97 Ranger 4.0L V6 Performance Upgrades

[Kaos]

As I mentioned in another thread I am starting to fix up my 97 Ranger. I have had a reoccurring problem w/ the engine that I have not been able to single out the cause. Instead of continuing to dump money into it and hope I figure out the problem I think I am going to just have it rebuilt. With the mileage that's on it I think this is the smartest option since I plan on keeping the truck for a long while. Since I am likely going to rebuild the motor I got to thinking about putting some performance upgrades in there as well. I don't want to get too crazy but would like to boost some horsepower and torque.

So, what would you add to increase performance to a 4.0L V6 that's being rebuilt? Installing a 302 is also an option if I can keep all my factory gauges working properly and I don't have to do a lot of modifications to the vehicle or drivetrain. The truck is a 5 speed if that makes a difference. TIA.

 

[swynx]

Install a 410 cam and have it bored over. Port and polish. Rangerpowersports has a huge article on this they even list the max HP/tq of any known ohv 4.0. I believe they even have the cheap stuff from the expensive stuff. Not to easy to pull power from the ohv without deep pockets. A cam is around 500 and that's where it begins.

Honestly if you want power swap a 302 in. Lots and lots of writeups on this. Easiest with a donor. For what it cost to pull descent number from a ohv you could have more out of a 5.0

 

[RonD]

2WD or 4x4?

Yes, stock 302 would be better than modified 4.0l
Modified 302 would be best.

Computer controlled engines are limited unless YOU control the computer, or switch to carb and distributor.

Stock rebuilt 4.0l would be better long term, buy a sports car with the money you save

 

[Kaos]

2WD or 4x4?

Yes, stock 302 would be better than modified 4.0l
Modified 302 would be best.

Computer controlled engines are limited unless YOU control the computer, or switch to carb and distributor.

Stock rebuilt 4.0l would be better long term, buy a sports car with the money you save

Sorry, I should have stated in the first post. It's a 4x4.

 

[swynx]

It really depends how much you looking to get and how much you wanna spend. I think a fully built ohv on a 125 shot makes just over 400 HP? Without the shot its like 280? I can't remember what the guy posted. That's quite alot for a small truck tho.

 

[Kaos]

It really depends how much you looking to get and how much you wanna spend. I think a fully built ohv on a 125 shot makes just over 400 HP? Without the shot its like 280? I can't remember what the guy posted. That's quite alot for a small truck tho.

You are right. I'm not looking for a drag truck. I am mainly looking for something that will be reliable (long term) and have more HP/T than a stock engine. My first experience w/ the 4.0L Ranger was in 95 w/ a regular cab 2wd. That engine would go but I always thought it had more potential. Fast forward to the present day and I have my 2nd Ranger w/ a 4.0L but it's a super cab and 4x4 w/ manual trans. It does ok, but again I think there is more potential there. While it would be nice to have a high performance engine in there I need the truck to be reliable. We have bad storms in my area and this truck is my go-to when it floods, trees blow down, etc. Plus, it's my only truck so it gets called on regularly for all the truck type chores (dump runs, mulch/dirt, moving heavy appliances/equipment, towing trailers, riding on the beach, etc).

 

[swynx]

Gotta get the head to flow. Honestly I would do a 410 cam and have some head work done. That'll get you more gogo