Ideas, input, ect for 5.0 swap

[AznMuscle]

Haven't posted here in a while, but figured I was still a member, and yall have a good amount of info, so I was hoping for some enlightenment.

Currently have a 98 step side, 2.5L 5 speed, single cab Ranger. Looking at doing a junk yard/budget build (nothing crazy at all) 5.0/t5 swap. For more ease, and lack of emissions in my county, carb set up is going to be chosen unless a EFI set up wouldn't be too much harder. So from what I am gathering...

5.0 from a mustang, old ford truck, ect ect.
Explorer 5.0 mounts (read a write up for 98+ swaps, seems they go straight in...if not, custom mounts not a issue).
t5 bell housing and transmission.
Custom trans mount.
8.8 rear with 4.10s and posi

Any suggestions, comments, changes, issues, please add some input.


Now additionally, I love power...its an addiction, and I think we all know this. Now seeing as this truck doesn't weigh much, and because I already have a "meh" quick car (high 11/low 12 Trans Am), I am looking for some more power, just not stupid amounts. 250-300 would be enough. So....

Small torquey cam with a nice lope (was recommended a Anderson Ford N-41...mid 220s duration, 110 LSA iirc).
GT40 heads with proper valve train for the cam.
Some low profile intake manifold, so with carb and cleaner will clear the hood.
~600 CFM carb, demon or holley (I know nothing about carb set ups, need help in this department).
Proper fuel system to maintain the set up. Pump, lines, pressure regulator.

More input would defiantly be appreciated in this area. Thanks all.

 

[Teddyzee]

The Explorer mounts work with the torsion bar suspension, which was rare in '98 on a 2wd, so I'll assume you have coil spring.
So you'll need to fab some mounts, they seem simple enough to do.

 

[AznMuscle]

Yea, I saw in the write up for the 98+ those work, but that was 4x4. Wasn't sure about if the mounts were different or not. Fabbing wont be a issue at all though. Now then, aside from that...I noticed there are header, or lack of, options for the 5.0 swaps. Are the torque monster headers for the 4x4 mainly, and are there other (cheaper) options for us 2wd guys? Or should I just go with the torque monsters.

 

[AznMuscle]

Well, found a 5.0 online, free shipping, 90 day warrenty for 500. Right now, just gonna do the motor and trans stuff. Any of yall know where to find a t5? Also, does a t5 shift linkage fit right and proper into where the stock trans goes into? Thanks.