Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and fox408
Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2012
- Messages
- 7
- Vehicle Year
- 2003
- Transmission
- Automatic
Hey fellas, with winter quickly approaching, and more power on my mind, I've got the bug to do a V8 swap.
I have a 2003 XLT, short bed, 2.3, 5 speed, coil spring suspension.
Now, there are several things I'm unsure of, and would really like some help on. However, I have been reading as much as I can about these swaps for the past month or so, so I should be somewhat knowledgeable. Not asking questions like is an engine swap possible, or any of that.
I have had small v8 trucks before, first vehicle was a 1997 s10, with an SBC in it. It was a love hate relationship. Power - great, reliability - awful. So I have that in the back of my mind. I want to do this swap right, however, at the same time, I'd like to keep it somewhat of a budget build.
I want everything to work as factory for the most part. I do plan to keep EFI.
I'm currently on the market for a 1999-2001 explorer with a 5.0. I Plan to keep the engine, complete harness, rear end, and then probably scrap the rest of it.
Here come the questions...
1) Manual Transmission Use: I want to keep it as a standard transmission. My understanding is the two big options are the M5ODr2, which is basically just a beefier version of the ranger transmission, and it's in the f150. I like this option because it would allow me to keep my hydraulic clutch, and the slave would bolt right up (matching parts for the win) Sadly, I have heard that this transmission is somewhat weak, shift forks, synchros, etc.. I have no doubt that with the new found 5.0 power, I'll want to get on it every now and then. So, that scares me a little bit. People also say that the m5odr2 shifts somewhat sloppy compared to a t5. I'm curious as to whether a short throw shifter would help that any.
Speaking of a T5, that brings me to my next transmission option. The almighty T5 out of a mustang. I really like this option all except for the fact that they are cable driven... Would have liked to keep it hydraulic, but if it's the better transmission, perhaps it's the way to go for me.
Which would you all recommend? I'm open to go either way, advice would be awesome.
2)Pats Security System: The Explorer uses a PATS type B security system, and the Ranger uses PATS type E.
I would like to keep my ranger key, rather than swapping out the whole explorer ignition, that way I would have one key instead of a ranger key for the door, explorer key for the ignition.
3) A little bit nervous about this one.. Will I possibly be able to keep AC after stuffing a 5.0 in the truck? Haven't found much information on this.
4) I have seen tons of stuff about the explorer swap. As far as I'm aware the mountaineer is basically the same thing, isn't it? Should I broaden my search to a 98-01 Mountaineer as well, or do I need to stick with the explorer?
This is must the beginning, I'm sure there will be loads more to come. I appreciate your time, and look forward to hearing what you've got to say.
Thanks
I have a 2003 XLT, short bed, 2.3, 5 speed, coil spring suspension.
Now, there are several things I'm unsure of, and would really like some help on. However, I have been reading as much as I can about these swaps for the past month or so, so I should be somewhat knowledgeable. Not asking questions like is an engine swap possible, or any of that.
I have had small v8 trucks before, first vehicle was a 1997 s10, with an SBC in it. It was a love hate relationship. Power - great, reliability - awful. So I have that in the back of my mind. I want to do this swap right, however, at the same time, I'd like to keep it somewhat of a budget build.
I want everything to work as factory for the most part. I do plan to keep EFI.
I'm currently on the market for a 1999-2001 explorer with a 5.0. I Plan to keep the engine, complete harness, rear end, and then probably scrap the rest of it.
Here come the questions...
1) Manual Transmission Use: I want to keep it as a standard transmission. My understanding is the two big options are the M5ODr2, which is basically just a beefier version of the ranger transmission, and it's in the f150. I like this option because it would allow me to keep my hydraulic clutch, and the slave would bolt right up (matching parts for the win) Sadly, I have heard that this transmission is somewhat weak, shift forks, synchros, etc.. I have no doubt that with the new found 5.0 power, I'll want to get on it every now and then. So, that scares me a little bit. People also say that the m5odr2 shifts somewhat sloppy compared to a t5. I'm curious as to whether a short throw shifter would help that any.
Speaking of a T5, that brings me to my next transmission option. The almighty T5 out of a mustang. I really like this option all except for the fact that they are cable driven... Would have liked to keep it hydraulic, but if it's the better transmission, perhaps it's the way to go for me.
Which would you all recommend? I'm open to go either way, advice would be awesome.
2)Pats Security System: The Explorer uses a PATS type B security system, and the Ranger uses PATS type E.
I would like to keep my ranger key, rather than swapping out the whole explorer ignition, that way I would have one key instead of a ranger key for the door, explorer key for the ignition.
3) A little bit nervous about this one.. Will I possibly be able to keep AC after stuffing a 5.0 in the truck? Haven't found much information on this.
4) I have seen tons of stuff about the explorer swap. As far as I'm aware the mountaineer is basically the same thing, isn't it? Should I broaden my search to a 98-01 Mountaineer as well, or do I need to stick with the explorer?
This is must the beginning, I'm sure there will be loads more to come. I appreciate your time, and look forward to hearing what you've got to say.
Thanks
