2.3T vs 5.0 swap

[Stev0623]

The title says it all. I picked up a ranger yesterday for a good price, it's a 97 with a 2.3 and 80k on the engine.


I know that I want to upgrade past the 80 horses I'm making in the 2.3. My friends want to do a 5.0 swap. We're more than capable mechanics, one of them has actually done a 5.0 swap. I'm kind of leaning toward the 2.3turbo. They claim we will have alot more fun with a 5.0 and with a basic conversion, it will be in the 13s, which is pretty awesome.

My only concern is that I want to use it as a daily driver. I don't want to lose my AC, and I am concerned about MPGs. What kind of MPGs are you guys getting in your 5.0s? I heard the explorers get about 15 city and 19 highway. The ranger weighs half of the explorer, so it should improve a little, but I know the 2.3Ts get upwards of 25+, and are still really quick.

Whatcha guys think?

 

[stegomon]

turbo

 

[chrwilkins30]

yes. turbo

 

[bilzy7]

Some people have kept their ac. As far as gas mileage, a turbo 4cyl wil go farther then a v8. V8,s are like cheap oriental hookers, they mystify you with lust, then rape your wallet.
Then again my 4.0 rapes my wallet...

 

[bilzy7]

Explorers don't weigh twice as much, they have heavier asses that's about it. Don't expect good mileage in s 5.0.

 

[shane96ranger]

Do a 302. You have a lot more options for engine and trans going this route.

 

[bilzy7]

Ya plus, it's all engine. Nothing added yet!

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Some people have kept their ac. As far as gas mileage, a turbo 4cyl wil go farther then a v8. V8,s are like cheap oriental hookers, they mystify you with lust, then rape your wallet.
Then again my 4.0 rapes my wallet...

Ching Chow Wappa Wappa...........That was the sound of my "Oriental Hooker" spinning 37x12.50 IROK's on the pavement a few minutes ago when i took it for a few laps around the neighborhood then through the pasture and up in the back yard (hope I didnt rut up the back yard to bad or my wife will kill me for cheating!).

Sorry...couldnt help it...............V8 Has my vote.

 

[skx762]

I luv you long time G.I.

 

[Teddyzee]

5.0 turbo.

If you use an EFI sytem from a Mustang, you will get 25mpg.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My 302 Ranger gets low teens around town, and it is a carbed automatic.

Hwy I won't mention, but I will say that I recommend an overdrive transmission

Both engines weigh about the same surprisingly, 302 has an advantage in power right off idle and many more transmissions available that can take the power. I don't think a stock 302 will get you in the 13's, and the later the engine the better.