3.8 swap

[James86]

...You like the idea of "power" but what you really want is "torque"

what I keep pointing out is that the 3.8 "split port" engine used in
the Windstar minivan and the later 3.8 powered mustangs before the switch to the 4.0SOHC) makes only 5hp less than the SHO engine, but does it at HALF the rpm.

In other words it makes a bunch more torque.

Yeah, the Yamaha built SHO looks cool when you open the hood,
and sounds cool when you shift it at the rev limiter, but looks
and sound don't equal "Fast" or "quick".....

....Honestly I'd use a mustang 3.8 split port backed by a supercoupe transmission in a Ranger in a NewYork minute.

If someone gave me a 3.0SHO engine I'd sell it to some dreamer.

I know I've seen TONS of these motors in junkyards in vans and taurus's and they seem to have been around for a while, so why isn't this swap done more often? I saw a picture somewhere in the tech library of it done, but have heard little else on this site.

 

[alaskan155]

i would do a 4.2l swap from a 98+ f150 just my 2 cents but 202hp 4.2l vs the sohc 4.0 at 200 spmething horse which is bolt in(using 4.0 ohv mounts and modifying the a/c box for the ttb/tib rangers) just proves to be easier

the 3.8/4.2 require everything a 302 needs so might as wheel do a 5.0 swap instead,

 

[steve63]

i think it would be a nice swap if you wanted a streetable ranger that had lots of torque,wonder about a 3.8 supercharged in the 90s t-birds, 240hp,330lbs of torque,it would push a ranger around real well.

 

[351crownvic]

well the fwd 4.2's and 3.8's have the same bell pattern as our 3.0 transmissions...... I am trying to find info on the fwd 4.2 swap as well...

 

[rangerrookie429]

just my 2 cents but 202hp 4.2l vs the sohc 4.0 at 200 spmething horse which is bolt in(using 4.0 ohv mounts and modifying the a/c box for the ttb/tib rangers) just proves to be easier

the 3.8/4.2 require everything a 302 needs so might as wheel do a 5.0 swap instead,

Easier? Who gives a turkey about easier?!?!?! I plan to do a 4.2 swap when i get out of college and have the funds, putting a 4.0 in the truck would just make it like every other 4.0 ranger out there. A 4.2 would make it something people would scratch their heads at. I wanna build something with lots of power that other people haven't seen before. So what if its a little tougher to put a 3.8/4.2 in your ranger, put your big girl panties on, get out the welder, and GIV'ER!!

 

[alaskan155]

Easier? Who gives a turkey about easier?!?!?! I plan to do a 4.2 swap when i get out of college and have the funds, putting a 4.0 in the truck would just make it like every other 4.0 ranger out there. A 4.2 would make it something people would scratch their heads at. I wanna build something with lots of power that other people haven't seen before. So what if its a little tougher to put a 3.8/4.2 in your ranger, put your big girl panties on, get out the welder, and GIV'ER!!

i was just saying lol
btw ive swaped a 67 289 in mine with no welder, some mustang mounts and a drill and a 4.2/3.8 should drop right in,

as for the 4.2 they should have never installed it in the f150 mine was a dog at 6000 feet here in cheyenne and couldnt get out of its own way, would have been better suited for a ranger,was a fun little engine at the lower altitude was about equal to my parents 4.6

as for aftermarket if you plan on building it a 5.0 or 5.8 are way cheaper to build that a 4.2/3.8