My 1988 v8 Swap

[88Turbo]

So I traded a 1985 honda 3 wheeler for this relitivly rust free (for this area, they use ALOT of salt on the roads) 88 ford ranger. The truck was already a project that I was going to finsih, but the motor was a 2.3 turbo (hence my name). But after alot of wiring issues and all that bullcrap I said this is enough and hauled it out, later trading it for a "70,000km" 1978 302. Well it had far from 70,000.... It ended up taking .40 thou just to clean it up. On the bright side I got a fresh engine! Already aquired: bran new .40 over pistons and rigns, new bearings throughout the motor, compltle engine gasket kit, new edlebrock valve covers, new summit racing mini truck headers, pre-bent 2.5" pipe from a guy who had an unfinished ranger project. The rods have been grinded and remachined round, I ported and polished the heads (off 69 Torino, better compression than the stock 78's) along with new vavle seals. Future plans involve: new cam, lifters, pushrods, valve springs, rocker arms, timing chain and gears, 4 bbl and alum intake, new oil pump, water pump, alt, starter, distributor, and whatever im forgetting will also be new.

Im also looking for color ideas on the motor, I was thinking purple block, silver heads, then all my crome stuff. I dont want blue its to common.

Heres a few pics of my girl, shes on the right. I call them Bonnie & Clyde, the left one is a 96 4cyl 2wd.

 

[morse johnson]

You doing a great job to that ranger keep up the good work and keep us posted. i cant wait to see it painted

 

[jhammel85]

Looking forward to the progress

 

[88Turbo]

Well since im waiting for things to get done, I decided to go out and buy a rear end so can get something done. Its out of a 97 ranger, its a 8.8 posi track with 3.55 gears. Already got the new u-bolts and should be changing it soon.

 

[88Turbo]

Its been a while since ive posted on this thread, but I wanted to start from the begining with some pictures to show you guys progress over time.

Truck and motor, when first traded.

 

[88Turbo]

After deciding to swap the turbo out for a V8.

The 77 302 when I first brought it home.

And a set of 69 torino heads I got off an uncle. Before and after complete rebuild (valve guides, valve seats, new oversized valves, seals, ported and polished).

The bran new summit swap headers I scored online for $100.

And of course general work done to the truck its self.

Rear end swap.

Body work, new fender, tailgate and underside rust proofing.

 

[Tominator]

Nice project....How about candy apple blue block, metal flake silver heads and paint the body the same color as the block.

...Set off by the chrome....

 

[Lift]

Whats the part number for those headers you scored on? Id love to get my hands on a pair of those.. There perfect for custom exhaust

 

[88Turbo]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ADD-717044/

 

[Mac]

If those heads still have the stock rocker studs, you are going to be really limited in rocker selection to something like these.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-RPM1431-16/?rtype=10
Those are what are called positive-stop and use rockers that are guided by the valve stem. Could drill for threaded studs and have to use guide plates.
Dave

 

[88Turbo]

I see no real problem with those rockers? Pretty much what I was aiming for anyways lol

Works pretty slow on the truck right now, busy putting together my little 2.3 to get me around. Ill have updates as soon as i get my engine back!

 

[Cam10]

for the engine how about a royal plum. looks real good with chrome valve covers and polished intake.

 

[88Turbo]

Thats a good combination, maybe ill go with it!

 

[88Turbo]

Works slow... so I guess I'll ask if anybodys got some suggestions for the build???

 

[88Turbo]

Bran new crank for $150. The guy just had it sitting in his garage all wrapped up from an unfinished mustang project. SCORE!