4.0 VS 5.0

greenmachine89 · Post by **greenmachine89** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:51 pm

Now I am looking into an upgrade in engine size and I haven't made up my mind on either a 4.0 or 5.0. I know that the 5.0 has more potental but the 4.0 is a straight bolt in since my BII is an 89. But I would love to have that v8 power! So what to get the 5.0 out of is what I wonder. I want to stay with fuel injected so I know that crown vics had 5.0 but what about an explorer? Would that be easier? I even have a 90 f150 2wd could I use the motor and tranny from that? A guy told me that a 2wd tranny can be used its just that you have to change the end of the tranny. Make any sense? Or what about a Bronco? Imput on this one would greatly help! Is the 4.0 good enough or crap come compared to the power of a 5.0?

Post by **Nobody** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:04 pm

I think both are good options. The 4.0 is definately going to be cheaper and easier. However the 5.0L will open the door for more transmission options. Yes, many 2wd transmissions can be converted to 4wd. Often times it's cheaper and easier to get a 4wd setup from the start. Really depends on which tranny.

A 5.0L will definately give you more power than the 4.0L. But it's not too much power. A stock 5.0L is about perfect power to weight ratio if you ask me.

As for which 5.0L to go with... I'd say whatever you can get your hands on for the best price. Whole parts car if possible. The 5.0L HO will demand a few more bucks. One thing to watch out for is the taller intakes on the trucks and some cars. (hood clearance)

I was very happy with my V8, but there were a few times I was wishing I had just a little more power...... and one time I wished I had a little less

greenmachine89 · Post by **greenmachine89** » Fri Aug 24, 2007 2:04 pm

Well that sums it up pretty well for me! 5.0 engines that are fuel injected I am told should pass emissions. Time to find a 5.0 ...

HOOKER · Post by **HOOKER** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:59 pm

I don't want to bust your balloon but even with a 5.0 you still have a small rear end to deal with
JAKE

greenmachine89 · Post by **greenmachine89** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:32 pm

Sorry dude I no longer have the oh so small 7.5 but The larger 8.8 along with the d35 for the front. I just want to know if it is really worth the money and trouble to convert to a 5.0 vs a 4.0.

Post by **Nobody** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:44 pm

My 7.5 lived behind a V8 with 33's for a couple years. Then I put on 36's and it lasted for probably another year before it blew up. I wasn't easy on it either. The failure was a bearing cap, not an axle shaft. The shafts are 28 spline, the same size as many of the 8.8's and 9's. I wouldn't throw any money upgrading a 7.5, but I wouldn't hesistate to run one behind a V8 with small tires.

Joel H · Post by **Joel H** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:30 am

I've done a 4.0L swap and I've helped a buddy do a 302 carb swap and the only disadvantage i have found with the 4.0L is engine rebuild cost is WAY more expensive than the 302.

There are alot of hidden costs in a 302 swap. If you have all the parts and have done one before it shouldn't be that bad.

4.0L will drop in and everything bolts up. Just have to splice a few wires.

greenmachine89 · Post by **greenmachine89** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:09 pm

Well so far I have heard that transmission options are all I get out of a 5.0 but is the power increase great enough to do the 5.0 or should I stick with the 4.0? I want to be able to turn my 37's without a huge change in gear ratio. Right now I have 3:73 gears. No one so far has said that the 5.0 has HUGE amounts of power vs the 4.0.

Joel H · Post by **Joel H** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 8:39 am

I run 33's on 3.73's and it's marginal. The truck still gets up and goes but it could always be better.

If you plan to run anything over 35's I'd be looking at 4.56 or 4.88's.

Like I said before rebuilding a 5.0L there are more options and you can get good power numbers out of off the shelf parts. The 4.0L OHV however has little to no aftermarket support. What is out there is $$$$$$$$.

I've yet to go head to head with my buddy and his 302 BroncoII. Once I get the 4.10's in mine we'll see.

greenmachine89 · Post by **greenmachine89** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:23 am

I think I will be going the 5.0 route if the parts are there then build it! I also am going to at least 4.10's if not 4.54's. We shall see how it goes.