3.0 Performance Build

[1993Ranger4x4]

Alright, the engine in my truck right now has some serious issues. IT only has 117k miles and is burning a quart of oil every 100 miles, and whenever i check the oil its usually foamy and the last few times theres been a lot of water in it.

So rebuild time.

Got a good running engine to throw in for 75 bucks, but it seems to be a little tired too.

So, I have the old engine out, I want to build it up to get some more performance out of it. I dont have the 2500 bucks for the stroker kit, but I want to build it as "bad" as possible. What would give me the best performance? What pistons? What camshaft? Roller rockers? Deck the head? Let me know!

 

[Rearanger]

I dont have the 2500 bucks for the stroker kit,

but I want to build it as "bad" as possible. What would give me the best performance? What pistons? What camshaft? Roller rockers? Deck the head? Let me know!

Does not compute. Get a $75 V8 instead.

 

[1993Ranger4x4]

Does not compute. Get a $75 V8 instead.

Does not compute. Not many 75 dollar V8's. Than a new tranny. I know thisengine will not make much power. i just want to maximize its potential.

 

[Viper Command]

use flex fuel pistons, roads v-max lifters, find a stock '00-'01 rifle drilled cam, use a stock '00-'01 upper and lower intake manifold, and if you have the extra money up grade the ignition to the '96-'97 DIS. JBA exhaust headers, then the little shit to put on, like a programmer, under pullys, e-fan.



or use a FF block with your heads.

 

[1993Ranger4x4]

What about cam and roller rockers? Should I get a bigger throttle body?

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I've done a lot of work to the 3.0L in the past... I'm telling you from an honest opinion that its a waste of money. The 3.0L already needs to rev to build any power, adding an even hotter cam will make for poor truck performance. Besides, the valve springs will not support much over 5500rpm (valves will float and the springs will be toast before 6K). Just make sure it has solid compression numbers and swap it in. Save up for a motor swap if you're looking for any "real" gain. You can bolt on an intake and pretend it makes a ton more power... but even swapping out to a ported 98+ intake manifold, BBK 56mm throttle body, intake, crane 1.7 roller rockers, JBA headers and exhaust, underdrive pulley, electric fan, and ported cylinder heads with performance valve job and advancing the ignition will still fall WAY short of a 4.0L SOHC V6. (I traded a 3.0L powered ranger with all these mods in favor of a 4.0L).

 

[1993Ranger4x4]

Thanks for the input. Thats what I've been hearing. I guess since I plan to own this ranger for a while, I have plenty of time to transplant a bigger engine in.

 

[stmitch]

You could always port and polish the heads and intakes yourself. It wouldn't cost much if anything, depending on the tools you have access to, and would give you a decent gain. Making the engine breathe better can make a big difference in overall performance. Not talking 25hp or anything, but it would be noticeable.

 

[03ranger30]

I was thinking about doing the same thing, but reading everything I decided that it is a better idea to drive it until it dies, and then swap in a V8.

 

[haze3o]

i guess im the sucker out of the group i love my 3.o no doubt its a rever to make any sort of power but looking to upgrade/ port the intake and swap rockers 1.7's from crane? the ones for the 3.8 right?

 

[Rockstar04]

Forged pistons, Forced induction.

 

[03ranger30]

If you really wanted to do any major performance mods, get a stroker kit from Tom Morana, that opens the door to a lot of things.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Unless you are operating in a class that requires the use of the factory 3.0L V6 (originality, size, ect...) its basically a waste of a lot of money for the end result. A front wheel drive 3.8L V6 shares the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 3.0L in the Ranger. A 4.2L truck rotating assembly can be installed and there is support via V6 stang guys.

For the price tag associated with a 250hp vulcan engine you could have an entire drivetrain swap with a small block making 350hp (and have room to grow in the future).

 

[locovaca]

Unless you are operating in a class that requires the use of the factory 3.0L V6 (originality, size, ect...) its basically a waste of a lot of money for the end result. A front wheel drive 3.8L V6 shares the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 3.0L in the Ranger. A 4.2L truck rotating assembly can be installed and there is support via V6 stang guys.

For the price tag associated with a 250hp vulcan engine you could have an entire drivetrain swap with a small block making 350hp (and have room to grow in the future).

The RWD Essex family does not share the 3.0 bell housing pattern, only the FWD versions do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_bellhousing_patterns#Vulcan_V6_pattern

 

[stmitch]

i guess im the sucker out of the group i love my 3.o no doubt its a rever to make any sort of power but looking to upgrade/ port the intake and swap rockers 1.7's from crane? the ones for the 3.8 right?

I thought Crane went out of business? The 3.8 rockers may work, but I'd almost guarantee they won't be bolt on. Be prepared to modify things, and check the valve to rocker geometry very carefully!