The $600 1988 Ranger project... a twin turbo big block build.

[BBR]

After a lot of trial and error, the hot side is all tacked together. I will bolt them to a head for final welding to help prevent warpage. Like everything, if I decide I don't like it or it does not perform as hoped, I will build something different. It is very basic but should work fine. I have to remind myself that this is not a max effort type build. I'm only going to need around 10 psi to make 1000-1100 hp.

 

[BBR]

Next up will be the window net. I want to get it squared away before I put the carpet in because it requires welding.

I goofed up and got a net that was too small so I had to order a bigger one.

Interesting thing about window nets and NHRA: A window net is technically required to run quicker than 9.99. (unless the car meets the 2014+ year model exception)

If it is a mesh-style net (think fishing net) they have to be in-date no matter what ET you run.

If it is a ribbon style (like I will run) they can be out of date AS LONG AS you do not run quicker than 7.50. I don't think that will be a problem. Haha.

This is straight from Rick Dodge, NHRA regional tech specialist.

 

[BBR]

Window net finally done. Haven't had a whole lot of shop time lately, but I should be getting fully back in the groove shortly.

 

[BBR]

Started the strut support bar. Took 3 versions to get what I wanted. Haha.

 

[BBR]

Got it figured out.....finally.

 

[BBR]

I'm back. Wife and I took a cruise up the Italian and French coast. Leaving the country is soooo not my favorite thing, but we had a great time. Wifey is good at pushing my out of my comfort zone.

Now. It's carpet time!

 

[BBR]

Carpet is done. Decided to poke the S10 air dam on.

 

[SenorNoob]

Almost looks stock. If you hadn't said anything I would've thought it was.

 

[BBR]

They fit crazy good and just look right. Stock Ranger one looks goofy IMO.

 

[BBR]

Started the marathon header welding session yesterday. Took a bit to get the welder settings dialed in, but everything went good from then on. No I will not be posting weld pictures. Haha.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't know why but my weld pics always look terrible online. They look much better in person... I think you must have the same problem

 

[BBR]

Literally just realized my old big block Ranger build is in the tech library. Haha.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-ranger-460-swap/

https://www.therangerstation.com/bigblockrangers-1986-545-powered-ranger/#gsc.tab=0

 

[BBR]

Started putting all the dash stuff back in. I took the instrument cluster apart and cleaned everything. The tach needle decided it was time to snap off. Not a big deal though, I was not planning on using the stock tach anyway.

I also started looking at ECU placement and harness routing. I 3d printed a mount to raise the Holley off the floor pan.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I frickin love the look and stance of this truck!

This looks like one of those vehicles where the look is only part of the experience and you're eager to not only hear but feel the percussion of the engine as it goes by.

 

[BBR]

I frickin love the look and stance of this truck!

This looks like one of those vehicles where the look is only part of the experience and you're eager to not only hear but feel the percussion of the engine as it goes by.

Well, thank ya. It's been a fun project for sure! Really a culmination of all the stuff I have thought about doing for years. It's fun to see it come to reality. Crazy to think I started on it about 1 year ago.