engine swap

[freakranger]

i have a 94 ranger, and would like to put a v-8 in it, i have a couple options, 1. 302, 2. 351w, or 3. is using the chevy 327[muncie 4 speed trannie] i already have. my question is can i take the electronic stuff out of the engine to be able to put the 327 in it. its already built to the gills and would save me alot of money redo'ing an engine. i'm aware that motor mounts and such will have to be replaced, my main concern is will the truck act up not having the "brain" in it? i've seen race rangers that are in the 90's and have a carb set up, it shouldn't be hard but again. information before a project is better than going in blind.

 

[mhughes165]

the 327 is a good option for a ranger, there not that hard to put in, and aslong as the computer isnt trying to control anything it cant act funny. id say do it to it, just make sure u got a hydraulic setup for that muncie as a manual shit wont clear

 

[freakranger]

i thought it might be a good idea, the computer dont control anything i dont believe, theres some connectors to it, so i now it has a wiring harness, but far as actually controlling it i dont believe so. theres no place to replace the cpu for upgrades so i believe it will work out good. you mean hydrolic clutch right? for the muncie 4? and my next question is geariong options for it, my uncle had one that had first 2 low for good take off, and last two gears for daily driving. is this still a good combo to do or should i look for an overdrive kit for the 4 speed?

 

[doorgunner]

just don't start yanking out wiring bundles like I did (trying to de-clutter the firewall!)---unplug them from the current engine & wrap the ends od the connectors hanging off the firewall with electric tape to keep them from getting corroded on the inside.

You can splice into the original wires to get 12volts to the distributor, coil, starter, alternator & you can adapt the original gauge sensors onto the v-8 engine so your dash gauges will work the same using the original wires from the original sensors...etc

 

[n_grimm]

Ah yes, the sbc in a Ranger. Probably off topic but my son had an 84 that the previous owners had swapped in a 350 auto from an old station wagon. We fabbed up a very low budget twin turbo Holley double pumper blow thru setup for the drag strip. Before the turbo it ran mid 15's and afterwards we were running 12.3's on a mechanical fuel pump. He sold it at a point where it needed a bigger fuel pump since the afr was in the 13's. Lotta fun to be had with Ranger and a v8. Llike going sideways down the highway in high gear when the boost hits.