- Joined
- Jan 3, 2009
- Messages
- 1,079
- Reaction score
- 11
- Points
- 0
- Location
- Salem, OR
- Vehicle Year
- 1986
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.3
- Transmission
- Manual
I am having a really hard time deciding on an engine for my Ranger. I am going from a 2.3t to something bigger. I would prefer to go with something with carburetor. I don't want to run efi due to the wiring and possible headaches it will cause. I certainly don't want to run a Ford obd1 system...i feel like that efi system is kind of out of date to todays standards (Yes I know I mentioned carbs) I am hoping for 300-350hp at the crank. It will be a daily driver/toy. I plan on keeping my gear ratio and tires. Maybe go bigger one day.
So here are my thoughts. 302 is cool little v8. I had a ~150hp 2.3t, i dont need another 150hp turd. I know the 302 will produce power after it is opened up, but that costs money (Heads, intake, cam...) and the block already has issues with cracking. I could spend $2k on a new block and be happy with a piece of mind. The nice thing about a 302 in a Ranger is the fact its been done before, i wont have to custom make headers or engine mounts. Saves some time.
I am thinking about a 351w. Little bigger, more power, and the engine was built stronger. If I swapped a stock 351w in my truck I might be happy but who knows. (I own 2 351w powered Ford trucks that i drive every day) I would most likely have to make custom headers or run the stock manifolds. If I wanted to make more power in the future is has a greater potential. I think I could use the 302 convertible mustang mounts on a 351w?
I thought about a 460, i think its a little too big for what I do. Its a little heavy. And I dont feel like swapping axles right now. It would be crammed in there.
Anyone have any ideas on what engine I should go with?
I have 2 engines I could use. I have a Ford 302, and a Chevy 327. I like the fact that its easier to find a Ford 4x4 5spd manual transmission vs a Chevy one.
So here are my thoughts. 302 is cool little v8. I had a ~150hp 2.3t, i dont need another 150hp turd. I know the 302 will produce power after it is opened up, but that costs money (Heads, intake, cam...) and the block already has issues with cracking. I could spend $2k on a new block and be happy with a piece of mind. The nice thing about a 302 in a Ranger is the fact its been done before, i wont have to custom make headers or engine mounts. Saves some time.
I am thinking about a 351w. Little bigger, more power, and the engine was built stronger. If I swapped a stock 351w in my truck I might be happy but who knows. (I own 2 351w powered Ford trucks that i drive every day) I would most likely have to make custom headers or run the stock manifolds. If I wanted to make more power in the future is has a greater potential. I think I could use the 302 convertible mustang mounts on a 351w?
I thought about a 460, i think its a little too big for what I do. Its a little heavy. And I dont feel like swapping axles right now. It would be crammed in there.
Anyone have any ideas on what engine I should go with?
I have 2 engines I could use. I have a Ford 302, and a Chevy 327. I like the fact that its easier to find a Ford 4x4 5spd manual transmission vs a Chevy one.