Which setup: 351/AOD or Explorer/AODe

[adamwhatley]

Hiya, I'm trying to figure out the next step for a Bronco I'm building.

Option #1: I have a 97 Ford Explorer, which is EFI mated to an AODe transmission. I'd have to finesse the harness, add a trans to tranfer case adapter, add HP fuel, and mount the whole setup to get it going.

or

Option #2: I have a 351 Winsor, not EFI, mated to an AOD mated to a Dana 20. To get this going, I'd have to add the adapter from trans to transfer case and buy a carburetor.

Anyone with experience of one over the other or disappointment with one over the other? This will be my daily driver, on road truck (no wheeling, etc).

 

[904Bronco]

An Explorer has a 4R70W, which is the brilliant brother of the AOD and AODe.

If it is a later 97 build, it could have all the desirable upgrades done. IF it is AWD then you do not have to go into it to adapt it to the D20.

I recommend going EFI, you already have the donor... EFI Guy can rework the harness and reflash the ECU..

See you at the Round up... I will be bringing the D20 that you asked to buy... You have my Ph# Doug

 

[Broncobowsher]

Option 1

EFI is great. Much better transmission.
As much as I love the 351, the 4R70W transmission is so much better over the AOD I would loose the displacement to gain the better transmission.
Depending on the 351, the Explorer could easily have more torque and power.