How about a 1990 Ford Ranger "raptor"?

[RangerDon1951]

1990 Ford ranger SC with 300,000 miles. Looking at many different ways to upgrade everything except the body. Rebuilding the 2.9 is a no go. At sea level and new 145 HP. My sense suggest I should basically replace the chassis? Wondering about a late model F-150? resize it? Engine, I really prefer naturally aspirated, maybe?

How reliable are the eco boost turbos for longevity? So looking at a 2.7TB, the 3.3NA and the 3.5TB and even a 5.0NA. In 1990 no airbags, no catalytic converters? I would be content to leave it that way. I have the audacious idea of lengthening the cab to a full 3rd and fourth door. Want automatic transmission and 4x4. It is presently a 4x4 which does not work. I do not believe that either front or rear axles, brakes, etc are adequate. Body is largely pristine. Lambo doors? Custom dashboard that I would make out of black walnut. Insert newer dials, etc. One thought is a donor car that has most of what I need and then simply get the engine I prefer with a tranny included. Want a show Ranger/? Forget SEMA, unless... Even the seats and upholstery is trashed.

 

[bobbywalter]

changed oil regularly....gen 2 and newer ecoboost are awesome.


extraordinary difficult to package. 4 cylinder is best.

i could consider n/a cyclone or coyote.


dana 44 ttb. dana 60 full float rear. coilovers and air bumps and deaver rear leafs.... crossover steering.....6r80 or 6r140 trans. full cage.

with a coyote..and 6 psi...
this will whoop a raptors ass done decently.

 

[sgtsandman]

Getting an F150 frame to fit under a Ranger is going to take a lot of customization. There is a big disparity in size between the two.

As far as engines, a 5 0 will fit in the wngine bay. There was a person working on putting a 2.3 ecoboost in an older Ranger but I don't remember if they ever posted about finishing it or how they did it. There was another person who did do it but I don't think they were a forum member and details on what they did to get the engine to fit were never given.

The other engines you asked about I don't think have been done and would probably take quite a bit of hacking the engine bay in order to get it done.

You have a lot of ambition. It will be interesting to see what you do.

 

[RangerDon1951]

changed oil regularly....gen 2 and newer ecoboost are awesome.


extraordinary difficult to package. 4 cylinder is best.

i could consider n/a cyclone or coyote.


dana 44 ttb. dana 60 full float rear. coilovers and air bumps and deaver rear leafs.... crossover steering.....6r80 or 6r140 trans. full cage.

with a coyote..and 6 psi...
this will whoop a raptors ass done decently.

Which 4 cylinder engine.?

 

[sgtsandman]

Which 4 cylinder engine.?

I believe he is talking about the 2.3 Ecoboost but there is also a 2.0 and 1.6. Both of those are FWD based while the 2.3 can be gotten in a RWD layout.

 

[bobbywalter]

any of them the mazda L based units 2.0 2.3 2.5...

front drive or rear drive. front drive can present challenges mounting it but you just make a bridge mount and move it forward .....nice thing.... the 2.3 mazdaL ranger trans will work....so if you use a doubler for wheelin you can keep driveline in place and push the engine forward....mitigating plumbing and hpfp issues with clearance.

the 2.3 is good for 300 whp and 400 ish tq. will take time and money on tune...but be pretty good

if we ever put one in the bronco....likely a 2.0 twinscroll or 2.3 from edge or explorer.....front drive. pretty cheap. really cheap. the rear drives are high dollar.

 

[SenorNoob]

Always seemed like the easiest way would be to find a rolled 19+ Ranger that still runs/drives. Of course that's lots of money.