- Joined
- Aug 6, 2007
- Messages
- 3,882
- Reaction score
- 1,738
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Macon/Fort Valley, GA
- Vehicle Year
- 1999
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- V8
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
I hate to sound like a broke record, because I'm sure this question is asked ofen, or atleast a few times over the years. Need suggestions though so here goes.
For the upcoming engine swap on my '99 Ranger (was planned for next week, now ???) I was planning to drop the engine in all stock except for what mods have already been done. Wasn;t going to toucn anything that didn't need to come off for the swap.
While getting things ready, I let project creep step in and it bit me. Decided to start clean and paint a few things for install. Stuff happened and now the lower intake is off with a broken bolt.
This engine has a "high" 180k miles, so I was going to use the Explorer cam and save the upgrade for the next fresh engine. The engine was well maintained and the cylinders were in great shape when I checked them with an inspection camera. Realistically this engine could last a long time before needing anything. Now since the lower is off and the lifters are exposed, I'm thinking maybe this would be a good time to put a mild cam in it.
So this engine is a 2000 Explorer 5.0L. It currently has cheap 1.7 roller rockers, but with a cam change I'll go back to stock a decent 1.6RR set. The engine already has upgraded springs from Alex's Parts that are good for .540 lift.
The truck is a 1999 Ranger Extended cab 4wd. It will be getting the entire drivetrain from the Explorer. Engine, 4R70W, AWD transfer case, and 3.73 ratio axles. Factory "lift" will be removed (remove blocks and decrank bars) and tire size will be dropped down to a 29 for now, maybe a little shorter if suspension works out. Basically a V8 AWD Explorer that lost almost a thousand pounds. Primary use will be cruiser and semi daily driver. Will ocassionally pull an ATV trailer or have it in the bed, and maybe a small teardrop style camper or small (<15 ft) cargo trailer camper conversion (don't own either yet).
Looking for a cam that will see some gains and play well with the stock ECU tuning, but also benefit good from being tuned. Also needs to play well with the stock torque converter. I will investigate upgrading converter in the future, likely when it needs transmission work, but for now it's staying stock.
Finally I'm looking for "budget" off the shelf cam. I'm already spending too much on this swap and this adds another unplanned expense of a few hundred at least. I will eventually build an engine for this truck, but there's no point in rushing it. When that day comes I'll spring for a custom grind, for now I just want off the shelf simple. If it will work with stock pushrods that's even better since the ones in it are still like new. Help to not spend a little more money and I really don't want to spend the time measuring, ordering, and waiting for custom length pushrods.
For the upcoming engine swap on my '99 Ranger (was planned for next week, now ???) I was planning to drop the engine in all stock except for what mods have already been done. Wasn;t going to toucn anything that didn't need to come off for the swap.
While getting things ready, I let project creep step in and it bit me. Decided to start clean and paint a few things for install. Stuff happened and now the lower intake is off with a broken bolt.
This engine has a "high" 180k miles, so I was going to use the Explorer cam and save the upgrade for the next fresh engine. The engine was well maintained and the cylinders were in great shape when I checked them with an inspection camera. Realistically this engine could last a long time before needing anything. Now since the lower is off and the lifters are exposed, I'm thinking maybe this would be a good time to put a mild cam in it.
So this engine is a 2000 Explorer 5.0L. It currently has cheap 1.7 roller rockers, but with a cam change I'll go back to stock a decent 1.6RR set. The engine already has upgraded springs from Alex's Parts that are good for .540 lift.
The truck is a 1999 Ranger Extended cab 4wd. It will be getting the entire drivetrain from the Explorer. Engine, 4R70W, AWD transfer case, and 3.73 ratio axles. Factory "lift" will be removed (remove blocks and decrank bars) and tire size will be dropped down to a 29 for now, maybe a little shorter if suspension works out. Basically a V8 AWD Explorer that lost almost a thousand pounds. Primary use will be cruiser and semi daily driver. Will ocassionally pull an ATV trailer or have it in the bed, and maybe a small teardrop style camper or small (<15 ft) cargo trailer camper conversion (don't own either yet).
Looking for a cam that will see some gains and play well with the stock ECU tuning, but also benefit good from being tuned. Also needs to play well with the stock torque converter. I will investigate upgrading converter in the future, likely when it needs transmission work, but for now it's staying stock.
Finally I'm looking for "budget" off the shelf cam. I'm already spending too much on this swap and this adds another unplanned expense of a few hundred at least. I will eventually build an engine for this truck, but there's no point in rushing it. When that day comes I'll spring for a custom grind, for now I just want off the shelf simple. If it will work with stock pushrods that's even better since the ones in it are still like new. Help to not spend a little more money and I really don't want to spend the time measuring, ordering, and waiting for custom length pushrods.