1994 F150 XLT 5.0 4X4 All original factory. Considering the install of 96-01 Explorer 5.0 engine. I assume the computer system from explorer will have to be changed. Any other items that you are aware of. Both come with 4R70 trans. The only difference I have found is the cam, distributor rotates opposite direction and firing order is reversed. Any comments will be appreciated.

 

Why wouldn't you just get the right engine?

 

Already have the right engine, trying to upgrade to add HP and torque.

 

Having the distributor spin the other way won't add hp or torque. If you want the benefits of the later engine, you have to keep that engine SYSTEM complete. All the wiring AND emissions controls. If you mix parts from the original engine system with something else, or only install PART of the later system, you'll just make things run worse. The captions in these photo albums describe how to do a swap that way:

(phone app link)


(phone app link)


That car ran perfectly (like a scalded dog) for 15 years until a DA pulled out in front of me (at low speed). The 83 Bronco in my signature has been running perfectly even longer with a '95 F150 engine swap. I've also swapped a '75 Bronco to an '88 F150 5.0L:

(phone app link)

 

Lots of people have used the late Explorer engines as upgrades for earlier vehicles. It is a great swap and the roller cam in it is a good one for low rpm torque that your truck needs. The Explorer engine does not use a distributor from the factory. You can use the long block and swap all of your trucks parts onto it. You might want to double check your source for that information on the cam direction.

If you are comfortable with the wiring & computer swap you would be miles ahead to use the complete Explorer engine / drivetrain & management system.

 

Thanks, you have confirmed my research. I was starting to wonder about the other replies.

 

Up to 97 1/2 the Explorer used GT40 heads, 97 1/2 on up the heads are GT40P. Neither have air ports and GT40 is straight across swap the P motor is a little more difficult. The Explorer cam is same as truck roller cam. As said previously mentioned you'd need to swap many truck parts over to the Explorer unless you try to make things run with the Explorer computer. That's above my skill level and therefore seems daunting but maybe it's within your skill set.

 

Forgot I have a Explorer 302 in my 95 F150. One thing I had to wrap my head around, the Windsor 302 has only one crankshaft configuration no matter the firing order. The different firing orders are controlled by the camshaft, HO vs non HO.