Boss 302 Swap Advise

[EBranger96]

Hi guys I got a 1990 automatic 2wd and want to swap a 302 into it as well as a manual transmission (I’m a novice to this but have lots of experienced friends to help). Do you think it would be easier to purchase a running engine + transmission separately and look for the accompanying accessories or should I look for a 302 older mustang donor car? If I get a donor car, what are some good places to look to ensure I get a good vehicle? Would I need custom trans mounts and drive shaft adapters?

 

[Angie]

Hi, welcome.

First bit of advise is to read over all these pages threads about what troubles and expenses people have encountered. Asking a loaded question as what is easiest? There is no easy to this, depends on skill level and how deep you want to go into the rabbit hole, and how much money you have for a budget.

As for vehicle depends on what your expectations are for your build ... EFI or carb is the first question you need to answer.

If efi, go for a explorer V8 as you get all the wiring bits and bobs with it (hopefully)... any donor car will get you 1 of 2 things ... a good engine or someone's money pit.

Ask all the questions you need answered, but there are many very informative pages in here to read first.

cheers and good luck

 

[EBranger96]

HI Angie,

Thank you for the response. I was thinking of going for EFI and pulling the comp and wiring from the donor. I was initially thinking explorer V8 but they are surprisingly hard to find in my area - the early to mid 90s mustang gts are really easy to find. I guess easy is the wrong term, I was just wondering if having a donor car simplified the process since you have the accessories already instead of searching for them somewhere else. I'll keep looking for some good pages here on mustang 5.0L swaps

 

[Angie]

I always forget to mention the tech pages....

this is some great info to browse through.

cheers

Ford 302W / 5.0L History & Specifications - The Ranger Station

Introduced In 1968 Although Ford never offered the 302 / 5.0L in the Ford Ranger, plenty of them found their way in to them. This page is here to help you better understand this engine, and serve as a guide … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

1996-2001 Ford Explorer 5.0L V8 Specifications - The Ranger Station

In the past, we’ve shared information about installing a 5.0L V8 from a 1996-2001 Ford Explorer in to your Ford Ranger. This page is going to talk solely about the engine itself. Ford introduced the 5.0L V8 as an option … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Swapping An Explorer 5.0L In To A 1998-2011 Ranger - The Ranger Station

Ford Explorer 5.0L V-8 In Ford Ranger* Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles for smog & engine requirements. Certain states, such as California, require the same year or newer engine as the vehicle. Overview: Using the Explorer 5.0L wiring, … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

1986 2.9L To 5.0L Engine Wiring - The Ranger Station

By ‘Dishtowel’ The Lincoln’s (Ford) 5.0L V-8 This wiring guide is derived from my experience installing a Ford 5.0L EFI engine from a Lincoln Town Car into a 1986 Ford Bronco II that had a 2.9L V-6. That is what this … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

V-8 Swaps - 1983-1997 Ford Rangers - The Ranger Station

Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles for smog & engine requirements. Certain states, such as California, require the same year or newer engine as the vehicle. Download The Advance Adapters Booklet HERE Also Check Out Advance Adapters Manual On-Line … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

Engines & Fuel Systems - The Ranger Station

DISCLAIMER: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person – we simply describe the … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[19Walt93]

Boss 302's were only built in 69 and 70,are worth mega dollars now, and would be a poor choice for a street driven truck because their huge valves make them doggy at low revs. I'd use a 302 new enough to have a roller cam so you don't have to use a zinc additive and it opens up a lot more cam choices. A mustang engine with EFI will be a roller cam, as will an Explorer. 1986 Mustangs used unique pistons and heads, they ran fine but it makes modification more complicated. T Birds and Explorers also have shorter FEAD (front end accessory drive) systems to make fitting them in a Ranger easier. I found that out after hollowing out my core support and putting the radiator inside it to clear my Mustang pulleys and brackets.

 

[EBranger96]

Hey Walt,

yep sorry bout that I meant the standard 5.0 302s. That’s good info about the shorter front end accessories - I wish I could use an explorer but the options are just so limited for me here unfortunately. And thanks Angie, i’ll check out those links

 

[Angie]

EB, I just noticed your location. Are you in California? if so .. this might change all your options.

 

[EBranger96]

Angie,

Yep i’m in California, what options do I have?

 

[Angie]

You are limited to what engine(s) specs and years you are allowed to use. I am not 100% sure the regulations for you state, however, from what other people have talked about in other builds, they have to follow guidelines for smog and stuff.

I am sure someone who knows more will chime in as I am not in the know.


cheers

 

[19Walt93]

Angie,

Yep i’m in California, what options do I have?

That's a good point, do the research first before doing a lot of work and spending money. NH does OBD II emissions testing on 96 and newer vehicles, that's why I used a 93 for my 351 swap. I'm sure California has a lot more regulations. Good luck.