2.9l power

[86ranger4x4owner]

I was wondering how much a 2.9l with stud headers and electric fan would have.

 

[177CIOfPureLove]

About the same as a 2.9 without. Some nicer noise out the tailpipe and cooler cylinder heads. I think thats about all your going to gain.

 

[gaz]

Headers/electric fan

Hello "86ranger4x4owner",

Having installed both of those components on my trucks I will tell you that the electric fan reduces the load on the crankshaft significantly.
-I don't know how much power but my mileage went up about 10% when I did this. I have found that is is prudent to change the water pump at the same time (the bearings are used to the old load and don't seem to last long after an electric fan is insatlled).
-My mechanic buddies all told me that headers are generally accepted as a 20-25% increase in power, depending on how inefficeint the stock exhaust manifolds and heads are. I can tell you that installing a set of JBA's will make an easily noticed different in torque. I also experienced a pleasant increase in MPG after installing the headers (just about 2 MPG).

There are a couple of electric fans out there that are very easy to install. It is going to set you back between $80 and $160 depending on who's kit or fan you use.

With headers on an 86 Ranger, if you don't want to change the "H" pipe to the later modle "Y" pipes, JBA and Pacesetter may be it. If you welcome changing to the "H" pipe then you can use anything made for the later Rangers and 90-94 Explorers. I am uncertain about the headers for Explorer after 94.

You won't regret the electric fan ever!!! the headers will work even better with a 2.25 exhaust with free flowing muffler (on a stock engine, 2.5" on a P/P set of heads/intakes), so pull the trigger and don't wait. One more thing about installing headers on an 86 2.9 liter, those exhaust manifold bolts are not going to want to let go of those nuts. You will have the best results by pulling the engine, working on a stand with a pneumatic hammer (if you go this route, don't dial up the pressure too high, start at 40 psi on the line and don't exceed 65. If a nuts isn't coming @ 65 psi, stop, hit it hard with penitrating oil and let it sit a day, then come at it again starting with 40 psi). Keep repeating this until those sticky fasteners give in. If you rush it you will break some of the studs, then the skill and luck factors go through the roof, I don't like this situation or recomend it [BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS ON AN OLD 2.9 LITER ARE BITTER])

Kevin

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

thanks and am sorry i didnt give enough information.I have a 1988 ford ranger with a 2.9 and electric fan and headers i bought it that way.I was just wondering if there was any increase in horsepower sorry for not being specific.

 

[gaz]

Power/torque increases

Your 88 2.6 liter should be capable of getting more horse power (HP)and torque to the wheels, take it to the dyno on a fresh tune up and have it measured; then share the results with the forum.

The 140 HP and 170 tq are crank values, if I use a 15% correction factor for drivetrain losses I expect 126 HP and 144.5 tq when measured @ the wheel on a chasis dyno (stock).

If you don't desire to find out yourself, I will be dynoing both my 2.9 liter Ranger and BII this coming spring. I will be happy to share the actual printouts. Honestly I don't know what to expect but my guess for a stock 2.9L engine with headers, exhaust and electric fan (on a fresh tune-up) is 157.25 HP & 187.85 ft/lbs torque @ the wheels. I will suggest that my guess is optimistic but based on gains felt driving, observed towing and actual mpg increases.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

Its also sittin on 31's so am guessing that will slow it down a bit to.

 

[mhughes165]

-My mechanic buddies all told me that headers are generally accepted as a 20-25% increase in power, depending on how inefficeint the stock exhaust manifolds and heads are. I can tell you that installing a set of JBA's will make an easily noticed different in torque. I also experienced a pleasant increase in MPG after installing the headers (just about 2 MPG).

20-25%? headers will usually MAYBE give u 10%, id consultant different "mechanics" next time

truth betold headers dont mean anything if u dont allow the engine to flow to take advantage of the opened up exhaust, thats internal engine work required.