351w vs 5.0 Explorer

[SteveL]

What are the better years of efi parts? 98-01?

 

[BroncoChicken]

The ‘96 throttle body sits slightly lower once you clock it 90*. The ‘98+ transmission is better, but the others can be upgraded with the mechanical diode if rebuilding. Some parts don’t matter that much.

 

[kawonuelauwit]

thanks a lot everybody. it seems like everyone likes the OEM as opposed to the "bolt on EFI" units. i tried to send EFI guy a message but it would not go through because his inbox is full. does anyone have an email address for him or know how to get in touch? i would like to pick his brain a little on the efi. thanks again

 

[sanndmann3]

Its right in his avatar...

 

[SteveL]

Is it the 96 explorer heads that angle the spark plugs like stock so you can re-use the long tube headers? I know you need to add bungs for the o2 sensor if they dont have em yet. Otherwise you're buying $600 shorty headers from bc or bronco hut.

 

[BroncoChicken]

Is it the 96 explorer heads that angle the spark plugs like stock so you can re-use the long tube headers? I know you need to add bungs for the o2 sensor if they dont have em yet. Otherwise you're buying $600 shorty headers from bc or bronco hut.

That’s true. I used the shorty headers so I forgot about the heads.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I've had multiple 351w and 302/5.0 rigs. Very much liked how great the explorer 5.0 ran but definitely enjoyed the 351w way way more. Do you wanna get from A to B with a smile or a kick-ass grin?

Yes, the 5.0 can be built for power too but if you're doing that then might as well go w the 351w you already have.

You might see what the 351w block needs for rebuild before making the decision. There are others on here that know waaay more than I do about engines, but I have read and heard that some 351w blocks don't like a .040 overbore. That said, years ago I had a 351w bored .040 over that never had a problem.

btw...I went with Edelbrock pro flo 4 on my 351w and love it, but..... a main reason I did that was to save time and hassle. In hindsight, I think I would not have spent much more time swapping in lightning lower and using explorer upper w EFI guy pcm flash and harness. 12 years from now, will I be able to get a replacement injector for my pro flo? I guarantee you'll be able to get an explorer injector. I recommend you stay w 351w and install pro flo 4 thereby increasing the pool of customers and increasing my chance of getting parts in the future.
Good luck.

Does the 351W with Pro Flo 4 fit under your stock hood?
I was researching and the Pro Flo intake for a 302 is a Victor Jr. The 351W uses the taller Super Victor. And that's on an already taller 351W.

 

[SavageBurro]

Does the 351W with Pro Flo 4 fit under your stock hood?
I was researching and the Pro Flo intake for a 302 is a Victor Jr. The 351W uses the taller Super Victor. And that's on an already taller 351W.

Sort of. I have 1" body lift, drop air cleaner base, 2" thick filter, and I trimmed the throttle arm a tad.

 

[kawonuelauwit]

Its right in his avatar...

hahaha....can you tell I'm new to CB and still feeling my way around the site. thank you.

 

[KyleQ]

351W ALL day.

Fi-Tech


351W Lower/B.C. Adapter/Mustang Upper


I ran both a LOT with Explorer front dress with a Ranger radiator and the factory shroud and only had issues when I was using all the throttle for an extended period of time.

Only recently with my complete rebuilt with forged internals did I swap to a bigger aluminum radiator from Champion. I attached my stock shroud and then wrapped aluminum around it to grab more of the fan.

 

[kawonuelauwit]

351W ALL day.

Fi-Tech


351W Lower/B.C. Adapter/Mustang Upper


I ran both a LOT with Explorer front dress with a Ranger radiator and the factory shroud and only had issues when I was using all the throttle for an extended period of time.

Only recently with my complete rebuilt with forged internals did I swap to a bigger aluminum radiator from Champion. I attached my stock shroud and then wrapped aluminum around it to grab more of the fan.

Cool looking setup. Looks like she get used

 

[KyleQ]

Cool looking setup. Looks like she get used

Yeah ;D

 

[SteveL]

Yeah ;D

Nice.. my kind of broncos

 

[welndmn]

Stock for stock the explorer motor is a better engine.
BUT, if you're rebuilding either, I'd assume you're putting heads / cam /pistons in them, so I'd go 351.

 

[kawonuelauwit]

Stock for stock the explorer motor is a better engine.
BUT, if you're rebuilding either, I'd assume you're putting heads / cam /pistons in them, so I'd go 351.

thank you. starting taking the motor apart yday and will drain fluids this weekend. Hope to pull it next week and have a 98 explorer lined up to use the oem and serpentine system off of. Thanks everyone for the info and pictures. it is starting to come together.

 

[.94 OR]

Any updates?