97 explorer motor and 4x4 4r70w trans home from the junk yard

[rjrobin2002]

I got my motor home from the U Auto Pull It in town. $188 for the complete motor and $88 for the trans. they charged a few dollars for the AC pump, Alt, starter, PS pump and fan. I am pumped. I think it totaled to $300. It was a really clean 97 Explorer with 188,000 miles so I am going to have it all freshened up. All the fluids looked like new. Are these 3 lines on the back of the head the ones that indicate P heads?

 

[needabronco]

Good score! Those are regular GT40 heads NOT the P heads, even better...

 

[Brian in MI]

WOW! great score the local yard here wanted $600 for just the engine - all accecories.

 

[rjrobin2002]

Good score! Those are regular GT40 heads NOT the P heads, even better...

How do you know they are regular GT-40 heads?

 

[Terkish]

the 3 lines on the heads mean they are the regular GT-40 heads not the GT-40P's

 

[Broncoloupy]

3 bars is GT40 and 4 bars is GT40P. The vertical lines that are cast into the front of the head. I have a set of Pheads for sale if anyone is interested PM me.

The Reg GT40 heads are easier to use because of header fitment. The p heads make more power but the spark plug angle is a PITA to deal with. I had to ding the shit outta my WH shorties on #7 to make them work.
Great score on the engine/trans. I have one in the shop right now for a spare. You get a 65mm TB,better 19# injectors than came on the Mustangs, and a good flowing intake.
While you are freshening that thing up, advance the cam 4*,install the valve spring upgrade from COMP or Trickflow and go have some fun. You can get close to 300HP out of that combo with good exhaust/valvesprings/air inlet piping. I raced a very similar setup for 2 years and loved it;D

 

[kurtboyd]

How many miles are on it?

 

[rjrobin2002]

188,000 miles. My Dad is telling me over and over "run a compression test and if all cylinders are good DONT TOUCH IT." He wants to run compression, pull the oil pan and check out some of the main bearings and possible slide in some new rod/main bearings if they dont look good. I am running a 5.4 f-150 with 225,000 that feels like new and that is what he keeps reminding me.

 

[rjrobin2002]

And the factory headers are the worst I have ever seen. They have several areas that look like someone smashed them with a vise and have them almost flat instead of round. I have some JBA shorty headers for it.

 

[Broncoloupy]

Explorer P headers BRING THE SUCK!

 

[Nightmare Bronc]

What a score! Let me know if ya see another one!

 

[Bronco_69]

i would not rebuild it if i knew it was running. BUT it was in the yard. was it wrecked?

 

[rjrobin2002]

i would not rebuild it if i knew it was running. BUT it was in the yard. was it wrecked?

It was wrecked. The Explorer was super clean with paint, interior, and fluids looking all like new. It had to of been an old man's or grandma's.

 

[bigmuddy]

I would follow dads advice before comitting funds for a rebuild. Great score.

Ben

 

[doran4x]

+1 ^^ Follow dad's advise.

 

[dbevans2249]

x2 Dad is right. The condition of the vehicle before the wreck indicates the condition of the engine on this one IMO.

 

[englewoodcowboy]

GREAT SCORE! I read somewhere that if you can get a cam from an HO and swap in, you will get even better power. Something about the explorer cam being de-tuned from a mustang....

 

[76MaBronco]

Excellent score...I did the same, but the one I got was a 2000 with 171,000 on the ticker. Took the whole truck home (thanks to Tasker!!) ;D

 

[tasker]

BE GENTLE with it....oh never mind!

 

[mudmagnet63]

Ok after lurking in the background I have a few questions. If doing the 302 efi upgrade what would be the best motor to look for ( mustang, truck, crown vic )? This is something I prolly won't do for a year or so but I could be on the look out for a good junker. That would give me time to do a build up on it. I also see using the 351 is a popular option. What are the pro's and cons of either build.