Explorer EFI Swap Questions

[Killer Frogs]

I got the motor from a 98 Explorer and tearing it down and completing my plan. My first two forum questions regarding the swap!

1. Can I use the Bronco valve covers that Drake makes? Will they fit under the intake and will the rockers fit? If not, what are other people using? http://shop.broncograveyard.com/Black-Bronco-Script-Valve-Covers-289_302_351W/productinfo/10780/

2. All the vacuum lines under the intake (see pic) how many will I need or can I plug some of them?

Thanks

 

[NJBronco]

I have the same exact questions as well. I think any valve covers will work it's more a question of if you need an intake spacer if they are too tall. At least that's what I've been seeing so far. I think there's also an issue with the breather holes being in the wrong spots on the valve covers to connect the intake. But I haven't seen anyone confirm anything. Just what I've come up with in my own research so far

 

[904Bronco]

I got the motor from a 98 Explorer and tearing it down and completing my plan. My first two forum questions regarding the swap!

1. Can I use the Bronco valve covers that Drake makes? Will they fit under the intake and will the rockers fit? If not, what are other people using? http://shop.broncograveyard.com/Black-Bronco-Script-Valve-Covers-289_302_351W/productinfo/10780/

2. All the vacuum lines under the intake (see pic) how many will I need or can I plug some of them?

Thanks

So let me start off by saying that there are a number of threads about this... If you haven't read EFI Guy's thread, you should take a look.

The valve covers will fit and no you cannot use them unless you modify them. One side has to be closed and the other has to have a return vent line to the TB or air inlet tube to the TB. The upper intake manifold will cover the Driver's side and a large portion of the Passenger side. So it kind of defeats the purpose of having the "Bling" when it is covered.

On the intake vacuum lines you can plug two of the front ports as they will not be used at all. ( one on the bottom facing forward and the other facing up towards the hood) One of the remaining ports is for the PCV and is used to balance between the front and back of the intake. The 1/4" lines are for the preheat / cooling. On the back you can cap one if you do not have vacuum brake booster (facing Driver's fender)and the other one if you are not running EGR. (facing Passenger's fender) The remaining port on the bottom is for the PCV.

 

[904Bronco]

I have the same exact questions as well. I think any valve covers will work it's more a question of if you need an intake spacer if they are too tall. At least that's what I've been seeing so far. I think there's also an issue with the breather holes being in the wrong spots on the valve covers to connect the intake. But I haven't seen anyone confirm anything. Just what I've come up with in my own research so far

I can say definitively that the factory stamped steel ones with fit ;D and 87-93 Aluminum Mustang VC will fit without a spacer. BUT the Mustang ones create other clearance issues if you use the 90* TB adapter.

Using a upper / lower intake spacer may create other hood clearance issues unless you have a body lift...

The PCV system has a measured amount of air that is calibrated for in the ECU, it expects to see that. Closing off the PCV or not having a return is bad for the engine, as "Crud" will collect inside.

 

[BoulderBronco22]

I adapted the Bronco Script valve covers to fit. On the passenger side, I drilled out the ball of the PCV and attached it to the throttle body air inlet.

For the drivers side, I cut the filler tube, angled it out a little bit and welded it closed (if you don't have a welder, JB Weld should be fine as you just want to make sure unmetered air isn't entering- it isn't under high pressure). I used a press on oil filler cap that is a tight fit and does not have the oil breather function.

 

[67EB_in_619]

I used them (drake covers) on a 351w with an explorer upper and lightning lower.. everything fit fine. YMMV

 

[ILikeBond]

I too love these valve covers and have a pair on my engine, though I haven't put together the upper intake or EFI parts yet, so haven't actually made it work yet--just hoping I can. I have, however, collected several pictures of EFI setups using them, a couple with the Explorer GT40 upper intake, others with aftermarket or other setups. Maybe some of these will help or inspire.

 

[6daze]

I tapped and plugged all except the two on the left side of the picture. The pic shows the sizes.
I only have PCV and FPR.

From my build thread:

http://www.norcalbroncos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4551&page=7