engine swap?

[drewperez]

I currently have a 2005 Ford Ranger Edge with the 3.0V6. I live in so cal and the state law is if you decide to do an engine swap it has to be the same same year as the truck or newer. I was wondering if anyone knew if an 05 5.0 V8 mustang motor will fit in my ranger. Any suggestions on motor type welcome

 

[adsm08]

The 5.0 didn't live that long. Sorry buddy. Last year that I know of for the 5.0 was 01 when the Explorer's switched to the 4.6 in the new body. Mustang switched in the 90s.

 

[gribly]

'05 3.0 in Cali? You're SOL on street legal motor swaps unless you are very good at this sort of thing and weasel a 4.6, 3.5 TT, or 5.0 Coyote into it.

Easiest thing to do is a 4.0 from the same year truck, but you could probably swap trucks for less money. Sorry.

 

[drewperez]

Well is there another motor you suggest how bout the new 5.0 they came out with

 

[adsm08]

The Coyote is not even close to the small block you are thinking of.

It will go it, but it's darn tight. One of those things that the TV show guys do just because they can.

Get a 4.0, it's power and torque curves are much better for a light truck application anyway. 4.0 makes more torque below 1500 RPM, about the same up to 2500, and beyond that, who cares, you are already moving.

 

[drewperez]

Is see but what about the power to weight ratio while having fun in the desert and then to switch over to towing ability. I know it may seem like im nit picking but i just need to find the best aplication for,my truck before i move on i appreciate all of the input!

 

[adsm08]

Is see but what about the power to weight ratio while having fun in the desert and then to switch over to towing ability. I know it may seem like im nit picking but i just need to find the best aplication for,my truck before i move on i appreciate all of the input!

We are telling you to go get a smaller (which translates into lighter) engine that makes the same or more power (depending on RPM range) and you are worried about power-to-weight ratio?

That's a bit of a bass-ackwards concern man.

 

[gribly]

He's probably thinking less cylinders = less power. Now that I know it's for the desert I am actually recommending you get a 97 or older 2wd. You could then legally run that 5.0 you want so bad, but more importantly - you'd have a suspension more suited to being modified for the desert. There is literally some bolt-on kits that let you launch them things pretty hard. Shoot, I'd take a '93 extended cab over almost anything if I was going to build a desert truck - and I wouldn't really care if it had a v6 or I4.

EDIT - and yes, you could tow with it, too. A Ranger's limiting factor in towing is not it's power, but it's lack of weight, which you need a heavy truck to control and stop a heavy load.

 

[adsm08]

He's probably thinking less cylinders = less power.

If that's the case, then he isn't paying attention.

We've already pointed out that the 4.0 matches or beats the 5.0 for power.

That's not power per cylinder, it's not power per liter, that's just power.

 

[drewperez]

Well i am paying attention thank you and i have always thought of going with a 4.0 i just felt that it would be a little change from the 3.0 but from what you all said it isnt so 4.0 it is. Maybe after i get back from over seas ill have this truck paid off to play with and then buy a full size truck. Thanks for yalls help

 

[adsm08]

Well i am paying attention thank you

I didn't say you were. Just made and if/then.

and i have always thought of going with a 4.0 i just felt that it would be a little change from the 3.0 but from what you all said it isnt so 4.0 it is. Maybe after i get back from over seas ill have this truck paid off to play with and then buy a full size truck. Thanks for yalls help

Yeah, 4.0 and 5.0 are close in the amount of parts that need replaced.

The thing that sucks about it is that the 3.0 isn't a truck engine, it's a car engine. I was kinda put in the Rangers as an afterthought. Some joker at Ford said "hey, we could put this other oddball V6 that we make in those truck, that has nothing in common with the two already in it and give people another engine option".

 

[drewperez]

All around i think itll be easier and cheaper to run the 4.0