1996 vs 2000 Explorer Donor

[durmam]

hello everybody
I want to do the Explorer drivetrain swap… or is it something better ?

I did some research and I know that the 1996 Explorer is the best donor and to have the complete explorer is the wait to go.. I Have been looking for one……and now I have this 2 options

1996 4x4 177k milles $1,800 running
2000 4x4 130k milles $1,100. Wrecked but it did not affect the drivetrain

Is it worth the headaches and the extra $ ?
and how much do I have to spend extra on a 2000?
or is it just better to do the 1996??

I will really appreciate you guys help

 

[Viperwolf1]

The only real benefit of the 96 is the regular gt40 heads. They will work with most exhaust manifolds or headers. The transmission of 98 and later is much better.

 

[luke]

Don't know about your area, but $1800 sounds like a lot for any 5.0 explorer. More like $1000 at the most around Illinois. Talk em down or look for another one you know?

 

[Timmy390]

The only real benefit of the 96 is the regular gt40 heads. They will work with most exhaust manifolds or headers. The transmission of 98 and later is much better.

Didn't some late 96's get P heads? Think I read that some place?

Maybe not....

Tim

 

[Viperwolf1]

Didn't some late 96's get P heads? Think I read that some place?

Maybe not....

Tim

Mid 97 got p's.

 

[Timmy390]

Mid 97 got p's.

My memory is slipping.......has to do with age.....;D

Tim

 

[durmam]

Don't know about your area, but $1800 sounds like a lot for any 5.0 explorer. More like $1000 at the most around Illinois. Talk em down or look for another one you know?

That is the asking price I would not pay more than 1,000

 

[hucklburry rev2]

If you are going to buy headers anyway, you can get ones made for the P head, and get the lower mileage 2000 with the "better" trans if you are going to use it.

 

[durmam]

Yes I am going to use the transmission

Where can I get the headers for the P heads ?

 

[durmam]

Is there a list of things that I have to buy to finish the swap

 

[needabronco]

The main difference in the engine would be the GT40 non P heads, and 19lb injectors and a return fuel rail. The newer one will have 14lb injectors non return rail and the P heads, but it will have a more updated transmission. Frankly I'd go with the 96' and upgrade the transmission, or just leave it alone it's more than fine for what you will likely use it for.

 

[Viperwolf1]

The main difference in the engine would be the GT40 non P heads, and 19lb injectors and a return fuel rail. The newer one will have 14lb injectors non return rail and the P heads, but it will have a more updated transmission. Frankly I'd go with the 96' and upgrade the transmission, or just leave it alone it's more than fine for what you will likely use it for.

99 and newer have the returnless fuel system. I don't recall the actual injector size but they operate at 65 psi which is equivalent to 24 lb injectors at 38 psi. This newer stuff is definitely better and you have less plumbing on top the engine to transfer heat into the fuel.

 

[durmam]

Viperwolf1
So you recommend 2000.... have you done one?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Viperwolf1
So you recommend 2000.... have you done one?

I've had my paws in a 3 or 4 conversions. Done one for myself using 98 parts. And I've stripped several explorers for parts.

 

[durmam]

I've had my paws in a 3 or 4 conversions. Done one for myself using 98 parts. And I've stripped several explorers for parts.

And in one of those conversions what's a 2000?

 

[Viperwolf1]

And in one of those conversions what's a 2000?

2001 I believe.

 

[904Bronco]

I have done a 1998, 2000, and am doing a 1996 shortly...

Later Explorers/Mountaineers have the better Trans upgrades, 1996 has the Gt40 heads, which makes the exhaust easier to do.
The 1997 -2001 has the P-heads, which are supposed to be one of the best flowing heads. But due to the spark plug angle, it affects your options for exhaust manifolds/headers.
So Bronco Hut sells headers that are supposed to fit, and this claim has been backed up by a number of folks here who have done just that. Or you can run the stock cast iron Explorer manifolds, that everyone says is restrictive (Maybe, some) but for a stock motor they work fine in a Bronco.

1999-2001 are returnless systems running a 17 lbs injector at 60 psi. The pressure regulator is in the fuel pump assembly in the tank, so just one line from the tank to the motor.
You can plumb up an external regulator to a pump that provides the required pressure to return excess fuel or you can use a stock Explorer pump assembly retrofitted to an aftermarket tank. (Like Aero tanks)

They both work, just one more fuel line to run or not. I would go with the lower mileage motor.

 

[durmam]

I think I'm going 2000....
Every problem has solutions
Might as well go with low mileage and better trans

Thank you very much everybody good information