351W Conversion

[CSyd77]

i just got a 1988 ranger xlt 4X4 w/ a 5spd manual. i was wondering what i would take to drop in a 351W and if i could use the original tranny

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

i just got a 1988 ranger xlt 4X4 w/ a 5spd manual. i was wondering what i would take to drop in a 351W and if i could use the original tranny

Only if you wanted an Aluminum case full of shavings (will not bolt up anyway).Check the tech section....Itll answer a lot of your questions really quick,and its a good read.

 

[CSyd77]

would i be able to use a T5?

and how much would a conversion cost?

 

[litlred]

you need a dual sump oil pan, a set of headers that will fit, oil filter moved, bigger radiator, motor mounts, you need to decide if you want carb or efi, carb is easier, efi you need harness and computer for a manual tranny, what ever trans you use youll need an adapter for your transfer case, possibly have to modify both driveshafts, just do your research before you try... im about to drop a 351w w/ c4 in my 90 b2... if you get to it before me let me know how it went

 

[Scrambler82]

CSyd77,
Do you have the 351 already ?
Why a 351, the 302 is lighter, will produce as much power as you will ever need to break axles, blow up trans and diffs and fit far better than the wider 351 ?
Just asking and if you have the 351 already forget I asked.

My '88 Ranger w/5.0L sounded like a Stang, was faster than most truck I've walked away from and a few hopped up car too and wasn't to bad on gas.
Adapters would be almost the same so cost shouldn't change much, and using a '93 or earlier Stang engine harness from a manual trans Mustang will allow you use of any trans and EFI too.
The 5.0L looked like it was made for the Ranger.

I did find the 5.0L was a little hard to keep cool on the highway but a 351 runs hotter and may give trouble there.

Luck,

 

[litlred]

ive already got one... thats why i plan on swapping it in... im still in the collecting parts phase and am not dead set on it but you are right, the 351w will run alot hotter so you really need a good radiator... but the motor is not really that much bigger than the 302, besides a 351w would eat your 302 for breakfast along with drinking more gas

 

[CSyd77]

i dont have a 351W, but i do know where i can get a 302 w/ a T5. would the T5 be able to work for a 4x4?
i have alot of time to think about this(i get my license in like 20 days and wont be able to drive the truck until im out of college)so your ideas are greatly appreciated

 

[litlred]

a 302 is alot easier to find parts for, is the t5 from a 4 wheel drive?

 

[mikepotts]

the only way to make a t-5 work is to find a 4x4 t-5... ive often wondered if i could take a mustang t-5 and use either a t-5 from an s-10 or jeep to make a hybrid for 4x4 use, but never persued it. more than likely it can be done using the t-case from the s-10 or jeep.

 

[Mac]

First, you really don't want to put a T-5 behind a 351. Even a strong 302/5.0 can destroy most T-5's. Only T-5's that were used in 4x4 applications were the Jeep and S-10. Not sure how the stock transfer case would hold up either, especially if you build the motor up. Just find the 5-speed and transfer case out of a F-150 and be done with it.
Dave

 

[Ozwynn]

make sure you get a ZF....... the M5ODr2 (from the F150) is marginal behind a 302, wont stand up to a 351.

you could go 347. have the smaller compact size of the 302 with 351 power (well almost) and run it from a 351 computer and harness.

 

[projectnitemare]

The ZF isn't all the great either to be honest unless you like to feel like you drive a school bus. Not to mention you must have a body lift and cut out a decent part of the floor. I still break stuff. If you are planning on any power find a C6, more compact, holds more power and easier on drivetrain parts.

Matt

 

[Scrambler82]

The C-6 is good but fining one for a small block is more difficult but doable.
Consider a C-4, if the engine is less than 350 HP it should hold up well.

CSyd77,
IMHO the 5.0L is the only way to go, all around size, weight and power; it was made for the Ranger.
Since you have time to get things together, look for a Mountaineer or V-8 Explorer as a donor vehicle and use all of the stuff out of it.

Luck, good project.

 

[Ozwynn]

The C-6 is good but fining one for a small block is more difficult but doable.
Consider a C-4, if the engine is less than 350 HP it should hold up well.

CSyd77,
IMHO the 5.0L is the only way to go, all around size, weight and power; it was made for the Ranger.
Since you have time to get things together, look for a Mountaineer or V-8 Explorer as a donor vehicle and use all of the stuff out of it.

Luck, good project.

any early to mid 80's F series with a 300 6 or a 351W with a C6 will have a small block pattern.

its harder to find a C6 for a 429/460 than it is to find a small block C6.

 

[litlred]

how well would a 4r70w out of 97 explorer 5.0 hold up behind a 351w?