347 and manual trans swap

[Vanman]

Hey guys. I recently picked up a 1999 Ranger with the 3.0 in it and I have a spare 5.0 laying around and want to do a swap on it. I'm already familiar with the engine swap although when it comes to transmissions, especially manual transmission, I don't know where to start. I want to keep it manual and it already has the stock 5 speed in it, but I need something that can handle a 347 and its going to be for off-road racing so it will need to be tough. I guess what I'm asking is, what transmission should I look into and what kind of placement issues am I going to run into underneath? thanks everyone in advance!

Kevin

 

[RangerSVT]

Unless you go custom built, the ZF is about the only OD trans that would handle it, and even it has its limits...


SVT

 

[projectnitemare]

2wd or 4wd? 2wd you can use anything you would normally find say in a mustang. 4x4 is going to be a little harder. There really isn't a "performance" 4x4 manual that I would suggest, especially for racing. Anything beefy you are going to find, besides using a 2wd performance oriented trans and divorced t-case, will normally have a really low 1st gear. In all reality I would use a built up automatic with a manual valvebody. It will shift faster, more consistant, and you will have a better service factor with it being a mechanical hydraulic system rather than a mechanical connection.