trying to make decision on 3.0

[michowski]

Well as it sits now my 3.0 is in need of new rings at the least. It burns a good amount of oil and im just ready to fix it. 2 years ago I got new heads on it, got my custom intake and just recently got an underdrive pulley. What my plan is was to get a 3.0 engine block from the junkyard or were ever I can find one. I would then bore it out to the maximum size pistons at 89.8mm. I would reuse my newer heads but would swap over to the 1:7:1 roller rockers and add a new cam from Tom Morana. Id get my heads and intake ported and polished.

My reason for doing a 3.0 is because with the core parts return id get some money off the cost by eliminating the charge. Also everything I have now I can reuse/sell off as needed. But recently I have been thinking of going for the 4.0 instead and doing similar or even a 5.0 swap. I like the 3.0 swap because its just so easy to do and its just plug and play. Im not sure which way I want to go. I have to build the motor on the side because my truck is my dd. Im not sure which way to go. The 3.0 is just fine power wise for me. But you can never have enough power so im totally open to that option but not sure if I want to spend that much more money. What would you do?

 

[rngr4x4beast]

i want to do the same exact thing to my 3.0 everything you listed i want to do but i have the same problem i dont no if i should build my 3.0 or do a 5.0 swap i think im gonna build my 3.0 and buy another ranger and do the 5.0 swap thats wat i think im gonna do

 

[fourwheelford]

I actually like the 3.0, I don't need a fast truck but when it comes time to put a new motor in it I will do some building to it to get some more ponies I say stay with the 3.0 if you like it.

 

[Beef52751]

If you dont need a 5.0 why waste the time and work? the 3.0 is a reliable motor and is a great motor for a DD

 

[TinyBear]

Stick with the 3.0l if ya like it. Have had three of em myself now from a 2wd day cab to a 4x4 ex cab and NOT once has any of em left me stranded witch is more than i can say about the two 4.0Ls i have had.

 

[michowski]

Ya im leaning more towards it now.

 

[chrisvegas72]

id stay with the 3.0 ive got well over 300,000 miles on mine and she has seen alot of abuse in the vegas dezert and its runs great. sure ive had a few problems but who hasnt, esspecially at that total of miles

 

[Ranger44]

When it comes to the 3L roller rockers are about the only worth while investment. Underdrive pulleys may add a bit....like 5hp at 4K, but not worth $80+ dollars in my opinion. The roller rockers don't add power, they just allow the Vulcan to spin up a bit faster.

The 3L is pretty decent on gas. That is if you let it sit at 3,200rpm. I've managed 22mpg out of mine with 4.10's, 235's, and letting it sit in 4th gear on the interstate. Keep in mind it needs an alignment and has a bit of a noisy catalytic converter. When I fix these issues, I'm certain can squeeze another 1 or 2 mpg on average.

The best I've gotten with a 2.3L 4x4 was 24.5mpg.

The best MPG attained with a 4L (one from work) is 20mpg.

All had comparable gearing and tires.

To me reliabilty and mileage are important.

My vote is for the 3L and the 4L as a 2nd option.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

i have a newly rebuilt 3.0l and it seems to have gobs of power (i guess thats a relative trem, im used to a 2.3l that has no go). im beginning to learn how fast it can suck gas if you dont hold it high in the R's and steady. im looking forward to its many years of service with its new lease on life that i gave it.
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