Ford Ranger Better 4 cylinder motor swap questions?

[SlugStang8997]

I am looking to buy a older Ford Ranger. I had a 1996 Ford Ranger as my first car but sold it. I have not decided whether or not i want a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder ranger. I like the older boxie looking Rangers that are more square. I am Wondering if anyone has swapped an old 4 cylinder for a newer 4 cylinder that is more powerful? They have lots of really powerful 4 cylinders motors nowadays. But the really new motors i think would have too many computer electrical components that would not be compatible. I live in California so the truck would have to be smog emissions legal so no v8 swap would really ever work for me. I currently have a 08 v6 Ford Mustang 4.0 so i have a good idea of the power of the Ford v6. I also do not want a 4x4 ranger because of insurance cost. I am mostly going to use the truck to go out bicycle riding. Just need a small truck to put my bikes in. So im looking for an older Ranger with a newer motor in it 2wd 2 door no ext cab. I was hoping someone on this website would have what i am looking for. Or could help me select the right year Ranger for a engine swap. Wondering if a newer 4 cylinder would be better than the 4.0 v6 meaning better gas mileage and more power. My Mustang isn't that fast but it isn't slow either but it just lacks the power i really want. This is my first post so go easy on me, I am not a mechanic or very mechanically inclined so keep in mind i would have to pay someone to do the work for me. And i don't know anyone who could do an engine swap for me personally. So it would have be close to a direct replacement but not exactly. So does anyone have truck i am looking for?

 

[superj]

i don't but i use my truck for the same thing. i have a 2004 3.0 v6 and it gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. with the standard transmission.


its not the old square body style truck but it works perfectly for hauling my bikes around.

i would think its going to be tough to find a square body style truck already swapped to a newer 4 cylinder since most people swap them to v8s

 

[stmitch]

The 4.0 SOHC engine in your Mustang was the exact same engine offered in later Rangers. It was the largest and most powerful engine offered in Rangers.

The only way you're getting a 4 cylinder that's more powerful is boost. The older Lima based 2.3T swap is pretty well trodden into older Rangers at this point. Plenty of info out there about what's needed.

The hardest part is going to be keeping it California emissions compliant. It may be as simple as making sure that the engine comes from a vehicle that's the same year or newer than the Ranger chassis, but there could be more details that might throw a wrench into the plan. Get those details hammered out first, before you get too far into the planning or hardware acquisition phase.

If you're paying for a truck, a donor engine and hardware, and a shop to handle the swap you're going to have a nice chunk of money sunk into this project. It might be faster, cheaper and easier to just buy a truck that fits your needs/wants off the shelf (like a newer Ranger, etc).

 

[SlugStang8997]

Thank you for your reply
I will have to research the older lima based 2.3T swap I currently don't know what that is, Or what it means.
I could just buy a 4.0 v6 Ranger and call it.. But the 4 cylinders are much cheaper and easier to find at least for now in my area. I can get one with low mileage for about 5-7000 $
But i have never been satisfied with the power even with modifications, I have exhaust,headers,intake sport rotors,new shocks struts whatever there called etc on my Mustang.
Keeping things California Legal is a challenge. That's why i think the v8 swap would be to much of a problem

 

[SlugStang8997]

Is there a Ford Ranger regular cab with 4.0 v6 207hp 2wd? I have been trying to find one and i have not had any luck on the internet. Or is that a swap that people have done?

 

[bobbywalter]

there are a few ecoboost swaps on here.

not done in the fashion i would use but done.


if you are asking this question...
all of the newer engines have a higher degree of difficulty for experienced swapper in regards to remaining California level compliant... but is doable. and doable for the willing though likely a bit more costly.

Mustang 2.3L Ecoboost 310HP 320LBFT Turnkey Swap Kit - MARS Auto Parts & Engine Swaps LS Swap Parts | Kits | Turnkey Pallets

Current Lead Times: 6 months We are the only supplier of completely stand-alone swap ready turnkey Ecoboost drivetrains. This Swap Ready Turnkey pallet features a Ford Ecoboost 2.3L engine out of a 2015+ Mustang with less than 100,000 miles. It is an Ecoboost 2.3L rated at 310 horsepower and 320...

swaptheuniverse.com

use a ranger trans and flywheel for a manual trans and get it on.

 

[SlugStang8997]

there are a few ecoboost swaps on here.

not done in the fashion i would use but done.


if you are asking this question...
all of the newer engines have a higher degree of difficulty for experienced swapper in regards to remaining California level compliant... but is doable. and doable for the willing though likely a bit more costly.

Mustang 2.3L Ecoboost 310HP 320LBFT Turnkey Swap Kit - MARS Auto Parts & Engine Swaps LS Swap Parts | Kits | Turnkey Pallets

Current Lead Times: 6 months We are the only supplier of completely stand-alone swap ready turnkey Ecoboost drivetrains. This Swap Ready Turnkey pallet features a Ford Ecoboost 2.3L engine out of a 2015+ Mustang with less than 100,000 miles. It is an Ecoboost 2.3L rated at 310 horsepower and 320...

swaptheuniverse.com

use a ranger trans and flywheel for a manual trans and get it on.

Thank you for your reply I am doing research on this swap and the v8 swap and Rangers in general. I want to buy the right Ranger for me. What i want would be a 1st or 2nd Gen Ford Ranger with a 3rd or 4th gen engine. I would like a single cab 2wd or rwd as well. 4x4 cost more for insurance at least in California. I can't seem to find a ford ranger with the 4.0 207hp single cab 4x4 or 2wd

 

[superj]

For some reason, single cab 4.0 rangers are kind of hard to find.

Also, search for mazda b4000. Its the same thing and i see more of those in single cabs that end up for sale