which Model 5.0

[spaz1879]

Alright i have been reading up on this swap for a while now and i was wondering if some one could clear this up for me and maybe some other members that are inspired to do this swap. There where multiple vehicle people choose to do their v8 swap so far i have come acrossed mustang v8, 150 v8, explorer v8, and even chevy's. i have read the 150 is the hardest to swap in out of ford v8's. so i guess my question is between the 3 which intales the least about of custom work vs plug and play? which parts are the easiest to find for each motor vs the parts you've struggled to find? one more which did you choose for your swap and why?

Thanks for reading.

 

[ChrisR1S]

Mustang, Explorer, & F-150 are ESSENTIALLY speaking the same block. They are all 302s so the motor mounts, FEAD, heads, and whatnot will interchange. Granted you know there are the head and piston differences from year to year and model to model an yeah. But the biggest difference is roller blocks and non-roller blocks. Most choose to go with the roller block due to a tad more power and more reliable cam setup. The more you research the more you'll learn on the differences.
Everyone has a reason to choose one donor over another, usually being whatever donor you can find a better deal on or if you can find a block already set up to suit your needs. Personally for my '94 Ranger, i chose the '86 F-150 donor because a buddy was in need of the cash, the truck was cheap, had a lift wheels and tires i could sell to make my money back, block had been rebuilt the previous year, and it ran. It's really just up to you. because anything can be made to fit with enough money and patience. Cause i mean every swap is different. A mustang 5.0 may be easier and cheaper for one guy while someone elses build may be better suited to the explorer route. really depends a lot on your goals with the swap and what you are going to keep from the donor

 

[Twisted_Steel]

Out of those.. the Explorer will be easier as far as the radiator, accessory brackets, exhaust manifolds, and a few other odds and ends are already made to fit your Ranger. I'm using a 1985 Mustang GT 302 w/ a 600 Holley and I already have issues with the radiator and the power steering pump. But like Chris said.. it's up to the builder.

 

[baddad457]

The Explorer/Mountaineer, 94-95 Stang, 88-93 T-Bird/Cougar all had the shorter FEAD which makes the swap easier. Other than that aspect, the rest boil down to economics. (how much you pay for the donor motor and transmission)

 

[tuckn18]

I just started with a bare block and went from there. Been bout 2 yrs but getting the final touches tomorrow.

 

[deemac]

There are tons of different options, i have a 1991 mustang HO engine with a weiand 4 barrel intake and an impco propane setup. Works for me.