Whats the difference between an suv 4.6 and a mustang 4.6?
- Thread starter SilverBullet00
- Start date
I actually didn't think it sounded that bad. Remember, the previously well kept secret of the Explorers sporting an aluminum block isn't so well kept anymore. Now, every Non-PI guy and and later model PI guys and their mother with a tired engine in their Ford or Mercury sporting a 4.6L is looking for one as their replacment engine now. These engines only had a 4-year run, so they're in pretty high demand.
Ok, I noticed two things about the explorer motor by doing some research-
A) It has a different oil filter adapter. It puts the oil filter in front of the lower rad hose connection. I figure I can just swap adapters from my block to the new block.
B) Its timing cover is way different- not a huge deal, but can I run my timing cover instead? It uses less idler pullies and looks cleaner IMO...
A) It has a different oil filter adapter. It puts the oil filter in front of the lower rad hose connection. I figure I can just swap adapters from my block to the new block.
B) Its timing cover is way different- not a huge deal, but can I run my timing cover instead? It uses less idler pullies and looks cleaner IMO...
I'm going through this now on my 98 GT. Engine is a 2004 Explorer 4.6, 21,000 miles, paid $1200 for it.
1. The timing cover is different. It's missing the boss to mount your power steering pump. It also has a bolt hole in a different location than any mustang cover. It's to the right of the water pump, I'm using a F6AE cover and using it as a guide to drill into the block 3/8" and install a heli-coil and put a stud there.
2. The oil pan is different. And the oil pump pick up. I drilled through the spot welds from the Explorer oil pan and took the crank scrapers out, and welded them into a FRPP mustang pan. Also swapped out the oil pump & pick up for the FRPP Cobra model, installed the windage tray also.
3. Even though the intake manifold is a PI version, there is no provision to extract water out of the rear passenger side head like on a Mustang. Bought a new one from Kar Kraft. The thermostat cover is pointing the wrong way.
4. You need a Mustang heater tube. The Exploder has an extra tube coming off of it.
5. Oil filter adapter is totally wrong. Using my old one.
6. Valve covers must be changed for my old ones.
7. Exhaust manifolds are different.
8. Still need to see if the Exploder water pump is the same as my year model (long or short).
Not as easy as people make it out to be!
1. The timing cover is different. It's missing the boss to mount your power steering pump. It also has a bolt hole in a different location than any mustang cover. It's to the right of the water pump, I'm using a F6AE cover and using it as a guide to drill into the block 3/8" and install a heli-coil and put a stud there.
2. The oil pan is different. And the oil pump pick up. I drilled through the spot welds from the Explorer oil pan and took the crank scrapers out, and welded them into a FRPP mustang pan. Also swapped out the oil pump & pick up for the FRPP Cobra model, installed the windage tray also.
3. Even though the intake manifold is a PI version, there is no provision to extract water out of the rear passenger side head like on a Mustang. Bought a new one from Kar Kraft. The thermostat cover is pointing the wrong way.
4. You need a Mustang heater tube. The Exploder has an extra tube coming off of it.
5. Oil filter adapter is totally wrong. Using my old one.
6. Valve covers must be changed for my old ones.
7. Exhaust manifolds are different.
8. Still need to see if the Exploder water pump is the same as my year model (long or short).
Not as easy as people make it out to be!
Damn man, thanks for the info. If I used my current timing cover, Would I still need to drill into the block? And I know the oil pan was different, I was thinking I would add a windage tray and use my stock mustang oil pan. I was hoping the lower intake would be the same, but i guess its not...
and what do you mean by a mustang heater tube? And where does the explorer block have one? Could it be blocked off? Any why do you need new valve covers?
and what do you mean by a mustang heater tube? And where does the explorer block have one? Could it be blocked off? Any why do you need new valve covers?
If you used your timing cover one of the attaching cover bolts has been moved. I'm picking up a earlier style cover tommorow, F3AE, and think this might be an option (for me at least). I really do not want to drill into the block.
The heater tube I mentioned is the metal tube that goes to the back of the water pump. It travels down the valley and exits at the rear of the block. The Explorer's has 2 outlets in it at the back of the block. Mustang has a single outlet. I guess it could be soldered off (blocked). I just bought a new one.
By putting my old valve covers on I do not have to re-route any of the emissions stuff or block of the the extra pvc tube. My old engine is a Romeo so it just makes sense to me. The Exploder's oil fill is elevated and on the wrong side (passenger side)!
Will report back tommorow about the old style cover.
The heater tube I mentioned is the metal tube that goes to the back of the water pump. It travels down the valley and exits at the rear of the block. The Explorer's has 2 outlets in it at the back of the block. Mustang has a single outlet. I guess it could be soldered off (blocked). I just bought a new one.
By putting my old valve covers on I do not have to re-route any of the emissions stuff or block of the the extra pvc tube. My old engine is a Romeo so it just makes sense to me. The Exploder's oil fill is elevated and on the wrong side (passenger side)!
Will report back tommorow about the old style cover.
Update:
The F3EA thru F5EA timing cover is the correct one for 96-98 engine swaps. It has the power steering pump boss, small mounting holes all around like the explorer engine, AND it has the mounting hole to the right of the water pump in the correct location! NO MODIFICATIONS NEEDED!!!!!
Other differences between the SUV engine and Mustang engine.
1. Heavier duty crankshaft
2. Full floating piston pins
3. 4 bolt mains w/ 2 side bolts
4. NPI engines will get the better heads, crank dampener, crank gear, and crank timing wheel.
5. And being 80 lbs lighter it will always be faster E.T. wise. Been there.
The F3EA thru F5EA timing cover is the correct one for 96-98 engine swaps. It has the power steering pump boss, small mounting holes all around like the explorer engine, AND it has the mounting hole to the right of the water pump in the correct location! NO MODIFICATIONS NEEDED!!!!!
Other differences between the SUV engine and Mustang engine.
1. Heavier duty crankshaft
2. Full floating piston pins
3. 4 bolt mains w/ 2 side bolts
4. NPI engines will get the better heads, crank dampener, crank gear, and crank timing wheel.
5. And being 80 lbs lighter it will always be faster E.T. wise. Been there.
Similar threads
