build it or toss it??

[superranger88]

I have a 1988 Ford Ranger Super-cab with a 2.9L v6 that has 220k miles. It has a tick in the top-end and it leaks from every gasket. Is it worth rebuilding or would I be better off going with a 289-302 swap? If I swap for a Ford small block would I still be able to use the M5OD-R1 trans or would I need to swap that as well?

Thanx in advance for all the help.

 

[Psychopete]

Up to you want you want to do. To me it is not worth rebuilding though. But it depends on what you want. 4.0L V6 would be a good choice. V8s are a lot of fun though. Might check your PCV valve or breather... Run her till she dies..

W/ a V8 you will want a V8 transmission.

 

[robertc1024]

From what I've read, the v-8 would kill that trans unless you drove like granny (or me). Lots of the 2.9's tick and keep on going, but whatever you do, don't spend money rebuilding it. I'd try to fix the oil leak issues and drive it until it blows.

 

[superds]

I don't think you can actually hook up the M5OD-R1 transmission to the 302 without a custom built adapter, I think at one time someone used to make one but I think they stopped. The more common thing to do is to take an M5OD-R2 tranny from an F150 or Bronco since it is probably the easiest to adapt. I've hear the M5OD-R2 from behind a '97+ V6 F150 is the hot ticket because it puts the shifter in almost exactly the correct place.

There is a subforum that talks about V8 conversion here on TRS, it's worth checking out and reading what other people have done to get ideas. To get to it scroll down a bit from where the General forum is on the main forum page.

 

[xkotyx]

I've hear the M5OD-R2 from behind a '97+ V6 F150 is the hot ticket because it puts the shifter in almost exactly the correct place.QUOTE]

nice! first time hearing that!

 

[jhammel85]

Fix it..

Just fix the leaking gaskets and run it till it explodes. It doesn't owe you that much does it? Its what I plan to do with mine...Run it till it blows and put in another.