1997 motor in a 1998?

[metalmacguyver]

So I have a motor out of my 1997 parts truck. I found a 1998 Ranger that needs a motor for 800. It has good tires and brakes and would be very worth putting a new motor in.

My questions is, How compatible are the 1997 and 1998 motors? I read in the tech library that they made some changes between 1997 and 1998. Could I put the 1997 in with the harness from the 1998? Or just put the complete 1997 harness and motor in the 1998?

This is my first time with a motor swap and I must confess, motors are what I know the least about. (Have not had any problems that have given me a reason to learn yet.) It will be a learning experiance. Thanks guys!

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb90450.htm

 

[metalmacguyver]

From what i read the mechanicals will all be good to go. Can i swap the motor in and just plug it into the harness that is there?

 

[metalmacguyver]

I have the complete motor minus the valve covers. The harness is complete and it has the computer.

So I can use the 1997 motor and sensors ect. with the 1998 harness? (Your wording is unclear.)

 

[metalmacguyver]

That is what i wanted to make sure of. That all the sensors and stuff will be compatible. I looked at the truck today and will be buying it because it is such an awsome price but since this is my first time doing something like this so I am gonna need some help. Thanks!

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

just make sure the 98 isnt a flex fuel vehicle (little leaf and road symbol on the tailgate)....as this makes things a tad more complicated.

either way, the long blocks are essentially the same. as long as you have complete motors from both, you can make it work. as mtnrgr said, the throttle body (and plenum actually) are different between the two years, as '98 was when ford switched to the removable TB.

the easiest way to go would be to just keep everything in the 98 (sensors, plenum/tb, exhaust) and swap just the long block (and valve covers, since those are kind of important).

 

[metalmacguyver]

Thanks. Thats the answer that I was looking for. I am going to put a deposit on it today. I am sure I'll have a few more questions. Thanks Wicked and mtnrgr!