3.0 Duratec Engine into a 1999 3.0 Ranger

[Ranger101]

Here we go.

The 2009-2012 Escape and the 2010-2011 Mercury Milan have Duratec engines the have a max HP of 240 according to Ford Specs. Understanding that the mechanical fan and the oil pan will have to be swapped due to engine orientation, does anyone have experience putting this 240 HP engine in a Ranger? I have a 1999 2WD XLT with an automatic transmission I’m looking to modify.

This would replace the 3.0L 155 HP Vulcan with the 3.0L 240 HP Duratec. Unless my math is wrong, that’s 85 HP with a junkyard engine swap. Will it work with my current transmission? Any adjustments to the motor mounts, body, or frame? Looking forward to reading your responses.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I believe motormounts, trans, wireing, everything is different.

You might as well use a 302

 

[RonD]

No, 3.0l Vulcan transmission won't bolt to the 3.0l Duratec engine

Ford Bell housing patterns seen here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_bellhousing_patterns

Not much matches Vulcan V6
The 3.0l/3.2l SHOs rated 220HP

You also have to keep in mind the RWD, FWD and AWD engine mounting, and transmissions

Also when you get past mid-2000 Ford's the engine computers can be very finicky in what they need to work
i.e. 2004 Ranger computers will not work without the "matched" instrument cluster, this was done to prevent odometer tampering
Other model Fords will have similar requirements, so just a heads up, not as simple as just swapping in computer and engine wiring harness in later years

 

[racsan]

a escape 3.0 duratech would be awesome in a ranger chassis, it would also be awesome to put a manual in my 3.0 escape. (she wouldnt go for it though)

 

[stmitch]

Mounts, exhaust, transmission/or adapter, PCM, some wiring etc would be custom.
The Duratec is also DOHC, which for a "V" configuration usually means things get tight with the brake booster and you should expect fitment issues with HVAC plenum in Rangers. Usually results in losing factory AC and/or heat.

It would probably be less work and more benefit to do a Mustang 3.7/trans swap. Then you'd at least have Basic RWD stuff like exhaust and transmission taken care of.

 

[bobbywalter]

It's a rear pump drive cooling system...



Some blocks are bothy....so can bolt up...just not all bolts.


But. Not package friendly.


Better off with the jag offerings or Lincoln LS

 

[bobbywalter]

LS

 

[Ranger101]

LS

View attachment 71744View attachment 71745View attachment 71746

Does this mean a Lincoln LS engine can fit my 99 XLT? Which years? I might start looking for one now.

Would I need the tranny out of a 3.7 Mustang like Stmitch mentioned?

 

[bobbywalter]

No ... Those earlier duratechs not worthy ...or the Essex.









3.7 is a cyclone and totally different pattern and family.




THAT IS THEE SETUP YOU WANT. Complete 3.x n/a system if you want a ford.


BEST thing since the 302 IMO.

Waaaay overbuilt.

I am currently working on platforming these with rbv. Via 6r80 though ... Because the mt82 is the a4ld of manual transmissions.

 

[stmitch]

Does this mean a Lincoln LS engine can fit my 99 XLT? Which years? I might start looking for one now.

Would I need the tranny out of a 3.7 Mustang like Stmitch mentioned?

None of these will be a simple, drop in, bolt up swap in your truck if that's what you're asking. They're all wider than the stock pushrod V6s from Rangers, which typically requires cutting. They all need different transmissions (or adaptors). They'll all need wiring and some custom exhaust work, mounts, hoses, etc to connect the engine to the chassis.

It's a bit of a unicorn, but the LS Duratec was offered with a manual trans. I'm guessing the 3.7/manual combo from the Mustang will be much easier to find. Especially with low miles. And as Bobby says it's a much better engine all around than the older Duratecs (not that the Duratecs are bad, but the new 3.7 seems to be pretty awesome for what it is).

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Just go with a 302.

 

[bobbywalter]

Yeah ...302 can be pretty good if your happy with a 3.0.

 

[Ranger850]

Why couldn't Ford just give every motor the same dang bolt pattern? didn't they know we were gonna want to switch and swap things around?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yeah ...302 can be pretty good if your happy with a 3.0.

A stock 302 is head and shoulders above a 3.0

 

[Ranger101]

Thanks to all of you guys for the input and education. It seems the two ‘simple’ options are: 1) stick with the 3.0L Vulcan and modify it to the best of it’s ability, or 2) put in a 302.

If Option 2 is selected, which automatic transmission should/can I match with the 302 to put in my 99 XLT without extensive work?

While I’m asking, and because I have a strong feeling that one day I will own a older Ranger with a stick, which manual transmission is easiest to install and works best, with the 302?

I plan on keeping this thread marked for reference so I’m making the most of it. Any and all input will appreciated.