99 3.0 rebuild or swap?

[NoName]

Not sure abut the 4.0, but the Vulcan is a dog compared to other larger displacing Ford V6s. A good example would be the Windstar:

3.8L
16 City
21 Hwy
18 Combined

3.0L
15 City
21 Hwy
17 Combined

The Vulcan makes:

145hp
170lb.ft

The Essex makes

200hp
230lb.ft

I'd take the 200 hp in that situation. I'd put a 4.0 in it.

 

[ranger450]

shortblock

Ebay has a factory new 3.0 short block for $650.00 you can't beat that price for a factory shortblock if your mechanicly inclined.... i did that route...awesome

 

[stmitch]

well i got the synchronizer in without a tool following posts on how to install.started right up but knock is still there sounds like lifters.with the miledge i have i am going to look for a used or maybe a reman since i plan on keeping the truck a while.

How long did you let the engine run after replacing the synchro? If you ran it a couple of minutes after losing the synchro, and then let the truck sit for awhile, there would be very little oil in the valvetrain. It could just be valves/lifters knocking until the oil gets circulated again.

 

[joecool85]

Your gear ratio is POSTED on the drivers door post.. READ IT and post it here someone will tell you zackly what your gear ratio is..
Big JIm

I don't have an Explorer or I'd check what the gears are. I know what MY gears are in my Ranger, 4.10, like I posted before.

 

[joecool85]

Not sure abut the 4.0, but the Vulcan is a dog compared to other larger displacing Ford V6s. A good example would be the Windstar:

3.8L
16 City
21 Hwy
18 Combined

3.0L
15 City
21 Hwy
17 Combined

The Vulcan makes:

145hp
170lb.ft

The Essex makes

200hp
230lb.ft

I'd take the 200 hp in that situation. I'd put a 4.0 in it.

What vehicles are you pulling those numbers from? It does matter. For instance, the 3.0 vulcan in my mom's 96 Taurus got 30mpg highway, but in my Ranger the same engine only gets 22mpg max.

Since the 3.8 Essex and 3.0 Vulcan were never offered on the same platform (so far as I know), we can't really compare them. Best comparison I can give is that my dad had a 3.8 in his Lincoln Continental (Early taurus platform, weighed the same as my mom's 96 taurus) and he got 24mpg compared with the 30mpg in the Taurus.

I'd say the Vulcan is better in that department.

 

[Jason_J]

Agreed, I got a motor out of a 2002 Taurus with 63k at the local Pick and Pull for $99.00. Did a leak down test and it is perfect. Not a bad deal considering I will spend more on gaskets to put it back in my truck. I believe there are great deals out there for anyone, just keep looking and be patient.

-J

 

[Jason_J]

I do, however, agree with the 4.0 fans. Believe me, the day I come across a totaled exploder for a decent price I will do the swap. I have more patience than money, so definately not in a hurry.

-J

 

[NoName]

What vehicles are you pulling those numbers from? It does matter. For instance, the 3.0 vulcan in my mom's 96 Taurus got 30mpg highway, but in my Ranger the same engine only gets 22mpg max.

Since the 3.8 Essex and 3.0 Vulcan were never offered on the same platform (so far as I know), we can't really compare them. Best comparison I can give is that my dad had a 3.8 in his Lincoln Continental (Early taurus platform, weighed the same as my mom's 96 taurus) and he got 24mpg compared with the 30mpg in the Taurus.

I'd say the Vulcan is better in that department.

All of my numbers are from fueleconomy.gov. You are free to check.

The Vulcan and Essex have been available in the same platform, such as the 1st and 2nd gen Taurus and the Windstar. A 1994 Taurus with the 3.8 is rated the same as with the 3.0. I'm not sure about the non flex fuel Ranger, but for the most part the 4.0 (in the 1999 model year) manages to score nearly the same ratings as the Vulcan execpt for with a 5 speed.

I've never gotten 30mpg hwy with a Vulcan, but I doubt that's a regular occurrence, I've owned a 3rd gen Taurus too.

 

[joecool85]

All of my numbers are from fueleconomy.gov. You are free to check.

The Vulcan and Essex have been available in the same platform, such as the 1st and 2nd gen Taurus and the Windstar. A 1994 Taurus with the 3.8 is rated the same as with the 3.0. I'm not sure about the non flex fuel Ranger, but for the most part the 4.0 (in the 1999 model year) manages to score nearly the same ratings as the Vulcan execpt for with a 5 speed.

I've never gotten 30mpg hwy with a Vulcan, but I doubt that's a regular occurrence, I've owned a 3rd gen Taurus too.

The 30mpg was interstate driving, 70mph no stops. She regularly got upper 20s though.

 

[EMB1230]

Why not just go for the 5.0?

 

[ranger450]

5.0

one of my rangers have a 5.0, you dont want one with gas prices going man

 

[EMB1230]

not to start any shit, but the SOHC's power isn't all that impressive, it's barely got more power than the 3.8. Speaking of which, the Chrysler 3.8 also push rod, has MORE hp and tq that the SOHC 4.0!