picked up a v8 exploder for $500

i have been keeping my eye out for a v8 from an explorer for a few years to drop into my falcon. i can also use the front pulley system for when doing a/c and other various parts.

my falcon has a 5.0 and t5 from a 86 gt 100% stock. i bought a maf kit from summit years ago and used on it (stock computer and maf).

my question is how to go about the install. should i freshen up the exploder ingine and install(160k) or put the top end on the 86H.O.(20k on a freshen up no cylinder wear). the only thing i worry about is pv clearance(flat tops no valve relief .000 deck heighth) ive hears of people using e7te heads on the 86 engine no problem. will the gt40p work as well? also will spark plugs clear bbk shorties for a fox?

i took the heads off the motor and suprised the hell out of me it had crosshatch almost(within 1/4 of top of ring travel) the whole bore. yes i now plan on freshening up the engine(didn't wan't to waste a fresh ho if it i didn't hafto)

would the ho cam be the best option for me?
im looking for a daily driver engine that gets good econmy an i don't hafto work on for a long time after its in, the car is a real pita to change the motor. this was the best i could think of for an engine that will put a smile on my face when i drive it. if i wanta go really fast my other car runs an 11.8 in the quarter.

finally got it togeather

here's what i did with the motor. new rings, bearings oil pump, timing chain. reground valves and the machinist put "Z28" springs in it #110 at seat.
i put the power rack back in the car and i took a gamble and used the explorer timing cover and accessories, it worked out very well. now i have enough room between the water pump and radiator an put the fan on the engine side of the radiator and put an ac condensor in front , whoo hoo i can have ac for next summer now. i used the headders i had. they are flowtec 1.5 shorties for a fox body and a set of chevy plug wires for the 90 degree boot. they all clear, the closest boot is about 3/16 away from the header. i reused the 58mm tb and egr from the 86ho, ill probable upgrade later since it runs out of steam around 4800rpm.

however the used HO cam i got isn't an ho cam it has the standard 302 firing order( ask me how pissed off i was when the car ran funny at first start up) by looks i know its not a car cam(it has a fat lobe, i know the car one when i see it iv'e thrown quite a few into scrap iron). the engine is a little lacking in low end torque compared to the 86 ho and "turns on" around 2000 rpm it also seems to have a slight lope at idle, but i am unsure if its an artifact of having the wrong firing order with sequential injection. the cam when i looked at it seems to be made by ford. it has an unreadable part number and has a line of punch marks around it by the dizzy gear. i would sure like to know what it is.

anyway a few pics for ya.

and