I picked up an explorer 5.0 out of a 96 and the motor needs tons of machine work done before i throw it in my ranger. I can pick up running mustang 5.0efi's all day long locally for about 1/3rd of the price of just the machine work. Do the mustang efi motors of the provisions to add all the explorer sensors? Trying to use the stock explorer computer without throwing any codes.
Thanks
-R

Isnt the Explorer computer OBDII? Why not keep things simple and run the Mustangs EECIV computer?

It would be easy to use the mustang block, explorer heads, explorer serp, mustang wiring and computer. That's what I'd do at least.

Isnt the Explorer computer OBDII? Why not keep things simple and run the Mustangs EECIV computer?

X2 IMHO the Explorer stuff could be used but it will take a lot more work than the Stang stuff would.

be carefull with the explorer's short waterpump and don't try to make a waterpump pulley spacer i have seen that idea fail, the waterpump just cracks, if i were you i would use all mustang stuff maybe explorer heads if they are gt40, i would stay away from gt40p heads they have weird spark plug angles and make getting headers to fit without burning the plug wires hard

PS: try to get one with mass air so you can do performance upgrades to the motor later on without having to do an expensive mass air swap to a speed density system

The expoder head should have three raised notches on the head if they are GT40s, also has hyper type pistons instead of forged..use the 90s mustang intake and distributor..and if you have the hedders off the exploder use those ..you can make the explorer harness work but it's a pain...you have to isolate alot of systems...just use the 60 pin mustang harness or pick up a RJM harness..L

Many great suggestions but maybe I wasn't clear enough on the reason why. My state requires the motor in my ranger to be out of the same year vehicle with the emissions provisions as well. Which is why I have to stay obd II. I already have the harness and everything as well as all the accessories. Just wasn't sure if they actually changed the block for the obd sensor provisions.
For example I found a very low mile mildly built 347 long block for 800 locally out of an efi stang which is cheaper than I could even get the machine work done for my current setup. So just trying to squeeze everything I can out of it but I haven't really found much info regarding the block differences specifically if there indeed are any.
Thanks,
-Richard

The block is the same. I don't know if OBDII is going to be happy with a stroker though.

If its Mass Air it shouldnt have a problem with it, possibly have to get a re-flash but it should be able to compinsate for the additional air drawn in by the increased stroke.