v8 swap


86_cookiemonster

86_cookiemonster

November '08 STOTM Winner

MTOTM Winner
Joined
Aug 8, 2007
Messages
337
Points
3,101
Vehicle Year
1986
Transmission
Automatic
Ok the tech articals confused me, on the v8 engine swap. I have a 1986 ford ranger with the the 2.3. If i had a full explorer (don't know what year would be best) how hard would it be to put the v8 from the explorer into the ranger.
 
:DIf you're confused now--------you need to stop now.:stop:
 
baddad457 said:
:DIf you're confused now--------you need to stop now.:stop:
Click to expand...

I am the guy that once i start the project it makes sense. I understand how to do it, i just don't understand what all is compatable from the explorer to the ranger.
 
when i did my swap i used heads from a 2000 explorer and the stock exhaust manifolds. they took up less room than the headers i had that were made for the swap.
 
Take any year Explorer, throw away the wiring, computer, engine sensors, motor mounts and use the Mustang stuff, '93' most common.
Mac
 
About the only thing not compatible may be the Explorer's oilpan. And the GT40P head's spark plug angles.
 
baddad457 said:
About the only thing not compatible may be the Explorer's oilpan. And the GT40P head's spark plug angles.
Click to expand...

the spark plug angle is fine i have the gt40p heads in my truck, but it does make finding the right headers more dificult
 
baddad457 said:
About the only thing not compatible may be the Explorer's oilpan. And the GT40P head's spark plug angles.
Click to expand...

The "P" heads are better but really not by much and really do limit your selection of headers as Mongoose said. The GT40 heads will let you use many of the other headers available, like the Tri-Y's and gain back some HP. Never, never use the stock tube type Explorer headers, they are so restrictive. I would have never know but I cut one set apart to get the ERG bung out of one of them.
As far as oil pan, go with the Mustang dual sump. The Explorers came with either a cast alum or stamped steel pan. Even when doing the '98' and later swap, you have to be careful on which one you use depending on coil or torson bar suspension.
Mac
 
ok, i was talking to a friend and he said the frame could not take the power that a v8 would put out. Is the explorer frame boxed? i haven't heard any problems about the v8 explorer and the frame. What have you guys done to your frames?
 
Last edited:
back in high school i had a 85 ranger with a 351w the frame was fine. your bud HAS NO IDEA ON WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT!!!! if you were putting in a big block then i would box the frame. you will have no probs with a small block motor.
 
Unless you are planning on fuel injection you really don't need the explorer. As said: stang mounts or make your own adapter plates, dual sump pan, filter relocation kit, radiator, trans (a few selections there), t-case and some other odds and ends. Unless you can get a steal on a v8 explorer you'll still be buying stuff and throwing a bunch of explorer stuff away. As far as the frame, you'll be fine. Mine held decent to a decent 351W and is still holding up decent, yeah its a little twisted now but I'm well beyond a stock engine.

Matt
 
86_cookiemonster said:
ok, i was talking to a friend and he said the frame could not take the power that a v8 would put out. Is the explorer frame boxed? i haven't heard any problems about the v8 explorer and the frame. What have you guys done to your frames?
Click to expand...

:icon_rofl:Your "freind" :iamwithstupid:hasn't the slightest idea of what he's talking about.:icon_rofl: My 89's had a V8 now for 8 years. Absolutely nothing done to the frame. It's never had the front end aligned either. Zero problems in either of those two aspects.
 
i figured he was wrong, but i thought i should ask.
 
Ok this is the last couple of questions that I have (at least for now). these are basicly praticality questions. The first, and probably the most important. I live in Ohio, and I was woundering if I did a v8 swap, what is required to meet emissions standards, can I use a carb setup, what emissions equipment is required ext. I have a cop next door to me and two of my uncles are cops, so lieing about emissions isn't really an option.
The last one is what gauges can I use, would the Explorer gauges be the easiest to use, or should I go after market? which of these two options would be the most pratical?
 
You can keep the gauges you have now. All you need to do is reuse the sending units. The factory tach for the V6 will also work after you readjust the settings on it.
 
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