'78 Cobra 302 into 87 Ranger?

[Jay_Chain]

I want to start by saying it's been YEARS since I've been here, but I'm finally back in a ranger and I'm glad to be back.

I scored a free 302 from a 78 Mustang Cobra that I'm going to be tearing apart, rebuilding and putting in my truck. I want to be pushing about 350 horse at the wheels, which shouldn't be too hard with a 302.

My truck is an '87 2wd 2.9 5 speed. I've been lurking here looking for answers for a bit but I can't find a good answer. What is going to be the most painless 5 speed to put behind this motor? M5R2? T5? Thanks in advance!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Make sure it isn’t one of the tall deck smog specials.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Make sure it isn’t one of the tall deck smog specials.

 

[Jay_Chain]

Make sure it isn’t one of the tall deck smog specials.

How do I tell?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I posted it last night but it must have gotten lost in the shuffle when we changed servers. Of course now I can't find the article I found last night.

It looked like they quit doing it in '76 so if the engine is a '78 you should be ok.

In the dark days of the 1970's rather than design new low compression heads Ford raised the deck height of the block to lower compression... which makes them kind of a freak. For 1977 they went back to the previous deck height and designed new heads.

 

[Mac]

The smog ones were from 73-76, check block casting date located above casting number down by starter.
Dave

 

[Jay_Chain]

Thanks guys. It's not a tall deck. Anyone know what transmission would be best behind it? I'm looking for a 5 speed

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

M5 is geared more like a truck and has a hydraulic clutch like a ranger trans. It is also the stronger of the two.

T5 is geared like a car and uses a cable for the clutch. It has been done and the info is out there but it takes some more work to get the clutch to work.

 

[Jay_Chain]

M5 is geared more like a truck and has a hydraulic clutch like a ranger trans. It is also the stronger of the two.

T5 is geared like a car and uses a cable for the clutch. It has been done and the info is out there but it takes some more work to get the clutch to work.

Did I read it right somewhere else on the forum that the M5 will move the shifter back almost to the seat or am I mixed up?

 

[Mac]

Did I read it right somewhere else on the forum that the M5 will move the shifter back almost to the seat or am I mixed up?

Earlier ones will. Use one from a '97' or later from F150 with the 4.2, enlarger bellhousing bolt holes. Puts shifter in almost same position
Dave

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Earlier ones will. Use one from a '97' or later from F150 with the 4.2, enlarger bellhousing bolt holes. Puts shifter in almost same position
Dave

Earlier ones move it way to the front a like most other older transmissions. 97-04 M5R2's put the shifter roughly where it was from the factory.

 

[Angie]

"I want to be pushing about 350 horse at the wheels, which shouldn't be too hard with a 302."


What are your plans to do to the engine to hit these numbers? Curios to compare with what I have done.

cheers

 

[Angie]

Did Horse power ratings change somewhere along the way? It was magical if your engine hit the cubic rating IE 350 chev with 350 HP (naturally aspirated) Now it is easy to hit 350 HP at the rear wheels with out being blown in a small 302?

Can't wait to get my build finished then and see what a dyno will show.

thanks

 

[lvwill]

Holy crap.. honestly speaking the only way you're gonna make that much power to the wheels is to turn the moter to 6-7000 rpm. Honestly speaking not a street friendly beast. You want to do that start with a 351.

 

[bobbywalter]

Holy crap.. honestly speaking the only way you're gonna make that much power to the wheels is to turn the moter to 6-7000 rpm. Honestly speaking not a street friendly beast. You want to do that start with a 351.

you work on sbf's?


because 300 whp is ridiculously easy to do. having a good bsfc on the other hand....mmmm not so easy. high tune with efi 12-14 mpg with a lifted 4x4 was about as normal as i could get. single digits driving aggressively with an aod....

its why have a diesel under the hood now.



here is a simple build....

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/ford-302-v8-engine-buildup/