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3.0 in a mustang

C.Fuller305

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Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
I have a 1993 Ford Mustang LX that had a 2.3 4cyl blow up. Now I have a spare 3.0 out of a 1993 ford ranger sitting in my garage both vehicles have the same transmission but I can’t seem to find any information on motor mounts or what else might have to be done for this to work. if anyone has anyone has any suggestions or needs further information just let me know
 


rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
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A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
I have a 1993 Ford Mustang LX that had a 2.3 4cyl blow up. Now I have a spare 3.0 out of a 1993 ford ranger sitting in my garage both vehicles have the same transmission but I can’t seem to find any information on motor mounts or what else might have to be done for this to work. if anyone has anyone has any suggestions or needs further information just let me know
Motormounts, bellhousing, wireing, all will be different.

It would be as much work (probably more actually) then swapping in a 5.0.
 

fastpakr

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Location
Roanoke, VA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
285/75-16
2.3 turbo seems like an obvious option.
 

Ranger850

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Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
Sell or trade the 3.0 for something more compatible with the mustang.

Or don't listen to us nay sayers, and build that car. Probably need custom motor mounts and a few other pieces, a good junk yard will be your best source for parts, and document everything for the next person who is thinking of a similar swap
 

ericbphoto

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Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
If you do it, let us know how it turns out.
 

bobbywalter

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Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
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sawzall?
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33-44
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it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
If you can't trade it for a direct replacement....


And you have it all. .. 👍 run it
 

don4331

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@C.Fuller305 Looking for some clarification - you have a spare auto for the 3.0? Or at least the bellhousing for the Vulcan? Because the bellhousing pattern is different between 2.3 and 3.0 so you can't directly swap transmissions (but you could remove the 2.3 bellhousing and install a 3.0 one and go from there).

Not a swap I would do, but interesting...
 

tinman_72

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North Georgia
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
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Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5
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Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Factory
Total Drop
None
Tire Size
255/60R15
My credo
RoHS compliant
@C.Fuller305 Looking for some clarification - you have a spare auto for the 3.0? Or at least the bellhousing for the Vulcan? Because the bellhousing pattern is different between 2.3 and 3.0 so you can't directly swap transmissions (but you could remove the 2.3 bellhousing and install a 3.0 one and go from there).

Not a swap I would do, but interesting...
OP didn't state whether trans is auto or manual. I don't know about the automatic but the manual trans in these do not have removable bellhousing.
 

bobbywalter

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1988
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FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
I have a 1993 Ford Mustang LX that had a 2.3 4cyl blow up. Now I have a spare 3.0 out of a 1993 ford ranger sitting in my garage both vehicles have the same transmission but I can’t seem to find any information on motor mounts or what else might have to be done for this to work. if anyone has anyone has any suggestions or needs further information just let me know

Seems it's moot.....has it all

Dew eeet.
 

racsan

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central ohio
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1994
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ford
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2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.3/140-4
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
225/70/15-winter. 235/75/15-summer
My credo
built, not bought
put a 383 in it, the opposite of putting a coyote in a roadrunner.
 

rusty ol ranger

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Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...

Roert42

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2011
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Ranger XLT
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4.0 SOHC
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put a 383 in it, the opposite of putting a coyote in a roadrunner.
I have a friend that just put a 383 in his S10. Bought a built crate motor, transmission, and 9” rear. 2nd pass at ATCO and he’s only got a 5cly.
 

19Walt93

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1993
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Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
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Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
Instead of spending a fortune to install a 3.0 and not make much more power, if you don't want a 5.0, rebuild the 2.3 and stick some deeper rear end gears in it. I like 3.0's just fine but I don't like lots of work and expense for minimal power gains. I guess it would be unique. There was a Pinto at Carlisle with a flathead in it that was cool and unique but it added a ton to the front end and may have cost him some hp. I've never been cool so being faster is more important to me.
 

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