The Holley setup is far too expensive in my opinion. Definitely not what I'm looking for.
If I were to get a donor what should I look for? ObdII isn't a must just thought it would make things easier. Truck intakes are too tall from what I've read/seen.
You want a 1996/7 explorer V8 computer and wiring harness, will be OBDII and will NOT have PATS(passive anti-theft system)
PATS adds a layer of complications you don't need, Explorers got PATS in 1998
These computers will be for automatic trans(4R70W), so if you are using manual trans or AOD then you will want to have the automatic software deleted, or install 4R70W with its wiring harness
Without a connection to 4R70W the computer will turn on CEL(check engine light) which isn't all that bad, but it will also idle oddly and get poor MPG, and of course if there is another problem you won't know it because CEL is on all the time, lol, so have to check codes now and then to see if there is another problem.
Get upper/lower intake, complete, from 1996 to 1998 explorer V8, 1999 got returnless fuel system, so adds another layer of complications in computer choice
Need the crank pulley with tone wheel from similar years, probably timing chain cover as well, but you may be able to fabricate Crank sensor mount, it does need to be at a precise location for correct spark and injector timing.
It is like distributor timing, "kinda close" doesn't cut it, lol.
Drawing of crank sensor setup here:
https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249084_1_2.jpg
Picture here:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?attachments/strapit-jpg.59049/
Which also brings up pulley alignment, not sure how the new crank pulley will line up with accessory pulleys?
You could make your own tone wheel/crank sensor setup
There are lots of tone wheels out there that might be adapted for your use
Crank Tone wheel has 1 "tooth" every 10deg, so 360deg = 36 "teeth"
One "tooth" is removed, so only 35 "teeth"
That Gap(missing tooth) = TDC #1 piston
And thats how the engine is timed
There is an off-set you would have to look up, "gap" often passes crank sensor 10 or 20deg BTDC, like distributor timing