free project truck

[Dangasaur]

My dad just gave me a '93 ranger 2.3l 5speed as a gift. This is going to be purely a project car. After hours of research I've made my choice. I'm looking to do a 302 swap as well as fix some cosmetic issues. Here are my goals:

Hardware:
-302 + performance parts to break into the 350hp range
-auto or stick, whichever is easiest and will handle the power
-painless swap, I'll just buy whatever adapter or kit I need (within reason)
-EFI, probably megasquirt

Goals:
-350+ hp as stated above
-weekend warrior, doesn't have to drive to work unless I want to show it off
-street/strip feel for car, I want to move fast in a straight line not climb rocks
-AC, air, radio, ect not really needed so if I have to sacrafice any of it so be it
-get a 302 in and running 1st to justify project, add power 2nd

Questions:

Right now looking at local ads I see plenty of late 80's crown vics and F150s. Any reason not to do the crown vic LTD option? Vics are cheap where I live and if I could pull the motor and trans I'll just part out and cut up the rest of the car.

I'm reading conflicting information about 2wd conversions. From what I understand as long as the overall length is the same (ie. location of output shaft in same position as stock config) I don't need any additional adapters between trans and rear end?

[Dangasaur]

To answer my first question myself: The vic has a different firing order however that will be changed with a cam swap. Still have not identified any differences between efi in the vic and mustang though I'm still searching...

[BwanaJim]

Swapping the cam won't change the firing order, to do that you have got to move the number's on the wires.......Grin.....

[Dangasaur]

Touche...

Cam swap necessitates correct firing order on distributor

[fordmike1]

Originally Posted by BwanaJim

Swapping the cam won't change the firing order, to do that you have got to move the number's on the wires.......Grin.....

Cam change to the HO's cam will change the firing order from
1 5 4 2 6 3 7 8 NON-HO TO
1 3 7 2 6 5 4 8 HO

The Crown Vic's used cast pistons with small valve relifes and the Intake had smaller runners with a smaller T-body & spacer and they used 17# injectors (grey tops)..The cams were smaller lifts and they used non-roller timing chains and the heads were not the E7's. In my opinion these motors are good for just making something go and be a D/D. If you are looking to make some HP just save yourself the pain and start with an HO engine

[Dangasaur]

Good info fordmike1. Looks like I'll have to search for a different donor.