'94+ 3.8 Essex into 1988 Bronco II

[CbusBii]

Before anyone tells me to not put a 3.8 in my truck.. I am not sold on any engine, I am just doing research on the 3.8

Ok, here's my question.

I'm sorta looking into upgrading my truck to make it better, more reliable, powerful and ultimately trail worthy. I've been doing some research into an engine swap since I'm not really all about my stock 2.9 L. Like I said, Ive thrown around many ideas about what would be the best choice for offroading. I've thought about a turbo 2.3, a 5-0, diesel and finally I'm thinking about a supercharged 3.8. I read that 94 and never versions of the engine have like 230 hp and 330 ft lbs!! (At 2500 rpm!!). That is pretty sweet, and a supercharged set up seems best for low rpm torque which seems ideal for going off road. And probably with some upgrades like maybe a cam, underdrive pulley, or some tuning could get the powerband even lower. I read Tony Berger's write up on his swap, and began to get a little disappointed.. He mentioned the 3.8 being wider and taller then a 5 Liter making for a tight fit.. and that the oil pump's filter housing needs to be chopped off to clear the steering box!! and also that the transmission tunnel needs to be beat in to clear a C5 bellhousing.. I dont like the idea of either of these.. Is there anyone out there who has experience with doing this that could give me some more info on the swap, anything! I plan on swapping my Mitsu 5 speed tranny for an M5R2 anyways, so i feel like that would clear since those tranny came on rangers stock. I'm just not really wanting to cut off the filter mount to plumb lines, it seems nuts to me.. Also, any other info would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[steven]

So Im new here, I read alot about swapping the 3.8 supercoupe I swapped one in mine it was very time consuming. I started with a 1990 2wd ranger. Used motor mounts off a 1983-84 f100 with a 3.8, custom built motor and trans crossmember with an aod to a 205. Had to mount radiator in the back on my cage, just wasn't room up front.

 

[88_Eddie]

sounds like a lot of work. i'd just find a 4.0 to throw in there personally. it's more than enough power for a b2

 

[steven]

It was a lot of work, but you dont see it every day, its got a ton of power, and superchargers just sound awesome.

 

[AllanD]

Just a note the 3.8 liter 90degree V6, either the RWD 3.8 sold in the mustang and Thunderbird or the 3.8 sold in the Taurus/Sable and later the Windstar... (in either of the versions the conventional EFI or the "Split-port" are NOT the ford "Essex" engine

The engine normally refered to as the "Essex engine" was a smaller displacement but HEAVIER engine made by Ford of England....
(as a note the 3.8 v6 is a lighter engine that the Lime 4cyl of Pinto/mustang/ranger useage

People sometimes get the idea that the Taurus/T'bird/Windstar engine ifs the Ford "Essex" engine, because some minor engine parts (typically the intake manifold) was produced by the Essex plant in England.

the English Ford "Essex engine' was a 60degree V6.

Though there is some justification for calling the 90degree V6 an "Essex" because Essex, Ontario (in Canada, obviously) was a production site for many components and after the 4cyl "CVH" (Escort) engine ended production there that site was used to produce the 90degree V6...

Personally I've always thought the "Split-port" variant of the 3.8 engine would be good engine in the Ranger chassis, and would stomp all over a 3.0SHO DOHC V6 should anyone actually finish an attempted swap... of both engines...

As the 3.8-Split-port engine makes only 5hp less than a SHO Taurus engine and produces
FAR more torque at about half the RPM of a SHO...

But bringing up the SHO there is another engine to consider... did anyone know there is a V8 version of the Yamaha built V6 engine?

No, not the 3.4liter V8 DOHC engine that came in the '97-up Taurus.. that is a genuine POS...


I'm referring to an engine that was actually engineered by the same Yamaha engineers, and later produced on the same machinery...

I'm referring to the 4.0liter V8 that was sold in the Volvo XC90...
This would be worth fabricating whatever would be necessary to accomplish...

Want a sick engine to shoehorn into a Ranger?

Imagin people's eyes bugging out when they realize they are seeing a DOHC V8 in a Ranger engine bay...


One last note I'm not sure what bellhousing pattern is used on the Thunderbird Supercoupe engine,
but I can state as absolute fact that it is not a standard "Windsor" bellhousing...

I have a Supercoupe 5sp trans and I'd love if it would have bolted to a 5.0 block... sadly it wouldn't.

I parted out a supercoupe and a 5.0 Thunderbird with a bad auto trans was offered to me
a 5.0 5sp MN12 chassis Thunderbird had some appeal to me, but it wasn't to be....

not even close...

Last note: The issue as I see it on putting a 3.8/4.2 into a Ranger, is clearance issues Vs the steering box.
(This would only be an issue on '83-97)


the head gasket issues could be dealt with... better head gaskets and studs intended for the SC.
The engine is much lighter than most of the other choices...

 

[adsm08]

3.8L V8 from a Lincoln LS would be a fun one to try. Especially if you are considering an auto trans at all. The LS used a 5R55 trans. That means it should be possible to use a Ranger or Explorer trans and run it as a 4x4.