Hey yall

[ifitaintbroke]

Sup yall. From South Georgia here. Anywhoodle, I've driven my 98 2.5 5speed for many years, and it's at 300k. Going strong.

I'm a counter monkey/parts man, and "Mr. Ford" on the parts counter. I'm pretty well versed in all things mechanical, with the exceptions of auto transmissions (which I despise), and the ecm side of fuel injection systems. I'm close to an expert at wiring (went to trade school to be an electrician) and can build my own harnesses all day long. I'm pretty good at trouble shooting.

I'm seriously contemplating a supercharged (or N/A if need be) 3.8 swap. I've mapped out almost everything except the ecm stuff. That's where I need help. I have already found several engines, and jelly bean m5r2's are a dime a dozen round these parts. My usual junkyard has 3 of them. We'll see where it goes. This project won't happen soon. I want to totally consider all factors before jumping on something. I want to know EXACTLY what I'm doing BEFORE I start doing it.

Swapping in a limited slip 8.8 tonight or tomorrow.

 

[Brain75]

Any reason you chose the 3.8 other than availability?
(my like is for hating auto trans too)

 

[ifitaintbroke]

Any reason you chose the 3.8 other than availability?
(my like is for hating auto trans too)

It's something different and much more powerful than a anything that ever came in a Ranger. Except possibly that SOHC v6 that we won't mention (not even a remote cosideration). But yes they are common around here. There are 2 S/C 3.8s within driving distance of me for $500 or less.

 

[Brain75]

I've been day dreaming but there are so many dreamers/wishers around I didn't want to start a thread on it.... making considerations on what to do when the 2.9 finally cracks the heads....

 

[ifitaintbroke]

I've been day dreaming but there are so many dreamers/wishers around I didn't want to start a thread on it.... making considerations on what to do when the 2.9 finally cracks the heads....

I try not to be "that guy" that fills up threads with "can I put this (totally incompatible) engine in my truck?"

I know what I'm doing (kind of).

 

[Brain75]

Oh absolutely, I had to think a bit but that is the smaller brother of the 4.2L that replaced the 300 straight 6 (one of my favorite pickup engines). That should be a really straight forward swap other than possibly clearance issues / making it fit...

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome to TRS.

Northwest Georgia, myself. I rock stock old ones, so I can't help your interesting plans (sorry about that).

You'll get some good info here, though, as there's a lot of experienced hands, and more importantly, "an eclectic mix of a veritable smorgasbord of personalities".

In other words, we do have a lot of whackadoodles here.

I want to know EXACTLY what I'm doing BEFORE I start doing it.

Now where's the fun in doing that?



.

 

[ifitaintbroke]

@Brain75

The real reason I want to do a 3.8? Because I couldn't figure out how to stuff in a 300. It is, in my firmly held opinion, the greatest engine ever made. Gas or diesel. And I don't care what the bowtie boys say about a 350.

@RobbieD

Quite right, not as much fun, but it's my daily so I'd prefer not to screw it up.

I also highly doubt any of the personalities here could surpass me in strangeness, but, I digress.

 

[RobbieD]

a 300. It is, in my firmly held opinion, the greatest engine ever made

I also highly doubt any of the personalities here could surpass me in strangeness, but, I digress.

You, Sir, are going to fit in just fine here.

A Hearty Welcome!

 

[rumblecloud]

What he said^
Welcome to Wayne's Worl --- I mean TRS.

 

[Brain75]

@Brain75
... Because I couldn't figure out how to stuff in a 300. It is, in my firmly held opinion, the greatest engine ever made. Gas or diesel. ...

I got a video for you then:

WHO HAS SOME BEAUTIFUL PICTURES TO SHARE?????

Does it have to be a picture? I have a special place in my heart for a F-series w/ a 300 straight six (I learned to drive on it, then learned to wrench on it - 1981 F150 RANGER, back when ranger meant trim package not small truck.) Turn the subtitles on because this is a "silent" video - he...

www.therangerstation.com