302 swap

[91ranger3.0]

Looked up alot of threads this forums great for swaps, but still deciding which route to go with swap, only have about8k to spend, should i buy a 91 explorer and rebuild motor/tranny and swap all parts over to my 91?i kind of like the 89 mustang gt but not sure if i can get a new or rebuilt motor/tranny for cheap, just need some advice from people that have done the swap and what angles to look at it, also id like to still put a ac unit so would i have to do the explorer or could i do thunder/stang 302?

respects

 

[Teddyzee]

The 5.0 debuted in the Explorer in 1996.

As far as easily fitting A/C, the best options are front accessories from the '96-'-01 Explorer, or the SN95 Mustang parts ('94/'95 'Stang, as well as '93-ish Cougar/TBird)

If you use Fox body Mustang accessories, the rad needs to move forward. Which means finding a new home for the condenser.

 

[91ranger3.0]

ok thank you any more help on best fitting 5.0 for my 91 ranger?

 

[Teddyzee]

As I alluded to in the previous post, The Explorers have the shortest front accessories, the sn95 are almost as short. They are approximately a couple inches shorter than the Fox body accessories. Short enough that your rad can stay in the stock position, with a mechanical fan.

The rad is simple to relocate if you Fox stuff, but this makes AC difficult and requires an Efan.

All the engines are the same size except the waterpump/timing cover/accessories.

 

[RangerSVT]

I would seriously consider a 96-97 explorer for a donor. It's about the easiest wiring wise to do. About 5 wires is all that's needed to get it running. Unlike the mustang harness, the ex has all needed and necessary wires all in one plug. The mustang harness has 2 or 3 plugs to use. If you want to run the factory gauges, you have a couple more. If you want the diagnostic port, 5 more wires for that. I've done half a dozen v8 swaps using the ex electrical system ranging from rangers to jeeps. If you want a taste of what you need for a v8 swap with ac, check out SVT's build thread. Both my builds are very detailed and are in the first post...

SVT

 

[Teddyzee]

I would seriously consider a 96-97 explorer for a donor. It's about the easiest wiring wise to do. About 5 wires is all that's needed to get it running. Unlike the mustang harness, the ex has all needed and necessary wires all in one plug. The mustang harness has 2 or 3 plugs to use. If you want to run the factory gauges, you have a couple more. If you want the diagnostic port, 5 more wires for that. I've done half a dozen v8 swaps using the ex electrical system ranging from rangers to jeeps. If you want a taste of what you need for a v8 swap with ac, check out SVT's build thread. Both my builds are very detailed and are in the first post...

SVT

I would add that the Explorer harness 42 pin connector will not plug into his '91, as it has a different style of engine to body connector.
A Mustang harness has three connectors (or two for a 1993), including gauges.

Wiring will be a little work no matter what he chooses, but it certainly is not difficult with enough info.

 

[91ranger3.0]

wow this is best site for help on v8 swaps thanks alot guys, and so what your saying is i can use the 96 explorer for most of the things i will need? if so i will start looking for one to buy/ and start rebuilding and getting ready for the swap

 

[RangerSVT]

Short of the oil filter relocation kit, filter adapter(the part the oil filter threads on to on the block) motor mounts and a power steering pressure line (check out the first post in my SVT build thread, has everything in detail), except the wiring part will be different for you. Do you have a body lift? If not, you will need to do a heater box mod, basically heat the corner and push it in to clear the valve cover...

SVT


SVT

 

[91ranger3.0]

dang guys, its been really hard finding a 96 ranger with the v8 untill what year would it be very difficult for a swap will the 97/98 work just as easy as the 96?

thanks

 

[RangerSVT]

95-00 have the same wiring, 01 the wiring changed. 98-00 the frame and suspension on the ranger is identical to the ex and is a bolt in ordeal. Take the motor mounts from the ex, and bolt it up...

SVT