I'm looking to start the whole build (as in I've ordered a manual and started doing research) I've got a 1990 1.6 with a soft top, i love it.
Anyway, I've been looking for an engine and I see an explorer 5.0

REDUCED AGAIN!! 2001 Ford Explorer Engine 5 Liter

Would this work? Though I'm leaning towards the LS, but If I can get this cheap, why not?

 

Not sure the gt40-p head was the best head to put in a miata. You probably get some header clearance issue?

You better start with a complete Mustang drive train.

 

I don't know much about the different 5.0's. But here is some decent info from a quick google search.

The difference between X 5.0 and Mustang 5.0? - Ford Explorer & Ranger Resource "Serious Explorations"®

But what I do know is that the build manual you ordered is most likely for one or the other (5.0 or LS), there are some definite differences in the way each of those are installed. So I would make that decision before you invest too much in one solution or the other.

 

I'm thinking for my first one I should stick to whichever is simpler, I'm guessing that's the 5.0 ?

Would this be better?

FORD 5.0 302 Block F-cam

http://hartford.en.craigslist.org/pts/4000973129.html

 

You can use a Ford Explorer motor but have to be sure it has the proper GT40 (not GT40p) heads if you plan on using them. If you are looking to purchase a aftermarket heads/intake/throttle/air meter then there's no reason to go with an Explorer engine-just pick up a bare XXX or YYY 5.0 block and start from there. If you're looking to use the best OEM stuff you can to get the biggest bang for the buck then the GT40 Explorer engine really can't be beat.

-Jason

 

The Explorer engine is a very nice engine to use in many ways, mostly in the cylinder heads and its induction components. Just put in the proper camshaft for your application and a Mustang distributor. The Explorer 5.0 is a 50 oz balanced engine, same as the Mustang 5.0 H.O. and uses a short water pump set up, which frees up around an extra 1-1/2" lenght wise. It also comes already fitted with a 65MM throttle body.

The beauty about the small block ford is that you can use many front accessory brackets configuration; IMHO, the tightest accessory tuck can be achieved with a T-Bird 5.0 Liter. That is the set up my buddy used on his Miata and I thought that it fitted very nicely. If you want to reduce the engine weight, then go with some aluminum heads, you'll shave around 35-40 pounds off the front end. I have some AFR heads in my MGB-V8, but the headers had to be reshaped to match the "D" shaped exhaust ports; what a mess that was to reshape the headers.

Jacko

 

Working on my 93 Miata swap. Have a 91 Mustang GT for parts. I would like to us the short water pump from a Explorer or a T-bird. What else would I need to match belt location? Is it just the water pump pulley to match or do I need brackets and crank pulley all to match?

Dick H

 

Think you better go with a 94-95 belt setup. You can look at my picture.