4.0l sohc swap????

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4.0l sohc swap????

November 03, 2006, 11:02:39 PM

just got a 1998 explorer with a 4.0 sohc, this engine has really surprised me, it is powerful, fuel efficient, runs smooth and i have only lost to a 1999 mustang with numerous mods, i am beginning to love this motor and am thinking instead of putting my 5.0 in my bird to get my hands on one of these motors, just curious if it can be done and if it would be worth it

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #1 – November 04, 2006, 12:01:48 AM

Chuck may chime in here. I know that's also a 'Ranger' motor and he has some knowledge of the earlier Ranger motors, so he may have some input. If I knew anything about the bellhousing pattern and motor mount specs, I could give you a definite answer. My only concern is, (if it's anything like the 2.9 EFI) the height of the intake plenum. Someone else will have more info on this subject.

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #2 – November 04, 2006, 12:05:02 AM

Could probably be done using 2WD Explorer/Ranger tranny. Custom mounts would be required as that engine has never been offered in a Fox body. Wiring would be a bitch as well.

Worth it? Probably not. The 4.0 SOHC belts out 205 horses - 20 fewer than a 5.0 HO. It's a physically large engine and probably weighs close to what a 5.0 weighs. It has very little aftermarket support and any parts you do find are gonna cost more than a 5.0.

You'd probably be better off with a 98+ Mustang 3.8 or 97+ F-150 4.2 if you want to stick with a six cylinder. Same power, more plentiful and would physically bolt in (no custom mounts or tranny needed).

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #3 – November 04, 2006, 10:14:15 AM

how about a 99 up 4.6 sohc

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #4 – November 05, 2006, 07:32:23 PM

If a V6 you want, I'd go with the F-150 4.2L. They are reliable engines.I never seem to do any work to them at all.I also say that a 3.8L SC engine would go good too. But I don't understand why you would removed the 5.0L for a V6????? Go 5.8L in your ride. That would be sweet.

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #5 – November 05, 2006, 09:15:13 PM

The 4.2L had some head gasket problems early on. Cured by the later years I assume.

Strong engine, great low end torque, dual runners for high end power. Not a bad idea. We actually found that it made great power and was detuned so as not to be so close in power to the 4.6L. Gains lots of power if tuned for premium gas, too.

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #6 – November 13, 2006, 10:21:30 PM

my car is already a six cylinder, i have a 5.0 to put in, i just got the explorer not to long ago and love the motor in it, it runs very smooth, very quick throttle response and seems to have a whole lot of torque for a 6, i know the wiring would be hell, but i can deal with that, i was just trying to get some input on whether i should swap in the 4.0 sohc instead of my 5.0, i have never seen a 5.0 run this smooth but still have power to boot, but i do still love the feel of the torque that a v8 produces, i just like this 4.0, it has really impressed the hell out of me

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #7 – November 13, 2006, 11:49:45 PM

hmmm, explorer huh?

LOL, I'd love to have GT40-headed 5.0 in my Tbird...a buddy of mine has a 97 exploder with the 5.0...i drove it today, and all i can say is: "wow"...that thing moves.

4.0l sohc swap????

Reply #8 – November 30, 2006, 05:08:27 AM

Hello, I must admit too the fact that this swap crossed my mind.The 4.0 started out as a 2.8 L engine which was used in early fox based cars,so this is no scary leap here.Go to your favorate search engine and search 'ford colonge V6'.That might give you better insight on the swap.The 60 degree V6 looks to be lighter that 90 degree V6.