Block will be going under the knife this weekend to:

1) Drill & Tap the knock sensor hole since the 3L knock sensor threading is much smaller than the 2.5L knock sensor.

2) Remove "ear" in the way of the oil cooler lines

3) Remove the "ears" (note plural use) in the way of the alternator brackets.

Before that can take place, I must first finish installing the valve covers (I was waiting on the spark plug tube seals from the dealership) & oil pan (I must first clean her up). I will not be torquing down the oil pan and will be reusing the original gasket during the steps 1-3 above. I'm not going to use the new pan gasket until I have tapped one of the oil return jackets in the girdle and have removed all the shavings and fitted a fitting for the return line to attach to.

I'm planning on only using SS braded EARLS lines & EARLS connectors ... time to go to Summit Racing

For Sale: 1997 Explorer XLT V8 AWD