Well guys I've been slowly looking into getting this swap started on the racer. I went a month or two ago to my buddy's house where the bronco is sitting to look things over and yeesh... I don't remember it being so beat. Don't get me wrong, these racers don't need to be pretty as they get beat up, dented, and rolled, but the floor is almost gone in the back (not needed really) both fenders aren't just dented but folded in and destroyed, hood caved in, passenger side of the roof has a massive dent, quarters so rusted over the wheel wells it has some really hokey patches riveted on.
In light of this i've been looking at picking up a ranger to use instead. I didn't want anything nice as I'd hate to tear apart a good running truck that could be used on the street, and this is a relatively cheap sport, so I wasn't going to budget much for it. I've come across a couple late 90's - early 00's rangers that appear to be ideal. Ideal in that they aren't rusted frames, they already have blown or damaged engines, don't have a title, etc. So good bones, but not nice enough to feel bad about cutting up and gutting. My understanding is these newer rangers have a boxed frame too and SLA suspension which may be better suited to this style of racing. Plus there is of course the longer wheelbase and track width when compared to the bronco 2 that I think would be hugely beneficial for stability. I've found a few in the $500-$1000 range which I'm perfectly happy with. The question is, how does this effect my planned 2.3 turbo swap? My first thought was still use my 2.3, the FM145 out of the bronco, the megasquirt, etc with the only real difference probably being mounts for the trans requiring fabrication (this type of stuff isn't an issue as I have a fairly well equipped shop). But then I got thinking the Mazda M5OD might be an option, but I know the M5OD for the 2.3 is somewhat rare and I THINK not a 4wd trans ever, so if its gut swapping trans and all that, maybe better off with the FM145 and fab up the needed crossmember. Any other trans options while we are at it? I know the FM is not a very strong trans. I don't know how far off the auto behind the 3.0 that is in one of the trucks I'm looking at would be to the 2.3 if it would warrant making an adapter plate.
As far as cost otherwise, its removing the glass, the interior, and welding in a proper roll cage, so I'm ok with that. Any input is appreciated!