I'm not talking about hurting the Ranger, I'm talking about driving it. Steering and braking. plus the transmission weight, oil, coolant, etc. Driving it in the snow would be a chore, a panic stop might also make it do some interesting things. These are my concerns, I've mentioned them, I never told you to heed them.
I'm not knocking the 3.3. The 3.3 wouldn't hurt the ranger at all, as it's marginally heavier than an all cast iron 302 (as you had mentioned). An engine beating a 2.3 or a 3.0 wouldn't take much. My comments about the issues regarding weight were directed toward the 6.5 swap. No ill will has been about the 3.3 at all, relax about that. As far as I'm concerned that was a pretty neat and doable swap.
My perception of weight vs power is the weight of a big block or in some cases more than a big block and still HP slightly less or equal to that of a 4cyl gasser. Yes you can tune them up to staggering numbers but I shake my head at the things like doubling or close to tripling the HP and doubling the torque. I think that if that was a safe and good idea the manufacturer would have put the numbers a little higher in the first place. Again, my own opinion, don't take it as an insult.
It is still my very personal opinion that dropping a 700lb+ engine (and comparatively sized drivetrain to handle the torque) would make driving, except for in a straight line, a pain in the ass.
WVO, I still personally disagree with that too. Take a bunch of oil with a whole bunch of food junk in it and run it through my engine. And the exhaust smells like what was cooked in it! weee! that to me sounds bad. junk from that food is still being dumped into the engine. I wouldn't take gasoline full of dirt and grime and dissolved stuff, dump it in my tank, turn around and say "well I've got a big filter" and call it good.
Maybe I'm crazy. These engines are meant for industrial use like sitting on a platform, driving generators, pumps, tractors and such, and not being lugged around literally all day (thus the high weight - tractors don't count as they are really low speed and need weight, like filling the tires with stuff) and have their limitations in an automotive application, even the Isuzu ones I mentioned. The International one I suggested is meant for small trucks and is literally designed for use in a vehicle.
And yet again as in my previous post, I'm not saying it can't be made to work. I never knocked the 3.3. Hope that clears up all the misunderstandings.
well. weight, it definatly changes the dynamics of the truck. a 2wd will be different then a 4x4 as well for sure in the snow. i been running 3-600 over stock front weight in one particular rig since 95. currently even more then that.
its a non issue. run it that way or even more recently with 215 15's up to 44 inch tires.
non issue. save for the mud tires when on do not like wet pavement compared to quality ms tires. but that is a givin.
i didnt mean wvo...i meant wmo. you can actually get decent wmo some places still
i been running it for years in my chev and psd 150k plus with no injury. if it makes it past 2-4 filters it cant hurt your shit. newer diesels i wont recommend this for. and its only used as a mix, not a main source of fuel.
as to turning up the power on the 3.3 hurting it, it will beat an ohv 4.0 into the ground long before its life is waning with double or better the economy depending on mix of fuels. stationary...well the turbo has an automotive application pump and performs excellent.
regardless every engine operates best as a stationary unit gas or diesel...
to the na 6.5, yeah, i have to admit it can look ridiculous. and this perception is just a bad one as well, though warranted just looking at the numbers. i cant blame a guy to call it a piss waste, as it is looking at the numbers. it is just that depending on the case.
a 2wd low ranger would be a bad candidate. keep the hopped up 4 wheezer.
BUT.....ADD 33-35 INCH TIRES and some lift, then add all the other shit.
or just look at my case. take a solid 200 hp 4 cyl gasser and put it in my rig.
then put my 160 hp 6.5 and run the same situations.
the 6.5 looks good then. it gets better economy and actually will move well.
its the torque i am after.
make the gas wheezer a turbo and then add the turbo to the 6.5.....
6.5 looks real real good then.
to worry about 250 pounds in a truck that is for 4x4 truck work is really the piss waste of time here.
you need to drive one to have an educated opinion on it..if your close enough you can use mine for ahwile if you want ledd. it says 302/2.3 on your deal. is the 302 in a 2wd or 4x4? is it lifted?
i know my rig wont do to well with a 160 hp 4 cyl gasser compared to a 160 hp 6.5.
Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and 
self inflicted problems.. yes..
on the high way. and i almost bought one but i was 16 low on money and it needed work 
drive it everyday
