Drive train sourcing

Lots of good info here:


I would look for a complete Explorer 5.0 but they are getting harder to find.

If you do not have a T5 and cannot find one the just move on to a Tremec TKX.

You can also check out MPS Auto Salvage in Georgia. They used to sell 5.0 drivetrain conversions (I'm not sure if they still do). I've purchased many parts from MPS in the past. It's been a while since I've dealt with them, but I was always pleased with the parts and customer service.

They have a website and an Ebay store. www.mpsautosalvage.com

The Ebay store seems to be more current than the website.

I'm building a 1993 Calypso Mustang 2.3L into an autocross car. I know you're looking for a V8 conversion, but I've found some interesting mods that allow you to get a lot of power out of a 2.3L.

The parts are probably going to have to come from multiple sources.
Car-parts.com (sort by distance) is a good place to look for explorer engines, the problem will be is that you will still need all the mustang accessories.
You may want to just use facebook marketplace to find a complete engine in unknown condition. This way you have all the parts you need to swap in the explorer engine.
I've never seen mps list anything good at a reasonable price as far as engines or transmissions go.

Your main issue is going to be the operating condition of whatever you buy. It's going to be a crapshoot. So the engine and transmission will need to be purchased with that in mind.

Edit: For curiosity's sake i took a look at car-parts.com and there was a large quantity of explorer engines. At 50 miles or less there were probably 30+ near me. Prices ranged from $350 to about $600.
BUT i live in NJ, which is densely populated and situated between NY and Phili.

You'll need a 1992 engine harness, injector harness, and 5 speed o2 harness. Also will need a A9m or a9l. Could opt for ms3 or mspnp2 for controlling the engine. Doing a 4 banger swap ( the right way ) isn't cheap without a donor car.

If you can luck up and find a 5 speed 94 to 98 v6 it would help a lot. You'll need a bellhousing from a 95 to 95 to make the transmission work with a 5.0. You can swap the pedals, brake booster, prop valve, and master cylinder over. Would be best to use 93 cobra booster and master cylinder with an adjustable prop valve.The explorer engine is a good start but you'll need a roller camshaft distributor and a list of other things to use the fuel injection. This can easily be resolved with vacuum advance small cap distributor for a roller cam, carburetor intake, and a holley sniper.

I assume this is not your everyday driver?
It is such a nice car it hurts to see it hacked up..
Since your plans have changed have you thought of finding another car for your coyote project?
Maybe a V8 manual car that is not in as good a shape? Your going to have to take apart whatever car you will be getting so why not a Parts car to start with?
You can drive this car as is ( if you need to) or sell it to finance your project. Not a rusted out junker, but maybe a V8 car missing its drivetrain or the front end bolt on parts?
A parts car would allow you to slowly work on it when the monies are there.....