3.0 Blown, swapping in a new one

[ZeroMidget]

Was wondering if a motor from a 98 Ford Ranger (3.0 also) would fit in my 94 Ranger (currently has a 3.0, the distributor's gears have been ate up and it has 2 weak cylinders, therefore we are figuring a new motor is best). If so, what changes would I have to make?

If not, would a 4.0 from a early 00 (not sure on exact year, no higher than 03) fit? Changes I would have to make?

 

[stmitch]

I believe that your 94 is obdI. If that's true, it would be really tough to put in an obdII motor. The newer (95-up I think) 3.0's don't have distributors,they use ingntion coils. Not to mention that the electrical systems in the newer trucks are far more advanced. Anything's possible, but the wiring, and tuning would be pretty difficult.

 

[ZeroMidget]

Yeah, the motor currently has a distributor. So it would be a pain to swap in a 3.0 from a 98? What would I be better off putting in and/or finding.

 

[stmitch]

I'd look for an engine from pre 94 models. Not sure if any other vehicles that came with the Vulcan had distributors or not, but you could check sables, tauruses, topazes, and aerostar vans. Just make sure you find one with a distributor like the one you currently have.

If thats tougher than it sounds, and you can't find anything, then maybe its time for an upgrade? (engine swap, hint, hint)

 

[ZeroMidget]

Are you sure? As I've read a few things that say all I would have to do is put my distributor where the cam sensor currently is and I'd be good to go.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4118 <-- Example of what I'm saying.

 

[stmitch]

If you used the top end of your current motor, it might be doable. I hadn't considered that. You may still have some obastacles like egr or other emissions related stuff.

 

[kennykenny]

As far as I know you should have no problem using the block and heads from any year 3.0, intakes and accessories will vary but otherwise they are exactly the same.