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Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2008
- Messages
- 13
- Age
- 47
- City
- Hill County, TX
- Vehicle Year
- 2000/1976/1976
- Transmission
- Automatic
This post actually has nothing to do with a Ranger. But it is all about the 3.8 engine. I am considering picking up a whole 89-90 Thunderbird or Cougar to do the swap. I'll make sure it doesn't have a digital dash or too much other garbage. 89-90 models were V6 only with AOD unless they were supercharged (and half of those got 5-speeds). The NA 3.8 engine and matched AOD transmission will be finding its way into my '76 Gran Torino. But you can pretend it's an '83 Ranger with a carb'd V6 if you like.
Obviously I need the motor and transmission. And anything attached to them, like the alternator, power steering pump, mounts, manifolds, sensors, wiring, etc.
How much of the donor car's wiring harness do I need to pull? I know I need the computer but can't I just mount that in a box under the washer tank? Will things like the seat belt wire have to be run out to the computer? Will I need some sort of VSS, vehicle speed sensor, did the 89-90 models have that?
How would I go about hooking up gauges? All I really need are speedometer, fuel, temperature, and the idiot lights for alt, oil, seat belts, brake, and I've got an unused spot for "Low Fuel Economy" I can use for a "Check Engine" light.
What else am I missing? I know I'll need to have the exhaust fabricated and plan to spend some money there. The FMX coming out should be the same size as the AOD so the driveshaft should work, but would the splines be different from a '76 FMX? Would I need to change yokes or get a custom driveshaft made?
Or should I say screw it, get a carb'd 302/AOD from some random 80-82 application, and call it a day?
Obviously I need the motor and transmission. And anything attached to them, like the alternator, power steering pump, mounts, manifolds, sensors, wiring, etc.
How much of the donor car's wiring harness do I need to pull? I know I need the computer but can't I just mount that in a box under the washer tank? Will things like the seat belt wire have to be run out to the computer? Will I need some sort of VSS, vehicle speed sensor, did the 89-90 models have that?
How would I go about hooking up gauges? All I really need are speedometer, fuel, temperature, and the idiot lights for alt, oil, seat belts, brake, and I've got an unused spot for "Low Fuel Economy" I can use for a "Check Engine" light.
What else am I missing? I know I'll need to have the exhaust fabricated and plan to spend some money there. The FMX coming out should be the same size as the AOD so the driveshaft should work, but would the splines be different from a '76 FMX? Would I need to change yokes or get a custom driveshaft made?
Or should I say screw it, get a carb'd 302/AOD from some random 80-82 application, and call it a day?
