91 Ranger 302 V8 swap

[DangerRick]

Hello all, I’ve recently acquired a 1991 ranger with the 4.0 in it and 4x4. The motor I have in it is starting to get tired and I’m interested in the 302 v8 swap but I have no knowledge about it haha. I’m wondering if I there’s any big tips I’ll need to know before getting my hands dirty on this project? Any helps appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[Ranger850]

@DangerRick
start here : https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/v-8-swaps-1983-1997-ford-rangers/

 

[wally43613]

lots of cash

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

 

[wally43613]

8500 in mine and its not done,want to buy a head start?

 

[cmwright14]

Be prepared to spend alot more time and money working on it than you originally budgeted haha. Also be prepared to pull the engine and trans in and out multiple times while test fitting stuff. Pulled the 4.0 out of my '89 almost 2 years ago.. and just now got it moving under its own power with the 5.0 swap. Still need to finalize some wiring and make a front driveshaft. Mind you that was 2 years of working on it here and there, figuring things out, and trying to maintain motivation on this project while working on other projects at the same time... but still lol

 

[bobbywalter]

if you want to just fit up a good used powertrain and go....where you live and your actual goals, generally dictates what will be cost effective...and readily available.....

theres toyotas ....mopars...nissan...ford...and gm v8 stuff.

a windsor swap is just not cost effective for the idea of v8 power....especially over 300 hp.

if you want a ford v8....then the windsor 302 or 351 seems like the easy option.


no matter what... with a ranger v8 swap in a ttb chassis you are not necessarily ahead picking an explorer engine. you still have to swap the oil pan and all of the exhaust manifold issues are the same. bolting it in there is all the same...you are adapting a different engine and trans and t case.... whether its from a lexus a porsche cayenne...or a humvee....your fitting a different powertrain.


and this is why....



I would definitely consider using a gm truck LS gen 3 type powertrain. I have installed or helped install many in various platforms including the rbv... if you have a barbeque and a wire welder and a grinder... reworking the stock truck manifolds is just stupid easy... we have put 450hp through reworked manifolds. wiring them up is even easier then an explorer...which is easy too..

and i am a ford guy....but plain and simple...the gen 3 design is everything i would do to make a 351 windsor perfect. 6 bolt mains and head structure that flows ridiculous amounts of power and plenty of clamping force..


if you are a purist... then consider a cyclone or coyote from a 150. the cyclone na v6 is a wolf in sheeps clothing....and then there is the godzilla....and...well...its godzilla.