Looking in to doing a 302 swap, NEED info???

[bullitproofranger]

I was looking looking in to doing a 302 swap sooner or later(when enough $$$ flows in), and I have been trying to research it the best I could, but I still need some questions answered. I know I have asked about a 6.2 Det. Diesel, and a Chevy 350 swap, but I have figured out thats another RBV(s) on down the road. The questions I have I hope are fairly simple, and I want you guys to know this 302 swap may not be right away, I just want to get most or all of the questions answered BEFORE I get anything for the swap. My truck is a 90' 2wd Long Bed, 2.3I4, 5-Speed M5OD-R1(99% sure it is), the truck is well worn and I will probably run the 2.3 for a little while until it breaks down again/ or I do the swap. Here are my questions, and ahead of time THANKS

#1. I want to use an M5OD-R2 if I can, if I did would I have to modify my driveshaft(lengthen/shorten) if I used the R2?And I hear the basic parts are pretty much the same between the R1 and R2 meaning can I put my current shifter on the R2?

#2. I would perfer EFI (Late 80's, Early 90's) if I can because I don't want to be paying out the @$$ for gas, I am hoping I can get around 20-23highway mpg (US), Is that realistic mpg? And are mustang 5.0 wiring harnesses fairly simple(straight forward) to adapt to my current 2.3 harness?

#3. The suspension, I have several people tell me that I'll have to upgrade the suspension for a v8 swap, I am not so sure I'll have to though, but would I? And the rear axle (7.5 in.) I won't have to upgrade it if I'm easy on the skinny pedal will I? Keep in mind this won't be really a street truck It'll sooner or later be lifted and have 31's or 33's (and differant gear ratio's to compensate for tires)

#4. The exhaust, what is the best way to go, mustang shorty headers, explorer headers, hedman(or whatever) ranger v8 swap headers? I do have a friend who can weld (MIG)if need be, and he's a dedicated FORD guy, and would love to help with a 302 swap.

#5. Motor mounts, I have seen pics of motor mounts in 302 swaps, I hear the simplest(and cheapest) way to go is to have v6 motor mounts, and have a flat piece of steel to adapt to the motor bolts, what IS the best way. Keep in mind need to keep this swap cheap but street legal.


Thanks ahead for any input, I just want to solve problems(most of them anyways) before they hit, I will put up a build thread when I do the swap, then I'll have fun in a V8 Ranger.

 

[bullitproofranger]

nobody??????

 

[Tony Raine]

give it some time

if you lift, mpg will go way down

older fox body 'stangs came with a 7.5 behind a 5.0.....

if you have v6 motor mounts, you can use flat plate. not sure about 4 bangers. otherwise, get stock fox mounts for about $50 total at you local auto parts store

 

[baddad457]

I see after all this time here, he still hasn't learned how to use the "SEARCH" feature.

 

[Teddyzee]

You can use any v8 trans.

You can get well over 20mpg. Wiring is simple (Harwood)

Leave the rearend alone.

I used Tri Y headers. Use whatever the looks best to you after you search other builds.

Use Mustang mounts. simple, no BS involved.

Or just go and buy a swap kit.

 

[bullitproofranger]

I see after all this time here, he still hasn't learned how to use the "SEARCH" feature.

Trust me, I have used the search bar many a time for v8 swap questions, there just seems to be many answers to one question (if you catch my drift), I just want to narrow what kind of headers I'll use, what tranny to use, auto or manual, ect... Thanks for the responsnes though...

 

[Tony Raine]

Trust me, I have used the search bar many a time for v8 swap questions, there just seems to be many answers to one question (if you catch my drift), I just want to narrow what kind of headers I'll use, what tranny to use, auto or manual, ect... Thanks for the responsnes though...

its a question that has many answers!

#1. I want to use an M5OD-R2 if I can, if I did would I have to modify my driveshaft(lengthen/shorten) if I used the R2?And I hear the basic parts are pretty much the same between the R1 and R2 meaning can I put my current shifter on the R2?

honestly, i would find a trans already hooked to a v8. more on this at the end of the post

#2. I would perfer EFI (Late 80's, Early 90's) if I can because I don't want to be paying out the @$$ for gas, I am hoping I can get around 20-23highway mpg (US), Is that realistic mpg? And are mustang 5.0 wiring harnesses fairly simple(straight forward) to adapt to my current 2.3 harness?

if you are familiar with electric circuits, then you could probably connect the fox wiring under the hood to your stock wiring under the dash

#3. The suspension, I have several people tell me that I'll have to upgrade the suspension for a v8 swap, I am not so sure I'll have to though, but would I? And the rear axle (7.5 in.) I won't have to upgrade it if I'm easy on the skinny pedal will I? Keep in mind this won't be really a street truck It'll sooner or later be lifted and have 31's or 33's (and differant gear ratio's to compensate for tires)

you will probably sit a little lower in the front due to the added weight. if you are going to lift later, dont worry about suspension right now.

#4. The exhaust, what is the best way to go, mustang shorty headers, explorer headers, hedman(or whatever) ranger v8 swap headers? I do have a friend who can weld (MIG)if need be, and he's a dedicated FORD guy, and would love to help with a 302 swap.

not sure right now, i'm about to go through this process.

