2.9L V6 Engine enhancements

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Thanks guys. I really am interested in the turbo option, but may also do the cooling fan conversion too. The alternator may also be a prerequisite for the fan mod, so I've added that to the list as well. I do prefer manual shift, but given what I've already invested in the trans rebuild, if the automatic will handle the increase in torque at the shift points, then I'll likely leave it in place. I'll keep an eye out for a manual just in case, to keep on hand for future conversion.

My motor is already rebuilt, more of a crate motor...stock as a rock using the heads from the old one if I recall. The heads were also sent off for rebuild. I have less than 5k miles since all of it was done.

I looked for the book... About $50 + shipping.

-Vern

Ill pm you a PDF of the book ??

Super easy one as well:

Ford 2.9 V6 EFI plenum Chamber Manifold Throttle Body’s Granada Capri Sierra | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ford 2.9 V6 EFI plenum Chamber Manifold Throttle Body’s Granada Capri Sierra at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[mnewman]

I'm so into this. You've got another 2.9 guy (novice) wanting a bit more right here.

 

[8788Ranger2wd]

Ill pm you a PDF of the book ??

Super easy one as well:

Ford 2.9 V6 EFI plenum Chamber Manifold Throttle Body’s Granada Capri Sierra | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ford 2.9 V6 EFI plenum Chamber Manifold Throttle Body’s Granada Capri Sierra at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

An electronic copy of the book would be great. Thanks!
I've set a search notification in ebay, so that when one comes up where the seller is either in the US, or is willing to ship internationally (I checked, and this one says they do not). I can hopefully snag it. I'll also check local salvage yards, etc..

-Vern

 

[8788Ranger2wd]

I'm so into this. You've got another 2.9 guy (novice) wanting a bit more right here.

You might find this interesting: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyOU1F3fThDwJ-BChxt4zsg/videos

Therein you'll find a series of 2.9L engine rebuild videos. His truck is the same model year as mine...

 

[mnewman]

Thanks. I will check that out.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Also, of.interest and relevance:

I have a running build thread in the forced induction section on my supercharger build, "really, really bad forced induction idea"




For yall that do want to turbo, I HIGHLY recommend researching overseas for "2.9 12v Granada turbo"

Same engine also came in Sierra, Capri, and Scorpio

 

[8788Ranger2wd]

Nice. While looking for the 2.9 12v Granada turbo, I found this:

Unfortunately there's no build video or specifics as to turbo used, inter-cooler, etc. But does claim torque and boost figures of 765nm @ 1.45bar, which if converted to scales I understand best, is 564 lbs ft @ 21 psi boost. Not too shabby, but again, more than I need/want. There is enough video of the engine compartment to deduce general layout and placement of things.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Nice. While looking for the 2.9 12v Granada turbo, I found this:

Unfortunately there's no build video or specifics as to turbo used, inter-cooler, etc. But does claim torque and boost figures of 765nm @ 1.45bar, which if converted to scales I understand best, is 564 lbs ft @ 21 psi boost. Not too shabby, but again, more than I need/want. There is enough video of the engine compartment to deduce general layout and placement of things.

that's the one that inspired my descent.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

2.9L + Turbo = ?

So, how strong are the 2.9L motors, would it even handle a small turbo ?

www.therangerstation.com

Also, worth a read, and some useful photos.

 

[mnewman]

That thread lead me to this site. When I signed up I PM'd the guy with the ranger gt to see if he still had the photos since they're blurred but it says he hasn't been active for a while.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I see all the pics except post #13.

 

[8788Ranger2wd]

After a lot of time spent looking at what others have done (YouTube, forums, etc.), it all seems to boil down to the following (please forgive any overstatement of obvious things):

- Opening up the restrictions to both the intake and exhaust. In short, get the engine breathing easier, thus increasing volumetric efficiency.
- Then reducing the secondary load(s) on the engine. By 'secondary' I mean things like power steering pumps, A/C, etc.. I am a bit skeptical of removing one (mechanical/hydraulic) thing and then adding a larger alternator to drive an electric motor. The question in my mind is one of efficiency gain or loss. There are electrical losses just due to resistance in cables, etc.. Are they really less than the mechanical losses?

