1996 Ranger 4.0 to 5.7 Vortec

[Lpaulk92]

My buddy just bought a 96 Ranger with a blown 4.0. He has a 5.7 Vortec out of a 98 1500. I told him I'd do a little digging to see if it would be possible before he starts ripping things apart. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[Craig0320]

Is there any particular reason why he is wanting to stick with the 350?
If he does he is going to have to use a th-350 or 700r4/4l60e because there is little clearance in the tunnel for say a th400. The 350 vortecs are good engines. I did a lot of work on my 98 engine wise and it was very simple. Oh and plan on making custom headers.

 

[Lpaulk92]

He figured since he already has the drivetrain it might be cheaper. I think he said the trans he has is the 4l60e. Would it be better if there was a body lift to allow more room in the tunnel?

 

[Craig0320]

Yep it has the 4l60e. It would help with the body lift. There is going to be a lot of wiring involved. Is there any way he would stick a 5.0 in it. It is just wayyyyyyyy easier to deal with. There are several write ups on here with dropping an explorer/mountaineer 5.0 in a ranger.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yep it has the 4l60e. It would help with the body lift. There is going to be a lot of wiring involved. Is there any way he would stick a 5.0 in it. It is just wayyyyyyyy easier to deal with. There are several write ups on here with dropping an explorer/mountaineer 5.0 in a ranger.

If it were me id buy a carbed intake and a good 4bbl and swap it on. Sell that 4L60 for a TH350, it wuuld be much more simple.

 

[bobbywalter]

it will fit. body lift will help... getting the right manifolds not so easy sometimes. ls....for sure....350 vortech....meh.


i have a 4l80 in mine. but its not really stock either.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

With some modding the 350 fits fine. Manifolds will be his best friend. I have yet to find headers that will fit without a ton of modding

I’d lose the 4l60 and get a 700 or a 200r4. Easier wiring. Much simpler design.

Wiring in the fuel injection isn’t a big deal. Id stay injected in this case. Would be much easier than converting everything to carb.