3.7 Cyclone transverse to longitudinal

Montea6b

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Hello, newbie first post here. If there is a better forum for this thread please let me know.

I have a '76 Capri that I want to drop a new engine into, and I found a good deal on a 3.7 Cyclone from a 2017 Explorer Police Interceptor with only 480 miles. I made some measurements and did a little hasty research, then bought it. I was fortunate in that he let me have the wiring harness, throttle, brake booster and fuel tank sensor. (Not sure what else I should have scrounged, but if there is anything else worth going back for please let me know!)

What I failed to realize, however, was that it was transverse mounted. Yeah, kind dumb of me, but the engine was already out and on a pallet when I saw it, I assumed the Explorer was truck-based, and the appearance of the auto transmission and transfer case fooled me...

I want to mate it with a TR3650 manual. Now that I have it home and have removed the wiring harness, transmission, strapping, etc. I note that the air intake is at the rear, along with the radiator hose attachments, and they protrude further aft than the rear surface where the bell housing mounts. I may be able to mount the engine further forward to compensate, but would rather not for obvious reasons.

Now to the specific questions:

1. What might be needed to move these fittings to a traditional forward location as they are on the longitudinally mounted engines? Would I need to replace the entire intake manifold, or just the plenum? How about the coolant fittings? I haven't broken things down far enough to tell by looking... Assuming that a new manifold is required, is there an aftermarket one that would bolt right up that might be a nice upgrade as long as I am making the effort? (not looking for any wild performance upgrades, I just want a nice streetable ride)

2. I have seen some conflicting opinions on the bellhousing question. Is there a verifiable answer as to whether I could bolt up a bellhousing from a TR3650 equiped 3.7 Mustang to this block? No sense proceeding with #1 if this will be a show-stopper...

Thanks.
 
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me32

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Have you tried comparing the bolt bell housing pattern from the mustang and the explorer you currently have. I would assume (have no personal knowledge) that you could use some things from the 3.7 mustang engine to complete your project.
 

Ken Maynard

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I'm going to try to do it. I want to mate a T5 to my 3.5 EB motor. I think some coolant hoses might be tricky, as they extend beyond the back of the motor. I haven't pulled the intake yet to see what's possible though. When I ever get around to it, I'll update.
 

Mendo Cino

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Apr 3, 2022
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Hello, newbie first post here. If there is a better forum for this thread please let me know.

I have a '76 Capri that I want to drop a new engine into, and I found a good deal on a 3.7 Cyclone from a 2017 Explorer Police Interceptor with only 480 miles. I made some measurements and did a little hasty research, then bought it. I was fortunate in that he let me have the wiring harness, throttle, brake booster and fuel tank sensor. (Not sure what else I should have scrounged, but if there is anything else worth going back for please let me know!)

What I failed to realize, however, was that it was transverse mounted. Yeah, kind dumb of me, but the engine was already out and on a pallet when I saw it, I assumed the Explorer was truck-based, and the appearance of the auto transmission and transfer case fooled me...

I want to mate it with a TR3650 manual. Now that I have it home and have removed the wiring harness, transmission, strapping, etc. I note that the air intake is at the rear, along with the radiator hose attachments, and they protrude further aft than the rear surface where the bell housing mounts. I may be able to mount the engine further forward to compensate, but would rather not for obvious reasons.

Now to the specific questions:

1. What might be needed to move these fittings to a traditional forward location as they are on the longitudinally mounted engines? Would I need to replace the entire intake manifold, or just the plenum? How about the coolant fittings? I haven't broken things down far enough to tell by looking... Assuming that a new manifold is required, is there an aftermarket one that would bolt right up that might be a nice upgrade as long as I am making the effort? (not looking for any wild performance upgrades, I just want a nice streetable ride)

2. I have seen some conflicting opinions on the bellhousing question. Is there a verifiable answer as to whether I could bolt up a bellhousing from a TR3650 equiped 3.7 Mustang to this block? No sense proceeding with #1 if this will be a show-stopper...

Thanks.
So What was the verdict? I’m looking into a similar swap but opposite. RWD 3.7 into my transversed all wheel drive. Did it end up being possible?
 

CobraBob

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Doubtful you're going to get your answer. He only had 4 posts and hasn't been here since November 6, 2019.
 

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