Going to an Explorer 302

[86VickyLX]

Hey all! I'm planning on getting a '97 Exploder 302 sometime really soon. And I'd like to assemble the parts associated with the Exploder Swap. I want to go over a checklist of sorts to confirm which parts I will need to get, and which ones to save from my old motor. I want to keep the air conditioning, EGR and emissions stuff (including the smog pump) as well so that's why I picked a '97 Exploder (internal EGR passages).

So far, from my memory I know I need;

From My Old Engine:
The oil pan from a fox body mustang or panther
The timing cover from a fox body mustang or panther
Water pump from a panther
Fuel Rail from a panther
Distributor from a panther

From The Exploder Engine
Modded Exploder Throttle Body with throttle linkage from my '86
GT-40 Intake with internal EGR passages.
Fuel Injectors

Elsewhere
Compatible ECM (HO Speed Density)
Headers or manifolds compatible with the spark plug angle of the GT-40 heads
Lightning EGR Spacer (Looks at Scottmang)

Am I forgetting anything else? I will be rebuilding the exploder motor in school. So I'll have access to a machine shop.

[packman]

Sounds like a plan. And you can mod the engine along the way, if you should decide to do so.

That's gonna be real sweet!!!


Packman

[91grandmarquis]

Nice! Im going to be doing the HO conversion this summer too, should be cool to see how your car comes out.

[86VickyLX]

I'm looking forward to it too!

[gadget73]

you need the oil filter adapter thing that threads into the side of the motor. Part number is on here somewhere, but I can't remember wtf its called right now to find it.

you'll also want better valve springs, and possibly different pushrods.

the smog pump isn't going to actually function with an explorer motor. The passages don't exist in the back of the heads. Not a big deal, and you can bolt it up for visual reasons if you want it but its going to produce error codes.

[1990LTD]

no smog pump = no problem

[86VickyLX]

you need the oil filter adapter thing that threads into the side of the motor. Part number is on here somewhere, but I can't remember wtf its called right now to find it.

you'll also want better valve springs, and possibly different pushrods.

the smog pump isn't going to actually function with an explorer motor. The passages don't exist in the back of the heads. Not a big deal, and you can bolt it up for visual reasons if you want it but its going to produce error codes.

Ok, thanks Thain. I can't seem to find the part number for the oil adapter thing. Anyone have it?

[86VickyLX]

NVM I found it F1AZ-6890-B

[86VickyLX]

My next question is, headers. I'm not sure which heads will be on the motor yet. And from what I was told, I would have to run motorsport headers on the motor if it has gt40p heads. So my question, it's probably stupid, but can I run the motorsport headers on the engine if it has just the gt40 heads? And will those headers work with the off road h pipe?

[91grandmarquis]

I had a question about this too, I am going to be running gt40p heads, I know that I will need to run headers, however is there a way that I can run stock mustang manifolds? unless they are stock with shorties, just so I don't have to change my exhaust setup right yet? eventually it will be a custom x pipe, however I won't have the money for that at the time of the build.

[86VickyLX]

I had a question about this too, I am going to be running gt40p heads, I know that I will need to run headers, however is there a way that I can run stock mustang manifolds? unless they are stock with shorties, just so I don't have to change my exhaust setup right yet? eventually it will be a custom x pipe, however I won't have the money for that at the time of the build.

You're gonna need the Motorsport headers because of the angle that the spark plug comes out of the head. They moved where the spark plug was put in the head. For more optimum burning. There's no way around it really.

[91grandmarquis]

OK I guess ill have to get it towed to the exhaust shop then to get the H-pipe connected for now, because right now its connected to the manifolds so the flanges will be wrong.

[86VickyLX]

Found out the engine's a 1996. No P heads for me. No specific headers for me!

[86VickyLX]

Ok mangs, question about valve springs. I'm gonna be running the stock mustang HO cam. And I know that the stock exploder springs are shit. So what do you guys recommend?

[91grandmarquis]

Are you going to be having a spare explorer cam lying around after you put the HO in or are you just getting the block? If your interested in letting the explorer cam go I would be interested in giving it a home.