302 help!!!

[jaymegriffiths]

hi, I've done a little research on ranger v8 swaps and my dad has convinced me its impossible. Being the downer that he is I've decided to tackle the project myself. Being on a decent budget, I woulld like to have fun and make something good. Im figuring 302, bored and stroked to 347, built for about 375ish hp, carbed, with a c4, and a 1/2 ton axle chopped up so it fits all neat and tidy. Difficult? Not really. With a decent knowledge of engines, I have only one problem.A/C equipped rangers are more tight, and im not a genious when it comes to wiring and carb adjustment. Any tech info would be nice, and please be detailed and accurate!
Truck is a 1988 Ford ranger 2.9 v6 xlt extended cab 2wd
Any questions please ask.

 

[wade]

my dad... ...being on a decent budget

If you're on a budget - keep it stock - keep it simple, for now. You can always beef it later. Even a 7.5" axle will hold up to a stock 5.0L. "Dad" might be negative, but remember - he's been around the block a couple of times - he's got your best interest at heart. Even if you disagree - have differences - listen to what he has to say. "Grasping at straws" - Now might not be the time "to go a little crazy."

A/C equipped, wiring

Obviously, you don't have any wiring diagrams yet. Do your planning! its better to over-plan than it is to frustrate yourself doing tasks a multiple number of times until you finally get it right. Search - Search - Search - Read - Read - Read - Engineer and Plan. You want to build a fun vehicle to drive on the road - Safely!
Maybe you'll think I'm soundin' like your dad - Its just my 2¢.

 

[Dan B.]

Wade...excellent info!! Also, if this truck is your dailydriver...think twice about doing the swap unless you have a backup ride to use in the interim. It does not matter how well a swap is planned, anything can go wrong and extended the "planned" time of the swap.

 

[sloue]

Wade...excellent info!! Also, if this truck is your dailydriver...think twice about doing the swap unless you have a backup ride to use in the interim. It does not matter how well a swap is planned, anything can go wrong and extended the "planned" time of the swap.

x2. i got mine in and ready in no time ,,and here i sit 3 weeks waiting for oil kit. its lots of work, but easily done with a good plan and and using TRS for info on what other people have done. good luck

 

[jaymegriffiths]

thanks for all your help! just so you know goin a little crazy is what i do and when i say grasping at straws i mean anything you wanna tell me as far as necessary parts for the swap would be great. my dad has been a mechanic for 25 years and kows his way around a vehicle great but he's the kinda guy thats too worried about encountering problems to take any risk! thx...

 

[V8 Level II]

Do your homework first. There are some conversion parts sources here. Useful swap info too:

http://www.mre-books.com/ranger.html
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=12
http://www.v8-ranger.com/
http://72.20.96.178/commerce/ccc1010-ford-ranger-26-bronco-ii.htm
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.html
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/v8conversion.html

For the electrical, it will be very helpful to have a Ford EVTM (Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for both your 88 Ranger and for the V8 donor vehicle. In later years the EVTM was renamed the Wiring Diagrams manual. These cost about $60 each new but are often available used on eBay for about $10~20 each.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1988...rs_Manuals_Literature?_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116

 

[Capt Jay]

c-4 is a very good choice for the trans. What year is the 302? If you get a manual for the original truck it will tell you the base carb. setting. That is usually fairly close and a good starting point. As for the wiring. All I did was take time and figure out what you need and what you don't. You will be getting rid of a lot of wire. Figure out what goes where and why. A lot of it is fairly self explanatory and the rest gets a little more difficult. A diagram is a must. If you don't have one you have to go accessory by accessory. Turning things on, checking with a meter and finding out what goes where, not fun. When you find out what you don't need (injector stuff), do a good job of cutting and CAPING what you no longer need.

I agree with the other guys. Fit the engine first. Make sure it all works together and that it works the way you want. There are tons of different ways to do this mod.
After your happy with your set up is the time to go nuts. Just my opinion. I've done two now so if you have any specific questions don't be afraid to ask. Other than that there is a plethora of information available in the tech. section and a lot of very knowledgeable people available here. Good luck.

 

[wade]

Do your homework first.
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/tech/?cat=6

...it will be very helpful to have a Ford EVTM (Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for both your 88 Ranger and for the donor vehicle. These cost about $60 each new (Wow! You're gettin' ripped!), but are often available used on eBay for about $10~20 each.

The RPS link wouldn't work for me. The others did work and do provide usable info.

http://www.helminc.com/ will sell you the wiring diagrams for about $12.00 ea, new - unmarked. You can mark 'em up and beat 'em up, yourself. Helm sells the diagrams that Ford calls OEM. You'll find Helm listed in the back of many of Ford's Owner's Manuals and they're a good deal!

