Basic Drag V8 build

[Wrobichaud]

Starting this fall I plan on converting my grandfather's old 1996 Ranger into a pure drag truck. I don't have too much of a budget right now, and was wondering whats the best cost-effective motor to put in there. I'm normally a chevy guy (Drive a 91 k1500), so naturally I have tossed the idea of a throwing a 350 in there. But I'm leaning towards a ford motor now. I'm looking into getting into the 13s hopefully, and have the ability to upgrade from there. Should I go with a 302 (Can buy a 302 block out of a 88 mustang, roller cam type, with stock heads and crank for $100) or 351? I was thinking 302 since I have read about people running nitrous on them and getting decent power, and since they have so many bolt-ons. I'm not looking into really having much work done by the machine shop as that will eat my non-existent budget pretty quick.

Long story short, what motor should I run and what should be done to it?

Thanks, Wil

 

[RonD]

Nice info here on V8s in Rangers
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.html

Running a Chevy engine and trans wouldn't be a big deal, wouldn't be as fast as a Ford but if you're more comfortable in a rocking chair then...........go chevy, lol.

Running pressure boost, i.e. turbos or NOX means extra forces on the pistons and rods, so if that's the plan then getting stronger pistons and rods would be the way to go.

And don't forget the crank, it will have added stress as well, 2 bolt mains vs 4 bolt mains, I have never seen an engine "blow" because of 2 bolt mains, bottom end failure is usually metal fatigue, so I don't think it makes a difference, that's a personal opinion.
I would use a 4 bolt main engine, but I wouldn't pay extra for it over a 2 bolt main.

There are two ways to go faster:
Burn more fuel per second
Drag less weight down the track

 

[projectnitemare]

Low 13's shouldn't be all that hard to accomplish. Being it's 2wd that makes things easier for you. A 302 will be the easiest to swap, all the parts are offered to do it. From there you can build the engine to what you desire, around 400hp should be plenty to push you into the low 13s. If you want a little more a 351w is possible but the exhaust can get a little tricky. If you have the skills a 460 wouldn't be impossible either. Aside from a big block the truck itself won't need much done to it. A set of decent tires and traction bars will be plenty to run 13s, you can upgrade from there. If you have the factory 8.8 rear axle you will be fine and like any factory axle it won't be fine when you put slicks on it.