1978 302 in a 94' xlt?

[kevinbmx77]

Found a great deal for for $200 hope i read it right

Will this work? Or do i need the same year? and is there a way to eliminate the computer system or do i have to tear it out and replace it? (Thats probably a stupid question but you ask and you learn sometimes...

 

[Elutheros]

I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure that is not a "roller" engine and it will be little more HP than a 4.0. You should look for a Explorer or Mountaineer 5.0 and try to get the whole thing. It would be a lot easier and less expensive than converting that old engine to a roller block.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure that is not a "roller" engine and it will be little more HP than a 4.0. You should look for a Explorer or Mountaineer 5.0 and try to get the whole thing. It would be a lot easier and less expensive than converting that old engine to a roller block.

Actually less hp than a 4.0. I don't remember where the torque is at though, that may change the story.

It is too much $$ for what it is, I paid that much for a late 80's roller.

Research on here about the wiring, it is easier to keep the fuel injection than to change it to carb.

 

[AgPete139]

Flat tappet. Granadas, Mustangs, etc.
139 HP @ 3600 RPM
248 ft-lbs @ 1900 RPM

Look for a 5.0L HO (High Output) from Mustangs starting in 1982+.

You should be able to find a late 80's-'95 Mustang motor for $300-500, depending on your area. Explorers would still be better, since they came with the "P" heads which had more power & flow. Those heads & headers are not compatible with other regular heads/headers. Avoid a '98+ Explorer if you don't want to deal with the PATS electronic system.

These are a little bit more, but it'll actually be worth the swap in the end, instead of a subpar motor for today's standards.

 

[kevinbmx77]

So aim for 97 and down explorers? I found a 96 for $700 but i know by the time i get the money itll be gone. Ill look into the mountaineers too

 

[kevinbmx77]

And for extra support on the frame can i just weld some extra pipe between the two frame rails? Or is that not going to do anything?
Thanks for all the replys

 

[Mac]

No extra support needed.
Dave

 

[RonD]

Putting a small V8 in a Ranger is a popular swap.
pre-'01 4.0l OHV engine has 160HP
post-'01 4.0l SOHC has 207HP

In the '70-'80s and early '90s the 302 was running 8.0-8.4:1 compression so approx. 140-150HP

Some late '80s early '90s ran 9.0-9.2:1 and were rated at 190-220HP these were all fuel injected.

Explorers used 8.9-9.1:1 so averaged 215HP, fuel injected

One nice thing about the 302(5.0l) is that there are alot of performance increasing parts available, and they can be run with a carb and electronic distributor, so no computer required.
So the $200 302 is not a bad option, it reads like it is already disassembled, so can be built how you want it without breaking the bank.

You will need a transmission as the 4.0l trans won't match up with 302.
The explorer option is popular because you can get the V8 engine with automatic trans and computer with wiring by buying a whole donor vehicle.