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3.8 swap?


PetesPonies

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Who here has done this swap? I'm interested in whether it seemed worth it after it was done? Enough power now? Economy? Ease of this swap?
 


backroad101

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Even better, has anyone swapped in the supercharded version?

.
 
The_Dealer

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its been done, but your best bet is a 4.0 or 5.0(mountaineer or X), imo i would rather have 5.0 because it has more potential, more torque, plus it sounds good, and either one would be easier to install then a 3.8
 

PetesPonies

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I guy there are other options and that there is a write up in the tech section. I was looking to see if any posters here had done it. Not interested in other choices right now, just want to know about that one.
 
country0001

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I've done the 4.0 swap. Its definitely worth it.

I'd like to do a 5.0 swap, but I'd wanna do a sas with it. That seems like a ton of power for such a lil truck. The 4.0 is pretty torquey in the B2.
 

PetesPonies

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My 84 is carbureted, so a 4.0 is not an option. Again, looking for 3.8 info . . . .
 
Hahnsb2

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Just gotta swap the fuel system...

To my knowlege there isn't anyone on this board that has done a 3.8 swap, you're entering uncharted territory.
 
birddog321

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What is the donor vehicle? Just curious because mine is Carb'd too.
 
The_Dealer

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country0001 said:
I've done the 4.0 swap. Its definitely worth it.

I'd like to do a 5.0 swap, but I'd wanna do a sas with it. That seems like a ton of power for such a lil truck. The 4.0 is pretty torquey in the B2.
Click to expand...
my wheeling buddy has a cj5 with a built to the hilt 304 with 31's and 4.10's...the thing is nasty quick
 

PetesPonies

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holy cow, could you take this thread more off tpoic?? A 304 AMC engine? jeesh
 
BlackBII

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No one has done the 3.8 Swap because....

Its not bolt in
Needs a different tranny
Who knows on the wiring and what you would have to do to use your stock dash
Less power than the 4.0
....

There's not a lot of info because it hasn't been done on this board..Im sure someone has done it, but not one that I've seen around here.

It's fuel injected, so 4.0 or 3.8, your going to need to swap the fuel system anyway. ?? And the Carb'd 3.8 doesnt seem worth it...

4.0 is easier, bolts in, makes more power etc.

All the info on this swap on this site is here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/3_8_Conversion.html
 
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PetesPonies

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Its not bolt in- no different than a 302

Needs a different tranny- needs a different bellhousing

Who knows on the wiring and what you would have to do to use your stock dash- huh ?

4.0 is easier, bolts in, makes more power etc.- ok, but not everyone wants fuel injection . . . mine is carbureted and not interested in going FI. So for 84/85 owners, its more viable.

I guess no one reads all the previous posts before they post them self??
 
BlackBII

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You asked "I'm interested in whether it seemed worth it after it was done? Enough power now? Economy? Ease of this swap?"

I answered from the knowledge I have.

Worth it? No, not in my opinion.

Enough power? No, not in my opinion.

Ease of swap? Never done it. But, it sounds a hell of a lot harder than a 4.0, and will make less power. Just seems impractical to me, which is why I suggest a 4.0, not a 302 or 5.0.

FI is better. :icon_thumby:
 

PetesPonies

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I'm an automotive pro. I have been a auto teacher for over 20 years and have a restoration business presently. I know about fuel injection verses carburetors. I have taught that for years. I own 5 vehicles that are fuel injected . . just that I have 13 vehicles that are carbureted. But thats because I like vintage automobiles. If I didn't, I wouldn't have an '84 Ranger :icon_hornsup: So try not to talk me into FI, I love it . . in the right vehicle and under the right situation. I just don't like my 2.8 and wanted to see if anyone had done the 3.8. For an 84/85, the 3.8 is an option.
 
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