Has anyone dropped a Ford 300 into a first gen (1983-1989) Ranger?

[MadMax_636]

Im thinking about getting a Ford 300 that comes with a 5 speed so I could use the trans for my 302 but I was thinking that maybe if I could fit the 300 in my ranger. Id use that. Mainly since they are bulletproof motors, 4.9l in size, and have better power ranges than a stock crown vic 302.

I also wanna do it as a proof of concept and itd just be super fun and cool to do everything.

NOTE: Im already planning on putting a 3-4 inch body lift for the 302 so that would probably also help with fitting and pushing the 300 deeper into the firewall. Im also planning on replacing the whole floor of my truck and doing custom work to it.

 

[Roert42]

They will tell you not to, but do it. Not because it's good idea, but because it's a great Idea.

 

[Shran]

This topic has been beaten to death...search around a little bit.

That said. Have you driven a truck with a stock 300 before? I have owned several. They are great engines and I love inline sixes... but they were also the base option, no frills, cheap truck engine. They pull hard at low RPM but run out of steam really fast. And as far as longevity goes... there are many 5.8s from the 80s and 90s still running around and it's not uncommon to see them with 300k+ miles. Personally I think the 5.8s in the 90's were the high point of Ford reliability.

 

[superj]

i say do it also. and than put an offenhauser intake on it with a small four barrel and a header and it ought to fly

 

[MadMax_636]

i say do it also. and than put an offenhauser intake on it with a small four barrel and a header and it ought to fly

That was sorta the plan. It wont be stock for sure. I aint running a single barrel.

Either a 2 or 4 barrel, dual exhaust, and a stronger top end.

 

[Roert42]

My vote is for EFI carb conversion.

 

[MadMax_636]

My vote is for EFI carb conversion.

I would if I knew anything about EFI. I dont wanna have to deal with setting up the extra gizmos for efi.

 

[Roert42]

I would if I knew anything about EFI. I dont wanna have to deal with setting up the extra gizmos for efi.

They sell more or less self contained kits that teach based on the feedback from the 02 sensors. Holly sniper is the big one, Fi tech is anouther big one, it looks msd also makes one.

 

[Roert42]

Here is an article that has some info on them. The only downside I’ve seen about this type of thing is the upfront cost.

Best Aftermarket EFI Systems: Optimum Power and Efficient Fuel Delivery

Looking for an aftermarket EFI system? Our team of experts narrowed down the best aftermarket EFI systems on the market. Read this review and save yourself time and money.

www.thedrive.com

 

[pjtoledo]

This topic has been beaten to death...search around a little bit.

That said. Have you driven a truck with a stock 300 before? I have owned several. They are great engines and I love inline sixes... but they were also the base option, no frills, cheap truck engine. They pull hard at low RPM but run out of steam really fast. And as far as longevity goes... there are many 5.8s from the 80s and 90s still running around and it's not uncommon to see them with 300k+ miles. Personally I think the 5.8s in the 90's were the high point of Ford reliability.

Powernation/Engine Power built one recently. when they were finished with it they had plenty of steam.

Ford 300 Turbo : Engine Power (powernationtv.com)

 

[Scrambler82]

Power aside... if you plan on keeping the nose OEM, then we are talking firewall moods, extensive mods.

What is your idea on making room for the extra length ?

 

[tw205]

Perhaps a tape measure would help with the decision. I loved my 300 in my 70 f250 but that’s a loooong block for a BII or Ranger. OEM front end would put the bell housing between the seats. . Split the dash and tub the hump.
If you do it we would love some pictures. It would be epic.

 

[fastpakr]

It's been done, but i can't remember anyone doing it without major firewall surgery. If you want something unusual, go for it. But there are far more reasonable options for increased power.

 

[MadMax_636]

Power aside... if you plan on keeping the nose OEM, then we are talking firewall moods, extensive mods.

What is your idea on making room for the extra length ?

lifting the body 3-4 inches, cutting the firewall and floor to make room. I already need to replace a lot of the floor in my truck. My cab is rusty but I wanna learn how to fix anything and everything thats wrong with it.

 

[MadMax_636]

It's been done, but i can't remember anyone doing it without major firewall surgery. If you want something unusual, go for it. But there are far more reasonable options for increased power.

yeah, I know I already have a 302 sitting in my garage that just need all of its gaskets replaced with modern ones. (its from a 84 LTD) and the 4.9 trans will bolt right up. I just started thinking about putting a 4.9 into my truck as a crazy and different idea.