[wheelsjz]

I've been doing a lot of research on these two swaps. Mainly, I want an aluminum block for weight savings and a little more hp/tq. The Mark VIII swap doesn't look too difficult and relatively cheap. How much would a 03-05 4.6l out of an Explorer cost? Looks like the Explorer swap will give me like 250ish hp and the Mark VIII around 300. Pretty much I'm asking is this the obvious answer that I should go with the Mark VIII swap since they both have aluminum blocks but the Mark has more hp and 4v?

Oh and I plan on going SC way later down the road. And I plan on doing this swap this summer.

[1996 GT]

Mark VIII 290hp stock and a 4v. Cant go wrong with that

[wheelsjz]

Thats what I'm leaning more towards. But the only thing is that I live in CA and to pass smog, don't I have to get a same year or later mark VIII to pass smog? Initially I'd have to get a 98 mark VIII since my mustang is a 98? That will be a pita finding an exact 98 mark VIII.

[1996 GT]

Why would you have to match it? It's a complete different engine either way. Mind you i live in Canada. But still i doubt they are going to look for a date on the block. Plus isnt a '97 and a '98 markVIII a carry over?

[cstreu1026]

Personally I would go with an Explorer engine since its more or less a direct swap.