait if I got the SOHC engine, harness and computer what would need to be spliced??

I'm assuming that some of the connections between the body harness and the engine harness may not be the same. I may be wrong and it might just be plug and play... But never assume Ford made it that easy for you. (If there are any differences, it shouldn't be much.)

 

[dsm21]

I'm assuming that some of the connections between the body harness and the engine harness may not be the same. I may be wrong and it might just be plug and play... But never assume Ford made it that easy for you. (If there are any differences, it shouldn't be much.)

Thanks bud, I actually just learned how to sauder yesterday
So I thik I can definatelly do this swap.

 

[Snoranger]

Thanks bud, I actually just learned how to sauder yesterday
So I thik I can definatelly do this swap.

Good... the next step is to learn how to spell solder.


The swap shouldnt be too hard.

Make sure you get the powersteering hose.. Thats different between the motors. (I also found that the steering cooler was different, but that might be a model year difference, not engine.)

The Y-pipe was different. They looked the same but were off by about 2".

The tranny should be the same.

Any vacuum line that goes to the body should be the same.

The A/C hoses are different.

The fan, rad hoses, shroud are all the same.

 

[stmitch]

Why the SOHC?

 

[Snoranger]

Why the SOHC?

I stopped asking that question a while ago... It usually ends in a disagreement with someone.

 

[dsm21]

Good... the next step is to learn how to spell solder.

Will do

Why the SOHC?

I honestly just want more horsepower Correct me if I am wrong because I have only be researching the engine for about a week or two. But the OHV engine has 160 hp and the SOHC has a little over 200.
I plan on hauling cars and from what I read the sohc engine has higher hp and high torque overal except under 1500 rpms or so the the ohv has a little more torque.

I am think about just putting a new head gasket on there and call it a day, because I am really concerned about the timing chains

Snow Ranger you have a ton of experience with these motors what is your opinion?

 

[Snoranger]

Snow Ranger you have a ton of experience with these motors what is your opinion?

They feel about the same under 3000-3500 rpm. Unless you drive like me (aggressive, to say the least), you'll never notice the difference.

 

[dsm21]

They feel about the same under 3000-3500 rpm. Unless you drive like me (aggressive, to say the least), you'll never notice the difference.

I guess you didn't read my intro thread or no what a dsm is. I have a 95 Mitsubishi GSX Turbo All wheel drive. Pulling down about 240/250

So yeah I do drive a little agressive

 

[Snoranger]

I guess you didn't read my intro thread or no what a dsm is. I have a 95 Mitsubishi GSX Turbo All wheel drive. Pulling down about 240/250

So yeah I do drive a little agressive

I know what a DSM is. I own a Cobra... I've seen quite a few DSMs get smaller and smaller and smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror.

 

[adsm08]

I guess you didn't read my intro thread or no what a dsm is.

Oh, smackdown fail.

No, Know. Gotta use the right one man.