Anyone tried a 5.0 swap into an Explorer?

Seeking Help
1

I know this sounds wild and probably won’t work since Coyotes are so wide, but hear me out. How much custom work do you think it would take to swap a 5.0 into a 2020-24 Explorer? How impossible would this really be?

2

With the aluminum unibody, even if it were possible, you’d need someone experienced with aluminum. Honestly, I’d say it’s next to impossible. If it could be done, someone would’ve done it by now.

3

Cameron said:
With the aluminum unibody, even if it were possible, you’d need someone experienced with aluminum. Honestly, I’d say it’s next to impossible. If it could be done, someone would’ve done it by now.

Are you sure no one has done it yet? With all the insane engine swaps I’ve seen—LS, 2JZ, even rotaries—I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s already been done.

4

@Shannon
I keep up with this kind of stuff, and if someone had gone through all that trouble, they’d definitely post it for the internet clout.

5

Cameron said:
@Shannon
I keep up with this kind of stuff, and if someone had gone through all that trouble, they’d definitely post it for the internet clout.

Still, I wonder if Ford ever tried this as an experiment. It could be a total beast!

6

I don’t know anything about cars, but I love your excitement about this idea.

7

You’d probably have better luck swapping in bigger turbos. Plus, getting all the computer systems to work together would be a nightmare.

8

I’ve got both a GT and a 2023 Explorer. I’ll check to see if there’s even enough space. Offhand, I doubt it—the Explorer engine bay feels shorter than the GT’s.

9

Hollis said:
I’ve got both a GT and a 2023 Explorer. I’ll check to see if there’s even enough space. Offhand, I doubt it—the Explorer engine bay feels shorter than the GT’s.

I just checked, and nope. The Coyote’s width could probably fit, but the length is the problem. The Mustang’s long hood works for the Coyote, but the Explorer’s short hood doesn’t leave enough room.

10

Why not try this on an older 06-10 Explorer instead? It’s a much better fit and a better truck in my opinion. You’d need to start with a V8 version, though.

11

Love the idea, but I’d stick with tuning the ST. Mine can already keep up with a Cobra. Add a tune for 59 HP, a bigger intercooler for another 25, and for a couple of thousand, you’ve got a 500 HP family SUV.