Explorer head/intake question

[Dr Fildo]

I have heard that the heads from a late 90's explorer/mountaineer (gt40p) are extemely similar to that of the gt40 heads on a cobra and that the upper/lower intakes are also similar to that of the cobra. So my question is this: Just how similar is the explorer 5.0 to the cobra? Could you just drop the whole explorer motor into a '95 GT and essentially have a setup similar to a cobra?

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Some Explorers had the same heads, some had slightly different heads. The intake is very similar. The cam, i have no idea on.

But yes, the short answer is yes.

 

[BlkoutGT]

I've heard that peaple had problems with headers though. I guess not to many options with them

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I've heard that peaple had problems with headers though. I guess not to many options with them

That's with the GT40p heads, on newer 5.0 explorers. Most header's accommodate them now.

 

[ram360]

p heads just have a different spark plug angle so you need to be a little more mindful of you header selection when using them. The p is the better new design of the gt40. Yes you can essentially drop in a mountaineer / explorer motor. I know people who have done it (in fox bodys ...but same idea) Car has gone 12.7 w/ and untouched explorer long block and goes 11.9 on a 125 shot. Not saying it will do the same for you but it wouldn't be the first time I've seen guys do it w/ that stuff.

 

[Dr Fildo]

So if later, down the road, I wanted to add performance parts like a supercharger, I should be able to upgrade like I would on a cobra? Parts would be easy enough to find/purchase?

 

[2slo95fiveoh]

yes, however, the non cobra gt40 heads do not have as strong as valve springs as the cobras, so if you ever think about upgrading the
cam with the explorer engine, upgrade the valve springs at the same time. There are very minute differences between the explorer 5.0s and
the 94-95 cobra 5.0s. I'm not sure if the explorers used 24lb injectors or not, And i'm sure they had a more conservative tune from the factory.

 

[LAFENATU]

If you are thinking of doing the intake swap you'll have to tap the lower for the intake temp sensor or relocate it in the intake tube...or relocate it to the upper intake.

Here are 2 Links for you bro..

Link 1

Link 2

 

[Dr Fildo]

Thanks! Very informative. I own both a '95 gt and a '99 mountaineer. I have to say that the mountaineer does feel more powerful than the GT. The mountaineer has a trans cooler and some other stuff designed for offroad use. If I just drop the whole thing into the GT, should I remove some of the components, or could I just drop it in, hook it up, and take off??