1st gen ranger engine swaps

[ISX_15]

as per thread title , what are some engine swaps that are compatible? We all know 302s are the goto but wheres my 6 cylinder guys and 4 cylinder guys at? If I were to build my truck for a tow pig, low-mid end powerband, what would you guys think?
>4BT cummins (expensive, heavy, lots of fabrication required, but strong)
>4.0 V6 Late ranger
>2.3 I4 Lima Turbo
>can do a v8 , but i only need 200-250HP comfortably, i want gearing and torque to do the rest, efficiency is what im after.
-----------------------

how hard is swapping the engine if I end up running a standalone ECU or basic setup? emissions is not a issue, off-road vehicle/ private property driven.
I have MOST common hand tools, are engine hoists expensive? what else would I need? Is this something worth diving into or creating a new hobby out of? Im pretty comfortable digging into my current engines top end, but never did a full on rebuild.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Personally if youre after torque id run a 351W with an RV cam. Carburate it to keep it simple. Its a tight fit around the steering box but it has been done. Probably be the best bang for your buck.

Engine hoists range from 50bucks used to 200+ for new.

All i have to really add lol

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Technically anything is possible to swap in… if you have the tools/money/knowledge to do it.

Engine swaps are a tricky thing. Some stuff is somewhat easy like the 4.0 and 302/5.0 just because they’ve already been made to fit the Ranger engine bay from the factory (the Explorer is the one to source a 302 from). Wiring can become a challenge, especially on a 1st gen. If you’re not comfortable with wiring, an engine swap is probably not for you. The 4.0 and 5.0 swaps are also relatively well documented.

The 2.3 turbo swap is also fairly well documented, but if you’re after torque and all, it’s not the motor you want.

Most other motors require custom work to fit and electrical work to run. They can be a real challenge and I’ve seen a number of engine swaps that got abandoned and put up for sale because it was beyond the person’s skill level. Welder is often required at that point.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

To be honest in your situation for what you wanting id just go buy something already more capable of what youre wanting.

Find a halfway decent 460 powered 3\4 or 1 ton and do anything ya need

 

[ISX_15]

To be honest in your situation for what you wanting id just go buy something already more capable of what youre wanting.

Find a halfway decent 460 powered 3\4 or 1 ton and do anything ya need

if i can find a ~80s SRW F350 long bed crew cab

 

[rusty ol ranger]

if i can find a ~80s SRW F350 long bed crew cab

Eh 3\4tons are plentiful.

Good luck finding a 350 though

 

[Blmpkn]

Turbo Lima.

Theres no beating the timelessly simple aesthetic charm of a single OHC motor with a huge whistle-ator hanging off the side of it

 

[ISX_15]

Turbo Lima.

Theres no beating the timelessly simple aesthetic charm of a single OHC motor with a huge whistle-ator hanging off the side of it

Im leaning towards a lima 2.3, but i know nothing about them, can i still run AC with it? Is there bellhousing adapters or anything to run something other then a 5 speed? Such as a 6 speed or maybe go overkill with a transmission that has a range splitter

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Im leaning towards a lima 2.3, but i know nothing about them, can i still run AC with it? Is there bellhousing adapters or anything to run something other then a 5 speed? Such as a 6 speed or maybe go overkill with a transmission that has a range splitter

If youre after torque the lima would be the worst option

 

[Curious Hound]

Detroit 3-71t

 

[Blmpkn]

If youre after torque the lima would be the worst option

Not necessarily. Fitting a smaller turbo & a well thought out tune could have a lima at 300ft lbs before 3k rpm just like the new 2.3 ecoboosts do.. and 300ft lbs is waaaaaaay more than enough to move what a ranger can safely tow.

When I had my '21 it had no problem towing 8k lbs up and over mountains at a rock steady 55mph and 3kish rpm..

..so.. same power in a vehicle that weighs half a ton less that can tow what.. 4k? Thing would yank.

Im leaning towards a lima 2.3, but i know nothing about them, can i still run AC with it? Is there bellhousing adapters or anything to run something other then a 5 speed? Such as a 6 speed or maybe go overkill with a transmission that has a range splitter

Idk about AC and stuff.. I'm sure there's a way though. @scotts90ranger would likely know.

As far as adapters... I haven't spoken on it much here I don't think but my hot rod Lima is getting an adapter so I can put a Chevy th350 behind it (3 spd auto) Adapter is 1100 and everything is included.. even a new starter.

A 700r4 (4 spd auto) will fit on the same Adapter.. as well as a old creeper gear Muncie sm465 (6.5:1 first gear) I *believe* both NV3500 and NV4500 5 speeds utilize the same bell housing pattern as well... Chevy&GMC have pretty much been using the same ass flagship V8 bell housing pattern for like 50 years by this point lol.. so youd even be able to use one of their newer electric trannys like a 4l60 or a 6r80 if you felt froggy enough..

 

[ISX_15]

Detroit 3-71t

3 cylinder 2 stroke?? For a street build? sounds rowdy

 

[Blmpkn]

3 cylinder 2 stroke?? For a street build? sounds rowdy

.....it's only a 3 cylinder

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Not necessarily. Fitting a smaller turbo & a well thought out tune could have a lima at 300ft lbs before 3k rpm just like the new 2.3 ecoboosts do.. and 300ft lbs is waaaaaaay more than enough to move what a ranger can safely tow.

When I had my '21 it had no problem towing 8k lbs up and over mountains at a rock steady 55mph and 3kish rpm..

..so.. same power in a vehicle that weighs half a ton less that can tow what.. 4k? Thing would yank.


Idk about AC and stuff.. I'm sure there's a way though. @scotts90ranger would likely know.

As far as adapters... I haven't spoken on it much here I don't think but my hot rod Lima is getting an adapter so I can put a Chevy th350 behind it (3 spd auto) Adapter is 1100 and everything is included.. even a new starter.

A 700r4 (4 spd auto) will fit on the same Adapter.. as well as a old creeper gear Muncie sm465 (6.5:1 first gear) I *believe* both NV3500 and NV4500 5 speeds utilize the same bell housing pattern as well... Chevy&GMC have pretty much been using the same ass flagship V8 bell housing pattern for like 50 years by this point lol.. so youd even be able to use one of their newer electric trannys like a 4l60 or a 6r80 if you felt froggy enough..

Would a lima handle that amount of boost?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Personally if youre after torque id run a 351W with an RV cam. Carburate it to keep it simple. Its a tight fit around the steering box but it has been done. Probably be the best bang for your buck.

Engine hoists range from 50bucks used to 200+ for new.

All i have to really add lol

IMO... if you can't pull it with a 302 a Ranger really doesn't need to be pulling it.

I have a stock crown vic engine with a HO cam, it tows Ranger sized things great.