Explorer V8 swap from 89 Ford MAF EFI

[63A]

My apologies if this specific topic has been covered. I did a search but didn't find answers to my questions.

My 72 Bronco currently has a 302 (mid 70s - not original engine) that runs fine but could use a refresh. Several years ago, I converted to Ford EFI (speed density) from an 89 Crown Vic and later converted it to MAF. I also converted to 3G alternator, Saginaw PS pump and hydroboost. I have all the wiring sorted out well and other than the engine being a bit tired, I like the setup I have running now.

I have a chance to buy a running 96 Explorer V8 so I'm tempted to swap it in to my Bronco. I would probablt replace rings/bearings/timing gear while I have it apart but the engine runs fine as-is.

My plan would be to swap in the Explorer longblock but keep my current EFI, ignition, V belt setup, etc.

I know I will need to change the drive gear on my distributor for the roller cam but are there any other gotchas I don't see when going from 89ish Ford EFI to the Explorer longblock?

Will firing order be an issue - does the 89ish ECU care about firing order?

Which harmonic balancer will i need to use - does it matter? Same question for flexplate?

Thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

First off, I might as well say it, but to go to the trouble of swapping in an explorer engine and completely ignoring one of the biggest benefits of that swap, would seem counterintuitive.
I understand wanting to use your existing stuff that works, and it would allow you to use your existing fuel system. But to miss out on all that extra fan clearance and updated front accessory drive, is missing out on a lot.

To answer your question though, you’ll need everything off of your existing engine from the timing cover forward.
Literally everything, including the damper, pulled, timing set and fuel pump eccentric.

Just don’t throw away any of the explorer stuff. You might change your mind later.

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, and yes, firing order is most likely different between the 89 and the explorer.
Because it’s from a Crown Vic and speed density, it probably has the original 302 firing order. The explorer definitely has the later, or “351” firing order.
Early is 15426378. Later is 13726548.

The engine will still run, but yes, the computer does care. However, you might be in luck because the 89 speed density computer could be batch fire. In which case firing order is not that critical for injector pulses. Just the distributor and plug wires.

 

[Broncobowsher]

You will likely be converting to the correct firing order that matches the computer. I bet you are running a mis-match now and it runs just fine.

What Paul said. Your plan will work. No huge issues. Just little well known stuff like clutch pivot bracket if running a stick. Dipstick in the block on the new motor, would be an extra hole that needs to be filled (they make mini expansion plugs that will fill the hole nicely, think a smaller version of the oil galley plugs behind the timing chain).

For many years the way to get an Explorer engine running in a Bronco was to use the well known EEC-IV EFI. It took several years to get good instructions on how to trim back and reprogram the computer to cleanly run the EEC-V EFI stand along. What you want to do is do that tweener conversion, between the Explorers being highly available but before the EEC-V was figured out. Completely accept that. Keep the Explorer intake, it's better.

As for Paul's comment about the accessory drive, well Paul is right. It really is the trick way of doing it. Even if you really want to keep your old setup, keep EVERYTHING from the donor as it would be good to go to someday.