help me decide

[ranger92]

I have a 1992 ford ranger 2wd and i am trying to decide whether to rebuild the stock 3l v6 that is in it at the moment or I was thinking i could just go to my local pick and pull and try to find a 4l SOHC v6 out of an explorer, im hoping to get approx 300hp out of this build. which do you think would be a better option, i am also open to any suggestions i just dont want to get too complex with the swap, thanks.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you arent getting 300HP out of a 3.0 without boost and the stock pistons arent going to handle that much boost for long.

the SOHC could make 300HP under boost, but its far from a simple swap. youre 3.0 trans wont work, you need to swap the transmission from the 4.0 donor and convert your OBD-I truck to OBD-II...which means tying your older wiring into the newer wiring harness. you'll also need to swap the computer, exhaust, motor mounts, etc.

if you were aiming for a little more realistic figure like 230-250hp, your 3.0 could get the job done with the stock reciprocating assembly.

 

[Psychopete]

i am also open to any suggestions i just dont want to get too complex with the swap, thanks.

An OHV 4.0L would be much simpler, but much more expensive you meet your goals. SOHC 4.0L = very complex in a '92 due to differences in the engine management systems. If you follow through, you will need the entire donor vehicle. 2.3T would be a lot easier, and you'd probably like it much more, and your goal wouldn't be that far out of reach.

IMO.

Pete

 

[ranger92]

im not planning on rebuilding with stock parts and i was hoping to keep it n/a if i could, i was planning on replacing the whole recipricating assembly and i will be doing a true dual exhaust with headres and a cold air intake, good to know about the sohc 4l, i want to be able to use the same computer, and i am planning on swapping the tranny regardless so that is not an issue, i would like to keep the cost as low as possible though

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you arent going to make 300HP out of any of these engines without boost or at least NOS.

if you do a little homework, youll soon realize there is zero aftermarket support for the 3.0 as far as pistons, rods, and cranks. your only real option is the 3.3 stroker kit from morana and that runs about $2,000 for the bare-bones kit. other pistons can be made to work, but require a lot of machine work.

there is also no other transmission that bolts to the 3.0 without modification.

 

[ranger92]

as i said i am very open to suggestions and 300hp is what iwas hoping for, if its a number that i cant acheive thats fine, ill be happy with pretty much anything over 200. are there any other engine you think would be better? or is sticking with the 3.0 the best way to go?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

"better" is a matter of opinion. i think the 3.0 is a good engine and it has the added benifit of already being installed in the truck. you arent going to get much over 200HP without boost on any of these engines....its really your only option for a serious power adder. like i said, 230-250HP is perfectly attainable with the stock bottom end on a 3.0 under boost. a turbo or supercharger can be set up fairly easily.

if you want over 200HP n/a your going to have to go V8, but that isnt exactly an easy swap either.

 

[ranger92]

so maybe the stroker kit with boost would be the best way to go then? i dont have much experience and im fairly new to this as i've only done 1 rebuild before however im friendly with my local shop and they'll be holding my hand along the way, thanks for being patient with me lol

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

if you can afford the stroker kit then by all means, do it. it would make an excellent base for a real beast of a motor. i dont see 300+ HP being a problem with that kit and a good set of head gaskets (and maybe studs).

 

[ranger92]

great thanks for the help, are there any cheaper options you know of that I should maybe consider also?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

that is the only drop-in upgrade for the 3.0s reciprocating assembly...anything else would have to be custom machined to fit.