Looking for some input.

[jarfly]

OK so I have been sorceing a few motors out for a v8 swap, So today found a 89 f150 motor, Could I use this motor as in? what is involved in useing a f150 wireing etc, My truck has a 01 or 02 3.0 manual wireing harness atm.
I know i'd be better off with a complete doner but none in my area or price range. allso have sorced mustang set up. Would i'd be better off with it?

 

[hoosier1104]

I would go with the Mustang but Explorer would be ideal.

 

[willy]

It all depends on how much time and money piecing it togather will cost more than a running donor explorer is your best bet id go with a 96/97 to get around pats issues you can run a 98 motor on 97 ecu but its full of headachs that isnt worth it

 

[win]

Hmmmm,

The F150 intake is too tall for the Ranger and the FEAD makes things painfully tight at the radiator. Has the weakest cam profile and worst heads of the common options and far and away the least power. The upside is easy compatibility with a variety of transmissions.

The Mustang intake is a much better fit but the FEAD still crowds the radiator. Much more lively cam but most have lame heads. Like the F150, manual or auto transmissions are easy to accommodate.

The Explorer/Mountaineer has a similar intake to the Mustang, and the FEAD offers the most room for dumb things like radiator fans. But, the PCM is not really manual transmission friendly without getting a tune to pull the 4R70W marriage out of it.

The Expo has the best heads, EFI and Ignition systems of the three options.

For an older Ranger with a manual trans, I'd opt for a Mustang based solution with an Explorer FEAD.

If you want an auto trans, Expo/Mounty all the way.