 

[V8 Level II]

http://www.helminc.com/ will sell you the wiring diagrams for about $12.00 ea, new - unmarked. You can mark 'em up and beat 'em up, yourself. Helm sells the diagrams that Ford calls OEM. You'll find Helm listed in the back of many of Ford's Owner's Manuals and they're a good deal!

Thanks for the update. It's good to see that Helm has started discounting some of the older EVTMs. The EVTMs used to be $50+ and Wiring Manuals for the later Fords are still up around $60.

 

[wade]

Go to Helminc.com, Copy/Paste Part #'s into Search "Box"

Right off of their website:

1988 Ranger/Bronco II Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual
Price: $14.00 (Oops! I was $2.00 off!)
In Stock
Pkg Qty: 1
Media: Paper
Language: English
Item/Part #: FPS1212788
Written by the OEM, this book has the most in-depth wiring diagrams available. Information on how to troubleshoot electrical problems, this manual includes circuit schematics, power distribution schematics, ground distribution schematics and component locations to accurately repair electrical problems. ETMS are model and model year specific, and their schematics are far more detailed than the wiring diagrams in the Service Manual. For best repair results, use this manual in conjunction with the Service Manual.
Description:
Diagrams With Component Location Illustrations Circuit Descriptions And Troubleshooting Hints.

1988 Ranger/Bronco II Shop Manual (Service Manual)
Price: $37.50
In Stock
Media: Paper
Language: English
Item/Part #: FPS1201388
Shop Manual has detailed repair instruction written by Ford. Information contained in each body type specific manual, has been developed to aid technicians in diagnosing and repairing vehicle components and systems. Each manual covers the entire vehicle bumper to bumper including specifications, diagnosis and testing, in vehicle repairs, component removal and installation and complete engine and transmission rebuilding.
Description:
Instructions And Procedures For Routine Repair Adjustment Maintenance Work Diagnosis/Testing And Removal/Installation Of Parts For Various Vehicle Systems.

1988 Ranger/Bronco II Do-It-Yourself
Price: $18.00
In Stock
Media: Paper
Language: English
Item/Part #: FPS1202188
This manual is tailored to the Do-It-Yourselfer, with easy to understand procedures and directions to perform basic maintenance and light repair. For more detailed instruction to perform heavy repair, please see the Service Manual.
Description:
Geared For The Weekend Mechanic: Instructions And Procedures For Routine Repair Adjustment Maintenance Work Removal/Installation Of Parts For Various Vehicle Systems.

How can you not afford to? Best to you! Don't 'diss your dad! I'm outa' here.

 

[rickcdewitt]

hi, iv done a little research on ranger v8 swaps and my dad has convinced me its impossible. Being the downer that he is iv decided to tackle the project myself.

i hear ya.back in highschool my pops wanted me to put a six in my 65 stang when i was rebuilding it because he had one and he said "its peppy like a sports car".yeah right.so i just rebuilt a 289 on my own(well i did have my brothers and cousins help with my grandpas advise). and now i know more about cars(15 years later) so he comes to me for help

A/C equipped rangers are more tight.

find a non ac truck and grab the engine compartment side cover if you want to ditch it.no inside mods(get me one too i need one,lol).

 

[red85]

I see you're in Canada. Where are you located? I havea V8 ranger that I would be willing to show you if you're close enough to me. I've been down this road a few times and I can help you out if need be.

 

[jaymegriffiths]

I see you're in Canada. Where are you located? I havea V8 ranger that I would be willing to show you if you're close enough to me. I've been down this road a few times and I can help you out if need be.

saskatchewan. I talked to the pops, and I'm getttin some wiring diagrams together. Did some more research. Would it be impossible to do a 351c swap? I have 1 with a tranny in a 70 cougar thats free. I could also get a 5.0 block (just bare block) for free in trade for my current ranger. I got it for the tranny and i can fix it and sell it for like 150, or i can trade it to the wrecker who sold it to me for a 5.0. Kinda hangin here till i get my 88 fixed. Will buy a beater to be a dd till 302 is swapped.
I'll keep it posted, once build starts ill do step by step.

 

[v-8power]

It's not impossible to do a 351C swap, just different. If you want easy go the 302, if you want unique then go 351C. Just my .02 though.

 

[jaymegriffiths]

. "Dad" might be negative, but remember - he's been around the block a couple of times - he's got your best interest at heart. Even if you disagree - have differences - listen to what he has to say. .

This may have been confusing. it's not that he doesn't want me to do it, its just he doesn't to end up doin it all himself. after all, im the one who gets to have all the fun!!!