The time has come to start shopping around for a motor (f-ing suspension is being put on the back burner AGAIN). My motor of choice is a 99-01 Explorer GT40p. I just need a cheap and solid motor that won't see any power adders. The Explorer motor seems to be the best/cheapest option.

There are quite a few on Ebay but my only issue is most of them that are reasonable priced already have around 90k miles on them. Are these higher mileage Explorer 302's something to worry about for making a reliable daily driver motor?

Also, I'm a bit unclear on exactly what needs to be done to get these motors to work in a Mustang. So far these are the parts I know are needed:

- New cam (probably go with a FRPP cam...not sure if going with an F or B cam)
- better valve springs
- distributor w/steel gear
- eccentric for running a mech fuel pump
- flywheel for manual trans
- water pump for mustang application
- foxbody oil pan (probably just get the FRPP kit with the pan, pickup, dipstick, timing chain cover, and harmonic balancer)

While I'm in there it will also get a new oil pump, new timing chain, and probably a new rear main seal (all for insuring no future issues).

Is there anything else I'm missing here? I'm assuming the block casting is the exact same as the older 302's...so am I also correct in assuming I will have no issues bolting up my accesories? Should I swap out the rockers for some 1.6's or 1.7's? Would I have any valve/piston clearance issues running those rockers with an F or B cam on a stock Explorer long block?

Appreciate the info. I'm sure more questions will come.

 

headers.

Alan, a friend has a 99 motor with 59k for sale.
PM me and I'll get you the details.

 

Go with an E-cam. I have it and it works great with the Explorer short block.

Also, ask Harold Harper about this stuff... he knows the right tricks to get you nearly 300hp at the wheels with an Explorer short block.

 

you can get a little more than that

 

What would be the cost to mill and port the heads (I'm assuming that is where the extra power is coming from)? I'm on a very limited budget, but if it doesn't cost too much I may as well get some work done while the motor is out (need to change out the springs anyways).

As far as cams go, any reason you'd recommend an E over the F? I was looking for a cam with more mid to high end power. F seemed to fit the bill.

 

^^ Yeah, with some better heads you probably can....and then you can spray it like I do and get even more.

Alan, I have no personal experience with the F cam...but I like the way my E cam idles and it makes really good power almost to 6K.

The heads on my motor are ported E7's ... there is definitely more power to be had there.
I think you'd probably be able to port them yourself if you have a dremel tool...just pick a set of gaskets that are larger and match them. I bet you could get it done fairly cheaply if you didn't want to try it yourself.