tayloru
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2022
- Messages
- 9
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 3
- Location
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Vehicle Year
- 1988
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
- Total Lift
- 0
- Total Drop
- 0
Hey everyone,
I have been doing research for months now on V8 swaps into Ranger. This would be my first attempt at an engine swap. I have done many other things mechanically and electronically, but never torn an engine apart or taken one out of a vehicle. While I have tons of notes on the specifics, I still have some lingering main questions.
The Vehicle Overview:
Goals for the engine swap:
Crate Engine Options & Considerations:
Would I be crazy to look into purchasing a 302 crate engine? Say from Blueprint engines, ATK, or even Moruzzi Race Motors? I would likely purchase something that is pretty much turn-key. I have noticed that prices have shot up dramatically since I first started doing research about a year ago. I'm not swimming in money, but I do really love this idea for the peace of mind and confidence in something that's well-built with a warranty etc. I'd like to keep it fuel injected as well and I see most are just using the Holley Sniper EFIs (which aren't compatible with an AOD transmission due to lack of kickdown)
My questions here are:
Junkyard Options:
From what I can tell, it seems like the easiest option would be to find a junkyard 5.0 that's mated to the proper transmission and complete harness etc. If someone else were in my shoes, what would you choose between the two options, especially when considering the desire to have a nice motor that I can trust for a while and that makes a bit more power than factory? Junkyard and find someone to rebuild it?
Are there any particular Year/Make combinations that people recommend when looking for a junkyard 5.0? It seems like the 1997 Explorer is desired due to the lack of theft systems, etc. Any other recommendations?
Thank you all so much for your help! Please bear with me as I am doing my best using all of the search functions and reviewing all of the amazing tech articles and past questions people have asked!
I have been doing research for months now on V8 swaps into Ranger. This would be my first attempt at an engine swap. I have done many other things mechanically and electronically, but never torn an engine apart or taken one out of a vehicle. While I have tons of notes on the specifics, I still have some lingering main questions.
The Vehicle Overview:
- 1988 Ford Ranger XLT - Single Cab, long bed
- 2WD
- 2.9L V6 with automatic transmission
Goals for the engine swap:
- Replace the unreliable 2.9L that's giving me issues
- Keep it automatic
- Be a daily driver/highway cruiser type truck
- Have reliability and increased power (around 275-300 hp or so)
- Remain fairly simple as this is my first time doing a swap
- Ideally - keep factory air conditioning & heating, etc.
- Ideally - keep all gauges etc, or be open to suggestions from other on digital gauges etc that would work
- Budget - remain at about $10k for everything (engine, trans, rear axle, etc). I do have some friends in the industry and can get certain things at discounts ranging from 10-40% off at places like Currie, Holley, etc)
Crate Engine Options & Considerations:
Would I be crazy to look into purchasing a 302 crate engine? Say from Blueprint engines, ATK, or even Moruzzi Race Motors? I would likely purchase something that is pretty much turn-key. I have noticed that prices have shot up dramatically since I first started doing research about a year ago. I'm not swimming in money, but I do really love this idea for the peace of mind and confidence in something that's well-built with a warranty etc. I'd like to keep it fuel injected as well and I see most are just using the Holley Sniper EFIs (which aren't compatible with an AOD transmission due to lack of kickdown)
My questions here are:
- Is this in general a good or a bad idea? Is this more or less work than, say, finding a 97 explorer 5.0 engine + trans + harness and having a shop rebuild that setup?
- How would the wiring for something like this EFI motor here? Would I need a standalone ECM and harness from a donor vehicle, or are there options online that I can pick up to mate into my existing truck?
- If I opted for a carbureted engine like this, how does this impact the wiring complexity and the ability to match up nicely to the truck itself? I know they're much simpler in general, just not sure for any impact that might have on vehicle-specific swap.
Junkyard Options:
From what I can tell, it seems like the easiest option would be to find a junkyard 5.0 that's mated to the proper transmission and complete harness etc. If someone else were in my shoes, what would you choose between the two options, especially when considering the desire to have a nice motor that I can trust for a while and that makes a bit more power than factory? Junkyard and find someone to rebuild it?
Are there any particular Year/Make combinations that people recommend when looking for a junkyard 5.0? It seems like the 1997 Explorer is desired due to the lack of theft systems, etc. Any other recommendations?
Thank you all so much for your help! Please bear with me as I am doing my best using all of the search functions and reviewing all of the amazing tech articles and past questions people have asked!