Question about using Explorer Engine
 

I have a question, looking to get a 5.0 out of a 96 Explorer. Would the Computer and Harness work from this vehicle, or do I need the Harness and Computer from a Mustang?

You need the Mustang stuff. The only reason that I see for people using the Explorer engines is for the heads & intake, which really are not that great, in my opinion, compared to other stuff out there. You will still need a distributor & the front drive accessories as well.

Depends on your goals. The Explorer is OBDII, the Mustang is not. Literally hundreds of these swaps have been done with the Mustang computer/wiring harnesses, so there is a substantial knowledge base. Not so with the Explorer harness and computer. The Explorer can be made to work, it's just that you will be the pioneer and many of your questions will not have ready answers. However, the LS motors are all OBDII and they seem to run all right :)

Mike

I don't want to hijack the thread, but what about the 91-93 Thunderbird 5.0 instead of the Explorer?

I know that the heads are not as good and the intake is a low profile instead of the better Explorer, but it IS an HO roller engine and has a tighter front accessories setup than the early Mustangs and the Explorer (right???). So, if one plans to try to use OEM as much as possible (at least initially), which might be more cost-effective, easier, and still provide a good future platform for an engine build-up?

Gary

Using the Tbird motor is certainly a viable option. It has the short front (as does the Explorer), it is an HO motor, downgraded somewhat because of the exhaust, which you'll change anyway, and it has the low profile intake which will certainly get you started.

The downside is really the computer, it is not the same, the injector pinout is different. But if you transfer it intact to the Miata, it will run well, you are limited somewhat as far as mods go.

I think I've said this before, :) but it makes sense to me to get a Tbird/Cougar donor and transplant as much as possible to the Miata. I even used an automatic. So far, 7000 trouble free miles.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/230822...zda-miata-mx-5

Mike

How about the Tbird computer vs. the mustang computer with an OBDI 1995? Also, how does the intake compare flow-wise to the Explorer (if anyone knows)?

The only problem with the Tbird computer is that it's not the same as the A9L which is the commonly used Mustang ECU. Therefore, there is not tremendous support for it like there is the A9L. In stock form it will work fine. I have one with the stock motor and an Explorer intake, it works fine. If you intend to modify the motor with cam, bore, etc, you will have to retune the ECU, then you have a problem.

This page shows a comparison of some 302 manifolds.

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/614.shtml

The Tbird and the 94-95 HO 302 which is the same are not listed, but you can see the benefit of the Explorer manifold. Don't forget the 96 Explorer comes with the GT40 heads, which are a worthwhile upgrade over the Tbird heads.

Mike

I'd imagine the T-bird computer would be similar or the same as a SN-95 1994/95 Mustang computer.

-Jason