At any rate, with all the above said, here's what I've decided to start with, and depending on noticeable changes in performance, move on from there:

1. Replace the factory exhaust headers with aftermarket pipes from Summit Racing (i.e., Pacesetter headers, 70-1118 or equiv ).
2. Replace the single throttle body intake with the one recommended by PetroJunkie when it is acquired. With this might include a move to a K&N filter.
3. Convert to electric cooling fans.
4. Move to a larger alternator if required by #3.

How does this sound so far? Appologies if the above seems to be overkill, but I'm sufficiently cognitively disordered to the point of needing to follow the above process; in order to be successful and move forward...

-Vern

 

[8788Ranger2wd]

I see all the pics except post #13.

hmm... I wonder if there is some browser trickery going on(?), as they are blurry when I try to view them as well.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

After a lot of time spent looking at what others have done (YouTube, forums, etc.), it all seems to boil down to the following (please forgive any overstatement of obvious things):

- Opening up the restrictions to both the intake and exhaust. In short, get the engine breathing easier, thus increasing volumetric efficiency.
- Then reducing the secondary load(s) on the engine. By 'secondary' I mean things like power steering pumps, A/C, etc.. I am a bit skeptical of removing one (mechanical/hydraulic) thing and then adding a larger alternator to drive an electric motor. The question in my mind is one of efficiency gain or loss. There are electrical losses just due to resistance in cables, etc.. Are they really less than the mechanical losses?

At any rate, with all the above said, here's what I've decided to start with, and depending on noticeable changes in performance, move on from there:

1. Replace the factory exhaust headers with aftermarket pipes from Summit Racing (i.e., Pacesetter headers, 70-1118 or equiv ).
2. Replace the single throttle body intake with the one recommended by PetroJunkie when it is acquired. With this might include a move to a K&N filter.
3. Convert to electric cooling fans.
4. Move to a larger alternator if required by #3.

How does this sound so far? Appologies if the above seems to be overkill, but I'm sufficiently cognitively disordered to the point of needing to follow the above process; in order to be successful and move forward...

-Vern

Definately do not go with pacesetters 8f you can help it. They rust quickly and have fitment issues. Jba stainless are around 100 more, and are a perfect fit. Mine went on without issue.

I think someone has a set for sale in the classified section.

Highly recommend the electric power steering. Twnds to be a fairly large parasite on the 2.9. Lots of options out there including Volvo, Mazda, mini Cooper, Toyota Mr2, etc. Also,@BlackBII has a killer one.

The electric loading is far less than mechanical.

Definitely throw catch can on that list. 2.9s despise pcv gunk.

In my build thread theres a noticable evolution in my project. At one point, I had mine set up for fuel economy. Was getting 22-24 mpg highway in hilly Pennsylvania. Feel free to ask questions on anything you find in there.

Your trans is going to be your biggest remaining parasitic load. Depending on area, I have a few FM146 5 speeds here if you want one of them.

 

[8788Ranger2wd]

Definately do not go with pacesetters 8f you can help it. They rust quickly and have fitment issues. Jba stainless are around 100 more, and are a perfect fit. Mine went on without issue.

I think someone has a set for sale in the classified section.

Highly recommend the electric power steering. Twnds to be a fairly large parasite on the 2.9. Lots of options out there including Volvo, Mazda, mini Cooper, Toyota Mr2, etc. Also,@BlackBII has a killer one.

The electric loading is far less than mechanical.

Definitely throw catch can on that list. 2.9s despise pcv gunk.

In my build thread theres a noticable evolution in my project. At one point, I had mine set up for fuel economy. Was getting 22-24 mpg highway in hilly Pennsylvania. Feel free to ask questions on anything you find in there.

Your trans is going to be your biggest remaining parasitic load. Depending on area, I have a few FM146 5 speeds here if you want one of them.

Thanks for the tip on the headers. I searched JBA's site, and found nothing. Not sure if they've discontinued them or ...? Summit lists two different headers, the one I mentioned earlier, as well as a "silver ceramic coated" version. I'm still looking through the classifieds, but so far not finding the ad you mentioned. Still looking...

I wasn't initially clear on what a catch can is, but understand it now, and will look into what's available, pricewise, etc. Will do some shopping around later this eve... From looking at descriptions I found on the web, seems like something a nerdy/handy guy could pretty easily build(?), but maybe they're cheap enough to 'why bother'...

-Vern