Mountaineer/Explorer 5.0 Swap

[sprdv1]

I put a non-rebuilt 302 and the 4R70W out of a '99 Mountaineer/Explorer into my Bronco, and with 4.11's and 33's, I can tell you it's PLENTY of power to light up the rears with a locker. The original carb'd version of the 302 was around 170 HP, the EFI motor is around 230 HP in the stock configuration, so you're already getting the boost you're looking for.

As far as headers go, the original Explorer/Mountaineer ones fit nicely and were easy to adapt the exhaust pipes from the donor vehicle, and were tuned to that engine.

lots of time engaged, making it work right

 

[76MaBronco]

It took a while, but I had a non-PATS computer from a Mustang...A9L comes to mind. Easier to work with, but the next time I'll be doing Gary's conversion so it runs better without all those extra wires.

 

[TTownEP]

Yep, Gary still needs to do his magic. The PATS system needs to be disabled and the second set of down stream O2 sensors. I know there is more, that just off the top of th

I was just emailing with Garry last week. He is limited now in what he can disable. All the emissions stuff has to stay as-is, so you run with a CEL or keep all the emissions gear. He can do PATS and he can do tire and gear size changes and transmission coding, or you can submit some paperwork to him that certifies that the vehicle is for off-road use only.

 

[Banjer Picker]

Hi there! Any updates on this swap? I just brought home a 97 explorer motor this weekends trying to re read all
Of the old threads on this. Would love to see what progress you’ve made since last June!

 

[67mustang390]

Had a similar experience with a Early 97 motor I picked up in Idaho this June, 130K miles, pulled it at a U-pull yard, looked good outside.

Was going to do as you planned with freshening, pulled the pan and then saw something in one cylinder that did not look good.

.020 later, with a fresh Comp cam that EFI Guy recommended and we are still moving forward on the Bronco ;D

i've always wondered how adding a cam to these engines add HP. does the computer auto adjust to take advantage of the cam? or do you have to reprogram to take advantage of the cam. Thanks, brand new to EFI

 

[904Bronco]

i've always wondered how adding a cam to these engines add HP. does the computer auto adjust to take advantage of the cam? or do you have to reprogram to take advantage of the cam. Thanks, brand new to EFI

To be honest, I didn't feel much of a change with the Cam. It was a mild change from the factory one and then there are the added costs - cam itself, spring kit, additional machining. I have done enough Explorer swaps to say minimal change in performance and there was a minor increase sounds coming from the valve train. As far as ECU changes, I don't believe Garry did anything as the change is mild...

 

[Timmy390]

i've always wondered how adding a cam to these engines add HP. does the computer auto adjust to take advantage of the cam? or do you have to reprogram to take advantage of the cam. Thanks, brand new to EFI

So the Explorer cam is a good one. Lots of low end torque. The Explorer cam was used in the 351w as well. I can feel a nice improvement with my bigger cam. Comp 35-349-8/XE264HR vs the Explorer F4TE

I can't speak to the Explorer ECU only to my experience with the Mustang. Yes the mass air ECU's can adjust to a larger cam and different intake and throttle body. The later SN95 stuff can handle the changes as well but still can. Speed Density can only handle small changes. I assume based off the Mustang stuff the Explorer can adjust as well.

All that said to get the maximum benefit of a cam change you need a tune when going big. Garry did my SN95 ECM and he had me tell him everything I was changing. I then went and changed cams and the cam was more than Garry had tuned for and the ECM could overcome. I ended up getting on the Mustang boards and found a solution to my hunting idle issue with the new cam.

Tim