To swap or Not to swap. . .

[Broosedamoose]

So most of what I found using the search button comes from older threads. I am quickly coming to the point where I need to do something about the engine in my 03. I had planned to do the Explorer V8 swap (actually have the donor already) but after seeing what can be done with the 4.0 SOHC these days, I'm undecided now! I found an "off road" performance 4.0 on eBay that the builder claims is pushing 290-300 HP for $6,800. There are stroker kits, supercharger kits, heads, cams and a whole slew of performance internals for the SOHC now. I know it would be cheaper to build a 302 and can easily get that HP rating but to think of having a V6 and the original engine laying down over 300 HP; that would be impressive. I have another year to think about it because i live in MA and they follow the same emission standards as CA but only on vehicle less than 15 years old. So once I get my sticker next year I am in the clear. I'm still leaning towards the V8 just because I have always loved the distinct sound of the Ford 302. Looking for a few opinions. What would "you" do if you were in my position?

 

[RonD]

"There is no replacement for displacement"

This has always been true and always will be true, as far as power is concerned.

Practical use also has its place.
4cyl turbo can get the MPG for Daily Driving and have the gas guzzling power when needed.

I think your lean towards V8 is valid.
Pushing a 4.0l(or 4.3l) SOHC too close to its limit will most likely shorten its life span.

5.0l OHV takes the extra power better if you are even going to build it, and parts will be cheaper because there are more makers of parts for 5.0l/(302)

Benefit to the 4.0l is that the computer and wiring stays stock, trans as well but.........might need to beef it up, where the 5.0l has to use different trans in the swap.
So you are really just talking computer and wiring as the extra cost.

If I had a vote, and emissions is not a concern, then 5.0l

Also check about DMV titles, you can get saddled with "rebuilt" on the title in some states if engine size changes

 

[win]

Can be a tough call. The SOHC 4.0 and 5.0 both put out simular power and the 4.0 is an OEM option.

The Expo 5.0 and its 4R70W are easier, less expensive to get even more performance with a higher potential.

 

[RonD]

Just for the record, the 4.0l SOHC has 9.7:1 compression ratio, so can't get max horse power with 87 octane.
It has a knock sensor that retards spark when regular gas is used.

I would say 185-190HP on regular gas
205HP on 93 octane

5.0l has 9.0:1, so 210HP on regular gas, no difference with 93 octane

 

[Broosedamoose]

Yeah, I am leaning towards the V8 since I already have the donor sitting in my yard and the $6,800 I would spend on the 4.0 engine would go a long way building a 302. My truck is a 4WD so I'm not looking to build a racer out of it. I just want something fun (or funner) to drive. I mean, my truck is already fun to drive with just the bolt on's and the tunes Doug wrote for me many moons ago at the birth of BAMA! It impresses everyone who rides in it. I wanna push it to the next level though. Thanks for your though! They are much appreciated!

 

[Broosedamoose]

Just for the record, the 4.0l SOHC has 9.7:1 compression ratio, so can't get max horse power with 87 octane.
It has a knock sensor that retards spark when regular gas is used.

I would say 185-190HP on regular gas
205HP on 93 octane

5.0l has 9.0:1, so 210HP on regular gas, no difference with 93 octane

I only run 93 and from only a few stations that I trust. The tune I have loaded is called "93BadBoy" and requires no less than 93 or it WILL ping! I believe it squeezes every last horse out of the truck! Doug really knew his stuff when it came to tuning these engines!

 

[RonD]

I only run 93 and from only a few stations that I trust. The tune I have loaded is called "93BadBoy" and requires no less than 93 or it WILL ping! I believe it squeezes every last horse out of the truck! Doug really knew his stuff when it came to tuning these engines!

EDIT: that should have read ADVANCE spark timing to avoid pinging/pre-ignition


Image all the money you could save and put into a 5.0l that can run on 87 octane and have even more power

87 octane and 93 octane have exactly the same power released when burned in an engine.
87 just self-ignites at a lower temperature, so in higher compression(more heat) engines spark timing has to be adjusted to prevent pre-ignition, which lowers power since full ignition happens to close to TDC.

Under 9.3:1 compression ratio 87 octane is usually fine assuming good engine condition and fuel mix.
So 9.0:1, 5.0l has same horse power(a little more) on 87 octane as the 4.0l SOHC on 93 octane, and can be built up for even more HP, still using the same 87 octane.

"No replacement for displacement"

If running in a racing category that has displacement limits then it makes since to get as much power as possible from limited displacement, but other than that go for the lower compression(cheaper to drive) bigger engine every time, IMO

 

[RangerSVT]

Something else to think about that will seal the deal, the 5r55 trans dont live long high power engines. The 4R70W is a lot stronger and more reliable with the power increases..

SVT

 

[Broosedamoose]

Something else to think about that will seal the deal, the 5r55 trans dont live long high power engines. The 4R70W is a lot stronger and more reliable with the power increases..

SVT

Yes, that was my other concern! I knew I'd have to do something because it wouldn't hold up. Y'all have convinced me to do the swap!

 

[Broosedamoose]

Now once I do the swap, do you think I should stick with EFI and the tuner set up or just go with a carburetor! I've heard diffrent stories; some same you can get more power with a well tuned carb while others say you get more power and a lot more options with EFI! My plan was to stick with the EFI mainly because of the different tunes you can use. I know a carb is hard to set and can't compensate for temp., altitude, etc. but is much simpler than EFI. What's y'all opinion about that?

 

[RonD]

EFI, no contest.

Carbs are "in tune" for a day or week, like you said depending on temp and air pressure

And they are not simpler, EFI is, carbs are much more complex with more things that can go wrong, but people often feel more comfortable working on a carb because they did it for many years, because they had to, with EFI there are rarely problems so it is almost like the first time any time there is a problem, lol.

Power wise there can't be a difference, fuel mix wise, assuming you have control over EFI system, just like with carb tuning you can set it for MPG or Power, and with computer control you also have spark advance control, which can also be setup for best MPG or best power, also octane.

 

[win]

Simply put, the Explorer/Mountaineer EFI with its sequential fuel injectors and coil pack ignition was the most advanced system Ford ever dropped onto the Windsor.

Why go backwards? EFI might "look" more complicated and before OBD systems, might well have beeb harder to diagnose and repair but those days are long gone.