New 2.9er here

[pearldrumbum]

Hello, my name is Jesse and I just purchased my 3rd Ranger, but the first one i plan to modify in any way. I've always wanted to, but in the past I only had them for daily drivers and didn't have time to work on. This one is an 88 supercab 4x4 with a 2.9 and a 5 speed. It is in amazing condition with only 60k miles. this is also the first one i've owned with a 2.9.
I've been researching these for about a week now trying to decide if i want to swap a 4.0 or just build up the 2.9. Since I'm not looking for radical power numbers, and since I like the idea of having this truck still in about 25 years, and having the original engine is more desirable in 25 years, I've decided to stick with the 2.9.

The Questions:
Is there a cheaper alternative to the $600 headers from JBA while keeping it smog legal?
Is the throttle body swap from an 86 or 87 worth it?
Is it worth swapping the heads for 89 and up heads (I've heard these are more durable and less likely to crack)

I'm just trying to gain 20-40 hp and 30-50 ft-lbs to get me around the same numbers as a stock 4.0

Once i settle on either the stock heads or new heads, I will probably do a DIY port job on the heads and intake manifold.

Does anybody have any other suggestions to gain the kind of power i'm looking for? Like i said, I dont want radical numbers, and I want it to LAST! I love these trucks and I'd like to have one when they're considered classics.

 

[jnunez86]

hey jesse congrats on the new truck.

couple things you should know

first- any kind of hp increase on a 2.9 is well worth it and well needed. so yes the tb swap is worth it.

second-there is no alternative to the $600 jba's. there's a price 2 pay to be smog legal. you could also try modifiying the pacesetters to hook up the egr line.

third-ther is no problem with your heads if you dont plan on hardcore driving. than again better save than sorry, right. i still have my stock motor form factory with over 150,000 miles. my truck over heated a couple of times when i was living in AZ and no problems. i drive my truck hard with a clogged up radiator,no antifreeze, and 115 degree summer days and at most my temp hits half on the gage. i love it.

msd ignition well give a couple of horses. mine did
i also have a high flow cat converter with 2 1/4" exhaust with magnaflow flow through muffler hooked to the back of pacesetter headers. big gain ther
a custom intake made from a honda aftermarket intake with a k&n cone type filter is big help.
change your thermostat to 180 degree for couple mor horses
and thats all i got for now. im in the middle of port and polishing the upper intake. hope it works cuz im on my fourth day with it.

 

[Sunk]

Well the TB swap doesn't increase HP so much as it widens your power curve. I think I swa a set of Pacesetter headers on Summit for around $200 I can't remember though.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Your 88 doesn't have EGR, so it doesn't matter what headers you use...

 

[pearldrumbum]

Thanks guys, that's a big help. I have another question as well....

It happened this morning and once before, for no reason that i know of my truck just wouldnt start, but with starter fluid it fired right up. Could it be intermittent fuel pump problems or ???
it's not especially cold or harsh weather here in seattle.

I've also noticed that when it's cold it dogs down on me when i upshift, but i've alrady kinda of written that off as being a 20 year old motor that hopefully will be fixed with the work im going to do to it.

 

[pearldrumbum]

Ok, update. It offically died and ether will no longer get it running.
Fuel pump? Is there an easy way to test which pump it is?

 

[IMenriched]

Do you hear the fuel pump prime as you turn the Key ON???...(not over to engage the starter).

If no..the it could be a FP relay switch or the inertia switch....
check your grounds

 

[Psychopete]

Get pacesetters if you want a pissing match between the end of the radius arm (threads), frame, and the bottom of the transmission/pan (A4LD) with the collector pipe.

First place I would start with a no start is verification of fuel and spark. I wouldn't make the assumption that lack of fuel is the problem IMO.

Pete

 

[pearldrumbum]

I have spark for sure...
I noticed that the couple times it wouldnt start, i did not hear the fuel pump prime, but when i do hear it prime, it starts.

If i don't hear it prime, i can start it with starter fluid then she runs great.

I was thinking the same thing as imenriched, I think its either the FP relay or the inertia switch. Should the button on the inertia switch stay down when you push it, or pop back up? Mine pops up, which according to the manual means it shouldn't be starting, but still starts.... so that's where i think my problem lies. I will pick one up tomorrow, but I probably won't know if that fixed it until i can go a couple weeks without the problem since its only been intnermittent with it only doing it about once a week.


Psychopete... im sorry, but i'm not sure i understand your used of the word "pissing" lol. Are you syaing you recommend them or not?

 

[IMenriched]

I have spark for sure...
I noticed that the couple times it wouldnt start, i did not hear the fuel pump prime, but when i do hear it prime, it starts.

If i don't hear it prime, i can start it with starter fluid then she runs great.

I was thinking the same thing as imenriched, I think its either the FP relay or the inertia switch. Should the button on the inertia switch stay down when you push it, or pop back up? Mine pops up, which according to the manual means it shouldn't be starting, but still starts.... so that's where i think my problem lies. I will pick one up tomorrow, but I probably won't know if that fixed it until i can go a couple weeks without the problem since its only been intnermittent with it only doing it about once a week.


Psychopete... im sorry, but i'm not sure i understand your used of the word "pissing" lol. Are you syaing you recommend them or not?

Don't think Psychopete was recommending them, that would be a negative!...seen other threads about how they have fit-ability problems...most need to tweak them here and there...or conflict with clearance with other components...hence Psychopete's comment...haven't seen any issues with the JBA's.... that being said, I'm sure that you'll see or hear of others whom have had no issues with the Pacesetters and had to tweak the JBA's. But definitely less issues with JBA's.

You can temporarily jumper wire the Inertia switch....not recommended for a permanent solution...but it will help you know if that really is the problem. BTW it is a Ford only item, no one else carries them. the relay are a whole lot cheaper and found just about any parts store.

Sometimes.... the TFI will give you fuel problems. Yes, it's the ignition module...but it does have a controlling element to the fuel pump....generally, you have lack of spark too, or weak spark.

just something else to consider.