New engine

A latemodel 5.0 Explorer engine would be a good find. It already has GT-40 or GT-40P heads and is roller-ready($400-800 dep. on cond.). Another consideration is an 87-95 Mustang($250-600) 5.0 or a 351W($?) of some sort. Maybe a 351C, but it would be a little more involved to switch that way.

65ShelbyClone said:

A latemodel 5.0 Explorer engine would be a good find. It already has GT-40 or GT-40P heads and is roller-ready($400-800 dep. on cond.). Another consideration is an 87-95 Mustang($250-600) 5.0 or a 351W($?) of some sort. Maybe a 351C, but it would be a little more involved to switch that way.

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if i remember right only the 93 Cobra, and later Mountaineer/explorer 5.0's have GT40 heads, i think the other ones use the E7 heads

Mike, I would go through the motor you have now. Do a compression test, check the oil pressure with a mechanical guage, vacuume test, and a possibly a leak down test.

If the 289 in the car is still healthy I would dump the 2 barrel carb, put on an aftermarket intake, get some headers and possibly go over your exhaust.

If you are feeling froggy and the motor checks out. You can also gain power with a new cam, and some aftermarket aluminum heads.


But, just swapping the intake and carb will give you a definant boost in power. Exhaust and headers are supposed to be the best bang for the buck.

65fastback2+2 said:

if i remember right only the 93 Cobra, and later Mountaineer/explorer 5.0's have GT40 heads, i think the other ones use the E7 heads

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The '96-97.5 5.0L Explorers have regular GT40 heads & EGR intake. After that they have GT40Ps with no Thermactor ports, external EGR, a relocated sparkplug, and better exhaust ports. That continued until about 2001 when the pushrod engine was dropped entirely.