'85 Ranger Restomod

[85_Ranger4x4]

That Killshot should solve the questions about the truck's ability to handle a Colorado run, if I'm understanding what it does correctly.

Its throttle body fuel injection like what Ford and GM used int he 80's (and GM used into the mid 90's)

It will run upside down and at the top of mount Everest and everything like a new fuel injected rig.

I am still bummed, I was really wanting to see how it would have done in the mountains with a carb.

I said almost. I get that that won't work in a nuclear apocalypse type situation where a carb would as long as you could find some way to provide ignition.

Yeah, that stuff isn't close to being on my radar. Besides that I have five tractors that with carbs and one doesn't even need a battery to run.

 

[sgtsandman]

Its throttle body fuel injection like what Ford and GM used int he 80's (and GM used into the mid 90's)

It will run upside down and at the top of mount Everest and everything like a new fuel injected rig.

I am still bummed, I was really wanting to see how it would have done in the mountains with a carb.



Yeah, that stuff isn't close to being on my radar. Besides that I have five tractors that with carbs and one doesn't even need a battery to run.

So, I understood correctly then. A nice upgrade and still keep a sort of old school look to the engine.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

So, I understood correctly then. A nice upgrade and still keep a sort of old school look to the engine.

It will hide under my air cleaner and nobody will even know it is there.

And on a unrelated note as I read the directions it has a fuel pressure senor built into it and cycles the pump on and off like a normal EFI vehicle rather just on/off like it is now. So I do like the sound of that.

 

[racsan]

I remember when a Holley 600 was only $300.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I remember when a Holley 600 was only $300.

That's about what my edelbrock was back in 2012

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I went to start it today... same crap. Would not say a word. I have perfect spark, choke seemed to be working but nothing.



As I was playing with the choke even with the fuel pump running the accelerator pump was not doing accelerator pump things.

I even disgraced it by having my wife pull start it with her Bronco. It wasn't happy but did light off.



I hate to throw more money at it at this point but the dang thing is nearly worthless if it wont start. That means getting it in and out of the garage is a PITA until I get the EFI system done.

So I threw another $22 at it and snagged a new accelerator pump for it.



The old one had a pivot type thing going on, I tried it again before I pulled it apart. The old one did nothng. New one sprayed like the old one used to.



Was this my issue all along? Who knows. I would like to kick it so I can say I did win though. Plus I can have a working carb to try to resell.

We shall see if this does any better... or I will drag start it with the Bronco, stick it in the garage and start ripping it apart.

 

[RobbieD]

All that you tried, and yet I don't see, where you tried cursing at it.

That HAS helped me before . . .

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

All that you tried, and yet I don't see, where you tried cursing at it.

That HAS helped me before . . .

Yeah, no effect here.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Had a good test today.

22* with fierce wind and sleet.

Broke the door loose pumped the pedal once and twisted the key.

It did its historically usual very vast start and idled perfect. Like starts as soon as the starter touches the flywheel.

At this point it is probably yet another false fix but hey, I will take what I can for now.

I don't know why the old one would do that pivot action, I wonder if that is why it would sometimes work but sometimes not.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It has been running good all week, noticeable difference when I lay into it while driving now lol.

It doesn't really like I really got much done on it this year, and I don't think I really have. Persistent starting issues, ran new power wire to the back and the new fuse/relay blocks I think is about it. Just had a couple of mild trips so nothing really taxing for it aside from pulling a camper 6+hrs each way.

Thinking about what it would be nice to get done this year:

1.
Front water deflector to keep water from splashing into the fan and getting dispersed throughout the engine bay. Mounting brackets are made and need installed. Once they are in I can measure for the actual deflector. I need warmer weather so can paint them.

2.
Update my electrical diagram for my new fuse/relay blocks. I got started writing it down, it got wet before I got it transferred to the computer so I need to redo that. I also have picked up a amp draw tester so I can get a better feel for fuse sizes on things.

3.
I need to change the fuel pump wiring. Right now the switch is on the main power to the pump, I need to get that converted to be the ground side of the relay. According to the diagram I will get switched power for the relay from the EFI's ECU.

4.
The 2k lb buffalo in the room is the EFI. It will not be a a small undertaking. The big part is on the way, it hasn't shipped yet but I bet they got slammed with all their various sales which are actually still ongoing. The snag is all the little crap isn't much cheaper than the big part. Fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, lines, filter assembly and a small shipping container of fittings. And then electrically it will also tie into the tach, efans and fuel pump. The big wiring update last year was kind of a lead into this. I already have a bung in the exhaust so that is done.

But the first three will be pretty easy, #2 will be a tolerable winter time project if I get a warmish weekend. 1 and 3 will be pretty simple too. If it keeps running nice #4 isn't really groundbreaking do or die next week thing to get done ASAP. I have been happy with the carb for like 15 years, another year won't be a big issue. There will be some part stockpiling as I work towards finishing the carb swap.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Here is what I am going to use for the meat and taters of the EFI swap if anyone hasn't found it:

Post in thread 'Aces Killshot Fusion EFI Swap'

Dec 28, 2025

Anyone know what size the quick disconnects on the fuel pump are called? Pump assembly is for a '86 Ranger.

Bump

Trying to figure out how to mesh generic fuel line (Evil Energy) to my current fuel pump hanger assembly.



Aces injection kit is en route...

• 85_Ranger4x4

• 

Some interesting tidbits for anyone else if they are interested:

Install instructions:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0571/2406/1390/files/Killshot_Fusion_Installation_Guide_V_2.pdf?v=1753388164

Install video:

Interesting tidbit about the exhaust crossover and its effect on fuel in the intake manifold (which I do have blocked off)