#5. Motor mounts, I have seen pics of motor mounts in 302 swaps, I hear the simplest(and cheapest) way to go is to have v6 motor mounts, and have a flat piece of steel to adapt to the motor bolts, what IS the best way. Keep in mind need to keep this swap cheap but street legal.

if you had v6 mounts already, i'd say use them. but if don't, i'd go ahead and get new fox mounts. some stated issues of v6/plate combo feeling "spongy", others have no issue. i've got a set of 2.8 mounts i'd send ya for the cost of shipping, if you really want to try it.



honestly, i would try to find a fox that some punk wrecked, and get the whole car. use the trans that's in it. if you don't have an auto/manual preference, then use the luck of the draw. after you get everything you need, sell/scrap whats left to help recoup costs. same for the ranger parts you dont use

 

[baddad457]

Trust me, I have used the search bar many a time for v8 swap questions, there just seems to be many answers to one question (if you catch my drift), I just want to narrow what kind of headers I'll use, what tranny to use, auto or manual, ect... Thanks for the responsnes though...

With all those questions at once, it's damned hard to tell. Most of what you ask is personal choice. We aren't doing the swap, you are. It's your truck. Make a decision and stick with it. Or do what many of us did and change your mind as far as your wallet will allow you.

 

[bullitproofranger]

Sorry about so many questions!!!! lol, I was just trying to be clear. About the mounts, I probably will go with Fox mounts than, and It turns out that I have a friend that might have a good block, so that might work out. And the tranny thing, I was just worried because I DO NOT want to have to mess with shortening/lengthening the drive shaft, luckily I have the one with U-joints at both ends.

 

[baddad457]

Don't worry about the driveshaft till you have the engine and transmission in place. And even then the stock shaft may or may not work. Get the engine where it needs to be first.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Shorty headers can be had cheap. I opted for a set of flowtech mustang longtubes (they were on a huge sale) and then bought some mandrel 1 5/8 bends. Brought the stuff to work and cut the interference pipes up and tig'd my own creation in its place. I also purchased three steering universal joints, a support bearing, and some shaft. All this gave me about 4" more clearance around the middle of the header (to drop the back pipe down).

My trans is a TCI c4 with a 164t bellhousing/flexplate. It fits... but I have to drop the engine and trans in the truck (and pull it) together because I can't get to the top two bellhousing bolts.

I made my own mounts and welded them (with braces) to the frame.

Supercab V6 springs hold my combination up in the front. I used the 7.5" rear end for engine break in purpose only. (it was 3.45:1) Then came the explorer axle. I would be carefull running the 7.5" axle. Especially with larger tires. I know, I know... you can just baby the truck. But if thats your goal, save your cash and keep the 2.3L. lol

I've got the engine out and on a stand for a new build up... so if you need any measurements I could probably help (mine's a 93).

Oh, and lastly... good luck with your accessories. haha! Out of everything, this was the most pain for me. Everything else I just made to my measurements. But finding the brackets and all to line up was frustrating. I suggest you find all the accessories you want from the same car! I wish I would have.

 

[viperar15]

Don't worry about the driveshaft till you have the engine and transmission in place. And even then the stock shaft may or may not work. Get the engine where it needs to be first.

agreed with baddad457...

its easier (maybe cheaper) to call and have a custom driveshaft made at the end, then having to spend $500+ (just for conversion parts, etc) to cobble a motor and tranny together to use the existing setup.

But this also depends on your setup, whether its gonna be 4x4, 2x4, which transmission you use, which transfer case you use, etc.

I am just finishing up a suspension swap.. and the next thing will be a V8 swap. At this point, I've decided to make it easier on myself and get a mated 302, tranny, and t-case. then have a driveshaft built for it.

 

[bullitproofranger]

I've been reading up closer on v8 swaps in the tech library, and it says in ford v8 swaps, that a c4 can be used without d-shaft mods if the truck came with a 4 or 5 speed tranny, but is that the same for the AOD??? Oh yea, might get that 302 free, it was out of a fox body stang. I should a little leeway as far as mounting the engine a little forward or back if I do fabbed mounts shouldn't I?? As far as having a custom one made, I really don't have the extra $$ for that right now, so I'm trying to do everything possible to try and not mess with the d-shaft(except for tranny yoke)

 

[bullitproofranger]

Do these headers work??? http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/89500/10002/-1?parentProductId=744779 Anybody know???

 

[baddad457]

You're going to run into more headaches than necessary trying to fit the motor/transmission to the driveshaft than the otherway around. The limiting factor in a Ranger swap is the length of the engine, namely the clearance you have to the radiator from the FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive). The engine needs to be as far back as possible against the firewall to gain enough clearance for a fan between the engine and radiator. Those Hedman 89500's dump the passenger side collector right into the axle underneath. Everyone has problems with these as a result. The 88400's fix this problem. We tried to convince Hedman of their mistake in this, but they refuse to listen. They figure as long as these headers sell, there must not be a problem.