2.9L swap or stay

[jasongind]

First off, im in Iraq until SEP of this year so im doing some reasearch before i get back. I have an '88 ranger 2WD with the 2.9L engine and a rebulit A4L suto tranny in it. Ive replaced the heads once and they cracked again after the thermostate stuck. Well, upon replacing the head and thermostate i dedcided to just put a differnet block in it cause the current 2.9L block is rusted really bad internally. I was wondering what would be benifit would be of the 4.0L? besides power. I like the 2.9L for its power to L ratio and the fuel economy. if i go with the 4.0 what can i expect for fuel milage. Also i was loooking at the convience of just buying a new/reman block and installing the Man o War heads. Plus i havnt done an engine swap in about 11 years and Im only 26, lol. well thanks for any help that is offered i really appreciate it.

 

[92MiniMonster]

A good place to find out your fuel economy differences would be to go to www.fueleconomy.gov, and click on compare cars, they are pretty accurate with their reportings. Good Luck.

 

[abrush]

The fuel mileage will be the same if not a little better. The 4.0L engines had stronger built heads than the 2.9L engines did. Also, finding parts for 4.0L engines is pretty easy. I recommend the swap because I did it myself and would never go back to a 2.9L engine afterwards. The power is outstanding and the engine itself has been really reliable. It really isn't that hard of a swap and worth it in the long run.

 

[volrath]

the 4.0 is nice. personaly i think the 2.9 motor is great. a get about 26 mpg on the highway. and only did one new head. other than that it has been great. a strong runner and reliable. but i gat the newer style heads (88tm?) and one world products head. but if you want the power then the 4.0 would be good if you don't want to stick much time in the 2.9. mine has plenty though. ether way good luck

 

[Natedog]

The fuel mileage will be the same if not a little better. The 4.0L engines had stronger built heads than the 2.9L engines did. Also, finding parts for 4.0L engines is pretty easy. I recommend the swap because I did it myself and would never go back to a 2.9L engine afterwards. The power is outstanding and the engine itself has been really reliable. It really isn't that hard of a swap and worth it in the long run.

X2..........I'd swap it if your'e up to the wiring and wrenching. 2.9 is good when they run right....but they are very touchy imo. And if you're going to spend the $$$ on an engine, it may as well be a better engine.