ECU options

[Squarewheels287]

Slowly gathering parts and info for a 5.0 swap into my '97. I have a 5.0 out of an explorer, unfortunately the ECU was already gone, and the engine harness was butchered beyond repair. Wondering if I should keep hunting for an explorer ECU and harness? I'm going to run a manual transmission, or would I be better off with a mustang ECU or something aftermarket?

 

[JoshT]

See if I have this right...

• Explorer 5.0L (What year?)
• 1997 Ranger
• ECU gone and harness butchered
• Manual transmission

If you want to keep an Explorer EFI system I would source the parts from a 1996-1997 as you won't have to contend with PATS, and those use a return style fuel system like your truck (I think). That said, I probably wouldn't go that route since you'd still have to have the tuning modified for the manual transmission and it adds unnecessary complexity.

If I were doing it and did not have the EFI system from the donor and did not have to contend with any emissions or inspection requirements, I'd install a distributor in place of the cam synchro and go with a Mustang A9L based EFI system, or go full aftermarket. Most likely a Holley Terminator X Ford kits, P/N 550-937 or 550-937F, you should be able to tell it to use most of the Explorer sensors though it may take some repinning with the F kit since it is set up for Mustang specific parts.

Purely up to you, but quickest and easiest option to get it up and running would be the A9L or something like a Holley Terminator. All the parts (including wire harness) for either of those options can be bought new, unlike having to scrounge for the Explorer stuff. Not the cheapest option, but quickest and easiest. You could also swap on a carb intake and run one of the throttle body injection units, but I'd rather keep the multi port system.

 

[Squarewheels287]

Makes sense, I'll look into that Holley kit some, and at least with a new kit I won't be fighting with old damaged wires

 

[SenorNoob]

That's important. I just dealt with one today. It made me have to have the wifey drive me to work last night.