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  #1  
Old 05-01-2010, 06:10 AM
PhunkyMunky PhunkyMunky is offline
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Default 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

So, I've been looking around at various Small Block engines and I'm a bit stuck between a 302 Boss and something out of an explorer.

I've not been much for mechanical stuff in the past, so, for me, this is just starting out. Could someone explain the pros/cons and differences for me?

Also looking at rebuilt vs new as well. New, it's obvious it's new, and costs more. But can a rebuilt engine do just as well?

I've seen on TRS that a guy had to do some cutting and fabing to get his engine in, particularly when it came to getting the radiator in. They said something about the explorer engine is much simpler, plug it in and go.

For referance:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...er_ranger.html

So basically, I'd like to know which would be the better choise between an engine from an Explorer, or boss 302 in terms of power for towing and general offroading, and whether it should be fine to go for a rebuilt engine, or just wait and pony up the cash for a new engine.

I'm guessing getting a C4 trans will help matters as well. As my little Ranger has, I'm sure but need to double check, an A4LD automatic overdrive transmission. As I understand it, a Ford V8 won't fit with that sort of transmission, and they have a history of issues anyhow, correct?

Anyhow, any help in clarifying this, and in helping to make the better decision would be appreciated.

Thnx,

Eddie
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2000 Ranger Etx cab XLT 4.0L Auto trans. Currently I've got my 60/40 cut down into buckets, and a cheap walmart console to fill the gap. Working on gathering parts, paint, vynals, and such for the rest of the build LOL. I use this as an everyday truck, but it's also the only truck I have for hunting and general off road fun. Hoping to make it much better than stock!
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  #2  
Old 05-01-2010, 06:57 AM
ranger101 ranger101 is offline
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Default Re: 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

302=5.0

Get a wrecked Explorer and take the motor and whatever else you may need and part out the rest.
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  #3  
Old 05-01-2010, 07:27 AM
PhunkyMunky PhunkyMunky is offline
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Default Re: 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

^^ LOL Thnx for that clarification!
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2000 Ranger Etx cab XLT 4.0L Auto trans. Currently I've got my 60/40 cut down into buckets, and a cheap walmart console to fill the gap. Working on gathering parts, paint, vynals, and such for the rest of the build LOL. I use this as an everyday truck, but it's also the only truck I have for hunting and general off road fun. Hoping to make it much better than stock!
PNW Crew!!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3865172
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  #4  
Old 05-01-2010, 08:34 AM
DHEM DHEM is offline
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Default Re: 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ranger101 View Post
302=5.0

Get a wrecked Explorer and take the motor and whatever else you may need and part out the rest.
302=4.9 Ford didn't know how to round correctly.
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  #5  
Old 05-01-2010, 02:05 PM
Psychopete Psychopete is offline
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Default Re: 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

Depends on what year you Ranger is, and are you 4wd? You will want to use V8 trans, A4LD will not bolt up or take the power.

Radiator is going to depend on the front end dress. Looks like a non-issue in that pic with the shorter FEAD and looks like the 2-row Explorer radiator. An ideal engine to use, with what ever fuel management, would probably be a 96-97.5 Explorer motor with the GT40 heads and also has the short front end dress. The later Explorer engines will have the GT40-P heads, while are a better choice flow wise, require hard to find swap headers because the spark plug angles are different. Not unless you plan on just using the stock manifolds?

Ideal would be a set of aftermarket heads, but I don't know what you had in mind to spend. Lots of aftermarket possibilities, I would definitely recommend a set of 1.72:1 roller rockers with the stock ex-cam, but it is a decent profile from Ford.

I had to tuck my radiator all the way forward on my Gen-1 in the core support because I have a long front end dress, like what you find on a early 90's Stang for instance. I am running a '87 Marquis roller lo-po, that I rebuilt with GT40 heads from an Ex, FR B303 cam, forged pistons for nitrous later, etc. Possibilities are endless.. Probably pay a little more for the Ex engine, but it would probably be a better buy, not beaten the piss out of, newer, etc.

Last edited by Psychopete; 05-01-2010 at 02:08 PM.
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  #6  
Old 05-01-2010, 03:01 PM
PhunkyMunky PhunkyMunky is offline
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Default Re: 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

Ranger is a 4wd, I'll be using a C4, and I'm hoping the radiator will fit.... I believe it'll be a 2 row...

Most of what I'm wanting to do will have to be lowish budget, I'm currently working on gaining a general Idea on pricing so I know what my target is, give or take. I've got ALOT of work to do, but I believe it'll be worth it in the end.
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2000 Ranger Etx cab XLT 4.0L Auto trans. Currently I've got my 60/40 cut down into buckets, and a cheap walmart console to fill the gap. Working on gathering parts, paint, vynals, and such for the rest of the build LOL. I use this as an everyday truck, but it's also the only truck I have for hunting and general off road fun. Hoping to make it much better than stock!
PNW Crew!!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3865172
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  #7  
Old 05-02-2010, 07:22 AM
More_Cowbell More_Cowbell is offline
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Default Re: 302 vs Explorer 5.0?

Quote:
Originally Posted by DHEM View Post
302=4.9 Ford didn't know how to round correctly.
well they did that so it wouldnt be confused with the 300ci strait six motor because that is a 4.9l and since the 302 was closer to 5 they rounded it to that so they wouldnt have two completly diffrent motors with the same name
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
It looks like someone attacked the front of the truck with a bedazzler.
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