2.8 to 3.8 conversion

[aggieengnr]

Ok, so besides the obvious needs of the entire wiring harness, ECM from a RWD donor car, what else would I need? Will the 4 speed manual bolt up to it?

What about splicing the newer fuel injected harness into the older ranger vehicle harness?

Reason Being is I found a good 3.8 on Craigslist for $500, but I'd have to find a donor car to get parts from because its being sold as a short block :-/

What about just putting a carb and intake on it? Running duraspark?

 

[adsm08]

No, your trans will not bolt to a 3.8. It is a completely different engine, never used in the same application as a 2.8, and the bell housing patterns are different.

I would look into the TBI setup before anything else as far as fuel delivery.

Also, you know that a short block doesn't have heads on it, right?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

You would also need to change the fuel tank for a two line system for EFI. If you can run the 3.8 carbed yea anything can be done but the 302 5.0 or 4.0 has alot more info here on what your options are.

 

[drgrcr]

For what its worth, 3.8 has the same bolt pattern as a 302. AOD or a C4.

 

[aggieengnr]

Ehh... Seems like more trouble than its worth! After I posted, I found a little more info on the 3.8 and it doesn't seem to be as good of motor as a 4.0.

The thought of it being a short block didn't even ring a bell in my head as far as it not having heads, lol. So yep. Will definitely not be going that route... I'd like to do a 4bt cummins swap

 

[adsm08]

Then go buy an Escort to drive for a while and start doing your 4Bt swap.

 

[aggieengnr]

adsm08--

You wouldn't happen to know anything about doing a 4bt swap in an early 4x4 ranger would you?

&& wouldn't need the escort. Have a common-rail cummins to move me till I get my little ranger running happily.