Newbies Considering a V8 Swap, Looking for Advice

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by chuth, Jan 12, 2020.

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  1. stumanchu

    stumanchu Stuart

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    I second the Explorer/Mountaineer motor. 96 to early 97 Explorers have GT40 heads. There are no 96 Mountaineers, but they were built in 96 as 97s and they also have GT40 heads. You probably already know this, but the GT40P head has header fitment issues if you want to use those.....I imagine stock exhaust would require using the P head manifolds but I dont know.
     
  2. chuth

    chuth Member

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    That's awesome! I'm 16 and have no plans on selling it anytime soon!
     
  3. chuth

    chuth Member

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  4. chuth

    chuth Member

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    Very helpful. Thanks!
     
  5. chuth

    chuth Member

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    Thanks!
     
  6. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    chuth and Harley,
    Nice starting point. I, too, was going to suggest 96 to early 97 Explorer non-P Head, there are was markings on the end of the head to help tell the difference. Google is your friend. The motor has a roller cam, and a great intake manifold in demand with some Fox Mustang guys that can be sold off if you don't want it. It is the same as an old Cobra manifold. If you get a running Explorer, the rear axle is great if you shorten the long side. That comes with either a 3.55 or 3.73 gear and most are posi. They already have rear disc brakes. Like I said, one side needs shortening, and the spring pads need to be placed.

    Regarding stock manifolds on a V8 Explorer .... those are the WORST messes I have ever seen. Kind of like a tube header that sweep up to the valve cover. The Explorer has room under the hood, but in all the wrong places to work on a V-shaped engine. There is "other stuff" placed all around. I had a V6 Explorer and could not believe that you couldn't pull the plugs from under the hood. You can see them, but you can't touch them. LOL. Dive in and remove the inner fenderwells and you are right there .... silly stuff.

    Here is the exhaust manifold ...

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2020
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  7. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    Those intakes aren't worth what they once were, seems to be a glut of them available anymore. I gave one to my brother rather than hassle with trying to sell it. Came to that decision after seeing one for sale locally for less than $100 that never sold.
     
  8. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    Fox bodies are becoming "classics" now too. Getting old sucks, ..... lol. The dentist just told me I have outlived some of my fillings. I didn't bother to tell him most of those are replacements. ;)
     
  9. chuth

    chuth Member

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    So the 250ci I6 flex plate will need to be replaced? Thanks.
     
  10. CaptainComet

    CaptainComet Large Member

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    302 Flexplates are different between early motors and later years. 302s from the 60s and 70s had a 28 ounce balance weight. I don't know what year they changed (early 80s?) but after that point, they started using a 50 oz weight. The flexplate and harmonic balancers need to match the engine year.

    I don't know if the I6 flexplate would work with the early motor, but I believe a C4 that came behind it will bolt up and is tough enough for a mildly built V8.
     
  11. William623

    William623 Member Supporting Member

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    6 will not work for 8 when it comes to flex plates. 6s are internally balanced while 8s are externally balanced. So the flex plates will not swap.
     
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  12. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Yep your car will be a giant paint shaker.

    Balance changed in '81/'82-ish. If you use a late 5.0 engine, you'll have to source a 157 tooth 50 oz balance flexplate. Easy to get from aftermarket but AFAIK Ford never produced such. The small bell C4 was dropped at approx same time balance changed.
     
  13. ike72com

    ike72com Member

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    In addition to all that have been mentioned you'll need extra storage space.


    A shed in backyard for all the extra parts collected?
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2020
  14. chuth

    chuth Member

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    Thanks!
     
  15. chuth

    chuth Member

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    Thanks!
     

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