engine swap for 1984 ranger

[chayse brooks]

I was wondering what ford v6 has the best fuel economy to power ratio or which would be the best to swap into my 84 ranger which is lacking from power. I use this truck to go off road and as a daily commuter. If anyone knows which swap would give me good power and gas mileage please tell me and also what will I need for this swap. Thank you

 

[Ringmaster]

I considered the 4.0 for my 86 B2 but ultimately decided on a 302. I don't think there will be a significant difference in cost so might as well go with the v8

 

[Andy D]

You are expecting gain power and MPG and off road too? Are you on a budget? Build a truck for 1 thing for best results. Power or MPG? Off road or daily driver?

 

[killj0y]

A good balance is what your looking for which is what the Ranger already has. If you want sightly better MPG get a 2.3 if you want better power get a 4.0 if you want offroading ability get a 4.0 make sure you have 4x4 add a lift larger tires a locker higher gears etc. A lot of us look for a balance but its almost impossible to have all of those.

 

[chayse brooks]

My only problem is I bought this truck for driving around. I have a 79 f150 as my off road vehicle but I wanted to eventually take my ranger and turn it into a prerunner that is drivable on the street

 

[killj0y]

My only problem is I bought this truck for driving around. I have a 79 f150 as my off road vehicle but I wanted to eventually take my ranger and turn it into a prerunner that is drivable on the street

no one's saying you can't pull that off providing you meet DOT standards. The main issue is your hoping to get decent MPG and off-road rigs just aren't set up for that. Even manufacturers best attempts have been lacklustre in that area with ecoboost being good but not perfect, active engine management and such. so yes it can be done but it won't be cheap easy or get good mileage.

There's a reason econoboxes have small tires and engines.

 

[chayse brooks]

Eh eventually I would be all for getting around 10 mpg that's just down the future I just want to have some extra power for now for say I hit the dunes I could actually have a bit of speed or when going up a hill I won't have to do 45 mph

 

[killj0y]

Eh eventually I would be all for getting around 10 mpg that's just down the future I just want to have some extra power for now for say I hit the dunes I could actually have a bit of speed or when going up a hill I won't have to do 45 mph

Well if you want the easiest conversion then go with a 4.0, a 302 is more work and better power but you said you wanted a V6. Keep in mind for a sand rig it will require different tires and such for street driving.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Well if you want the easiest conversion then go with a 4.0, a 302 is more work and better power but you said you wanted a V6. Keep in mind for a sand rig it will require different tires and such for street driving.

Either way you are changing both the engine and trans.

302 you have the option of EFI or carb so you wouldn't have to change the fuel system if you didn't want to.

I get 11mpg on a lifted truck with a carb and a 3spd automatic running 3krpm down the highway. At about 70mph I can feel the detent for the secondaries so I am not far from having the primaries wide open at 60mph. An over drive would (and is going to) improve the mileage quite a bit.

I gained 2mpg over my 2.8 and can even pass people going down the highway now. The difference off road with keeping tires spinning/cleaning is also night and day.