85 Ranger getting some teeth...

[baddad457]

If you run across a cam from a 94-97 E or F series (van or truck) snatch it up and stick it in there. These are great street cams with a carb. A set of 1.7 rockers will boost the lift specs in line with the HO cam. Same cam was used in the 96-2001 Explorer/Mountaineer 5.0 too. These cams have just a tad less duration than the HO's.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I didn't really get much done, cleaned some parts and cleaned up the water pump for install.

I did poke around with that 4bbl to see what it is, it's a 4180 which looking around on the internet doesn't sound like too bad of a carb. Looks like it will be a fun winter project to rebuild. It worked great when it was pulled, but after sitting for about a year is getting sticky.

 

[baddad457]

The 4180 is the hybrid Motorcraft/Holley and lacks some of the adjustability of a true Holley.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have read that there are ways around some of its quirks. I have also read it is really good for low end power and milage, which sounds good to me.

http://www.mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/mump_0907_how_to_understand_the_holley_4180/index.html

http://www.ddilts.net/mustangs/holley_4180/index.html

I don't even have an intake yet, so it is still up in the air. The engine probably won't go in the truck until next spring when it is decent enough to work outside again... so I got time to think about it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Made some headway tonight, timing cover, water pump and damper are on.

I got hung up last night, the gasket was very slightly different between the kit for my '78 and this '87 that goes between the water pump and the backing plate. The stupid gasket was $5 and $6 to get it here, vs a reman for $25... so I went reman vs putting $11 in a pump I know nothing about.

Let that set up overnight, flip the engine over and throw some oil on the timing chain and put the pan on... then I just need to get an intake.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I had a pretty productive day, got all the front accessory brackets painted, pulleys painted, and the exhaust manifolds painted. I also got my oil pan installed, and I chased the exhaust manifold threads and threw on my 289 exhaust manifolds so I can give it another bath whenever I find an intake manifold.

I have not been able to turn up a used 4bbl intake to save my life yet. What is the best bang per buck on a new one?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-8124/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-8020/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-2121/

I am leaning towards the Edelbrock... plus it would go with my Edelbrock valvecovers.

 

[baddad457]

Go to ebay for an intake. Or look in the classifieds on StangNet.com. Just me but I'd look for one of the following: Edelbrock RPM, Airgap or the old F4B. Ford's A321, C9OX, Shelby "Cobra" high rise or a Weiand Stealth. All these work from idle to 6500 rpms, no matter what the advertising says about em.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Is the Stealth a lot better than the Performer?

Not much either on Ebay or Stangnet for intakes at the moment that I have found. Only one Stealth for a real auction, and one Perfomer from back in April on Stangnet that I could see. Most of the other intakes you listed are either not there or are out of my price range.

 

[baddad457]

The Performer is basically the stock 4 bbl intake in aluminum. If you're going to buy one, find a used one or the 83-85 HO intake and don't pay more than $50 for it. The Stealth is on par with the Performer RPM. The Ford C9OX, A321 & Shelby Cobra are all basically the same intakes, what sets these apart from the Stealth & RPM are the runners are unequal length as opposed to the equal length or the Stealth & RPM. The original Stealth was similar to the C9OX, A321, Cobra but the runners were laid out in a mirror image of the other three.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

If it was me I would just go with a stock autolite 4100 and intake if it will bolt on to your engine. Autolite carbs atomize the fuel the best in the venturi for fuel economy and you will have all the power you need when you want it.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

http://cgi.ebay.com/1965-FORD-MUSTA...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5fa14585

The 1.08 venturi will give you the best fuel economy.

 

[baddad457]

A small Holley (the 390 and 450 cfm) does equally as well.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I just ordered a new Stealth intake and the oil filter fittings.

I have heard the 4100 is a good carb, but they are getting some pretty serious age on them. I was thinking if I got a different one it would be a smaller new one, I was kind of leaning towards an Edelbrock, I have read good things about them. I have time to think about that though... all winter to be exact.

Fuel economy? The dumb thing can barely get 10mpg now

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I got everything today, it all looks good just looking at it... but if I had know the Weiand was made in China I would have payed the extra duckets for the made in USA Edelbrock.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I also got a breather to match my valve covers too.

The goodies as I first saw them:

Opened up the intake:

Got it all masked off:

Got it and my thermostat housing painted so they will be pretty forever and ever (hopefully)