1999 Explorer 5.0 Swap Into '69 - Carbureted, Manual Fuel Pump?

[bulletpruf]

My stock 302 is tired and has a crack in the front of the block, so I've been looking for a while for an affordable roller 302, bare block, or short block. There's an affordable 1999 Exlplorer 5.0 available nearby that I'm interested in.

I want to run carbureted and with manual fuel pump (I will keep vacuum wipers, at least for now), using the 1969 front cover, will install an electronic distributor, and probably keep my original alternator, water pump, belts and pulleys.

This should work, right? I realize I'll have to use a special gear on the distributor because of the roller cam and there are minor issues to overcome with the front cover, too, right?

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[DirtDonk]

I believe you’ll need to use everything from your previous engine, including a new timing, chain and gear set. Along with the fuel pump eccentric, of course.
Since I haven’t actually done it, and I haven’t read about it being done in a long time, I don’t remember if there are any other pitfalls to overcome or not.

 

[JKH67302]

I believe you will also need the longer dowel on the cam for the fuel pump eccentric. You will also need a different harmonic balancer for the 50oz motor, assuming your 302 is a stock 28 oz motor. A question, why not run the Explorer front dress? It's so much better for cooling and you get the 4g alternator.

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[DirtDonk]

I'd have to agree with that last statement.
Just how set are you on running a mechanical pump? I like them too, and they still have their place, but to have an Explorer engine and lose out on all that Explorer-goodness would be a cryin' shame.
Literally, everything about it is better than the old way. Other than the lack of a fuel pump...

Paul

 

[bulletpruf]

I'm just looking for simplicity, hence the reason for keeping the original front dress. I also won't be running power steering or A/C, so I just need a single belt to run the alternator and fan/water pump.

On the fuel pump, I have two freshly rebuilt pumps to use with vacuum wipers. I'd prefer to use these for now.

Thanks

 

[JKH67302]

Make sure your flexplate and flywheel are 50 oz too. This is easy if you have a C4, just use the explorer flexplate.

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[.94 OR]

What are people using for a 50 oz flywheel for the Explorer 5.0 if they plan to retain a manual behind the engine?

 

[DirtDonk]

Mid 90s bronco/pickup with 5.0.
And manual transmission obviously.

Remember that it can’t come out of a 5.8 to fit a 5.0. The 5.8l engine remained 28 ounce imbalance throughout its run.
By the same token, if you’re ever installing a 351/5.8 you need the flywheel out of a 5.8 bronco/pickup.

 

[.94 OR]

The flywheel off the factory 302 won't work on a 351, manual for manual obviously?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes, and no.
Early 302 is 28 ounce imbalance. All 351 Windsors are 28 ounce in balance.
Ford changed the imbalance factor to 50 ounce on the 5.0 only.
Otherwise, all 302/5.0/351/5.8 flywheels bolt up.
You need to use a truck as a source because of the larger truck flywheel.
Just make sure you order 164T flywheel for the 5.0 to match the Explorer 5.0.

 

[m_m70]

The flywheel off the factory 302 won't work on a 351, manual for manual obviously?

yeah I think it was in '80 or '81 they change the imbalance on the 5.0 flywheel to 50oz.

So like Paul said......yes and no depending on the year.

 

[dmoses42]

Exhaust manifolds for the GT40P heads. Not sure if the factory Bronco ones will work, or if the Explorer manifolds will directly bolt to the exhaust. Someone on here will know. Headers require modification, or special "GT40P" headers, or 90 degree boots I'm told.

 

[JKH67302]

I forgot to mention the heads, dmoses is right. I ran the stock explorer manifolds for a while before getting p specific headers. I have read you can modify early 70s stock 302 manifolds and add a few 90 degree boots. The mustang guys have a lot of stuff on the web about modifying the 70s manifolds. Do some google searching, I remember it coming up pretty quick.

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