Got a 96 Explorer V8 should I use engine, o/d tranny and rearend

[65cafastback]

Looking for some suggestions especially from guys that have done these conversions. I got this v8 Explorer with the Gt heads not Gt40. Looking to see what I could use on my 65 fastback.

I just got our 65 fastback out of storage to restore with my 11 year old son. It needs work but is pretty complete minus fenders. We need engine work and brakes and well you could probably image since it hasn't seen the road since 84.

I would like to make a fun daily driver and not sure I want a stock one. What do you guys think about the Explorer? Should I use the motor and go EFI? What about the o/d tranny? And the rearend would be cool for disc brakes?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[tx65coupe]

That would be a good drivetrain.

What do you mean by GT heads? I know there are GT-40 and GT-40P heads.

Personally, I wouldn't go with EFI. I would put a 4 bbl intake and carb on it.

 

[2+2GT]

Well, that's a mixed bag. It'll be dead easy to use the engine, but the trans not so much. Same with the EFI. A major project to use that in your 65, but converting to a 4V carb is quite easy. The Rear can be adapted to work, but it's another project, not even close to bolt-in.

 

[331efiblue66]

I've got an explorer axle for my 66, and here is what I have found.

The center of the diff is offset 1 3/4" too far to the passenger side and it is overall 1 3/4" too wide. I have ground out the plug welds for the tubes and am going to press out the tubes and swap them side for side. That should get me within 1/8-1/4" of original center on the 8" axle. Prob is, it is still too wide. I haven't decided yet whether I want to shorten it to stock mustang length, and order one shorter axle from moser, or just leave it long and get wheels with 22mm offset. I'm not quite to that point yet, have time to decide...

 

[2+2GT]

I've got an explorer axle for my 66, and here is what I have found.

The center of the diff is offset 1 3/4" too far to the passenger side and it is overall 1 3/4" too wide. I have ground out the plug welds for the tubes and am going to press out the tubes and swap them side for side. That should get me within 1/8-1/4" of original center on the 8" axle. Prob is, it is still too wide. I haven't decided yet whether I want to shorten it to stock mustang length, and order one shorter axle from moser, or just leave it long and get wheels with 22mm offset. I'm not quite to that point yet, have time to decide...

Seems like a lot of work for a marginal upgrade.

 

[brianj5600]

I would use it all including the 8.8, but I could do the rear end my self. It is not too hard and I would shorten the long side to match. I would buy a second short axle to center the dif. The car would run very good with that drivetrain and get good mileage.

 

[2+2GT]

What ratio is it? My Exploder has 3.73.

 

[golf4283]

the '96 either has GT40 or GT40-P heads. If it's the P heads you're in trouble because headers aren't made for your car. If they're the GT40's you're in great shape cause they're the best. Ford stopped putting the E7's in the explorers in '94 I think. Not 100% sure though.

 

[65cafastback]

Thanks for the help. The Explorer heads are the GT40 not the p's. I do also have the mustang computer and wiring and plan on using the explorer intakes for the EFI.

The tranny sounds good but not sure if it is too much work.

The axle sounds like too much work also. I am going to pull the axle anyways and keep it maybe do this mod later.

I really want to get this fastback on the road because it hasn't seen the road since 85. I plan on front disc. The suspension seems to be the most difficult. The more I read the more I get confused. Just too many options.

Thanks again.

 

[tx65coupe]

I agree about staying away from the P heads and probably the rear end too. The GT40 heads are good.

I know alot of people run the AOD in our cars, so what can't he use the Explorer transmission which is probably the 4R70W?

I don't like the idea of using the EFI, because I'm pretty sure you cant use the one peice export brace.

 

[331efiblue66]

Seems like a lot of work for a marginal upgrade.

Marginal upgrade?
I guess it depends how you look at it, lighter housing, 31 spine axles, disc brakes, and it is stronger than an 8". I can set this axle up for a whole lot less $$ than a 9" anyhow.
All it takes is time & i've got plenty of that. Went through the big D first part of this year, daughter has her own life & is gone most of the time, no GF, unless the stang qualifies...

What ratio is it? My Exploder has 3.73.

Axle had 3.73's, but I'm going to put in 3.31's. With an estimated +/- 420hp & 400tq from the efi 331 in a <3k# car, I don't think I need a shorter gear. In o/d, with a 26" tire it should only pull a lil under 2k rpm @ 70mph, I might actually be able to afford to drive the dang thing!

 

[golf4283]

I believe the export brace will fit if he uses the lowering mounts by RMP. I have them on my car and have yet to install my GT40 intake/EFI setup but it looks like with the drop mounts it will just fit in there.

 

[DukeGnarley]

maer racing has an export brace/monte carlo bar to fit the efi intakes. the '96 explorer engine is basically a '93 cobra engine with a different cam. I would use it.

 

[66Coupe289POWER]

I would use the EFI and trans at least. Of course it will require some wiring modifications and fuel system plumbing. I would take the entire harness out of the exploder and cut away what you dont need. A lot of circuits for the engine run through the body harness so a EVTM is a must. The 4R70W will be better than a AOD b/c of the lower 1st and 2nd gears and better bands and such.

 

[tx65coupe]

maer racing has an export brace/monte carlo bar to fit the efi intakes. the '96 explorer engine is basically a '93 cobra engine with a different cam. I would use it.

Are you talking about this one? Its pretty cool, but doesn't look as good as the old school type. Also, its almost 250 bucks. I got my one peice export brace and monte carlo bar for about 60 bucks.

http://www.mustangdepot.com/OnLineCatalog/Suspension/mr-exbrc.htm

 

[DukeGnarley]

That's the one. I'm pretty sure it includes the bar that goes between the shock towers.