New guy interested in 2.8 V6

[Boletivore]

I grew up building big-block Fords that get 2mpg and that stopped being fun, then I drove Volvos and Volkswagens.

I still have my old Ford with a 429, C6, shaker intake, http://www.flickr.com/photos/boletivore/2248697433/ http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/boletivore/2249452194/

I don't drive it, and have only kept it out of fear of regret.

I decided recently I need to sell it and build a car that I can enjoy and one that combines the things I love, a Volvo 122 with a Ford V6.

I think I can build a car that I enjoy that is kind of a hotrod, even if not actually fast (I understand truly being fast, versus seeming fast and being fun)

I worked at a machine shop in Seattle where a co-worker had a Datsun 510 with some small V6 with headers and a carb, he drove it everyday, and I drove my monster big-block, but secretly I always had a crush on that V6.

Rangers are plentiful around Portland, a search for one under $1000 on CL turns up at least 15 on any day. I plan to buy one and pull everything I need.

My current issues are that I really don't know squat about this V6, do I really want the 2.8? Can I get it to run like a mini-muscle-car motor? Can I buy a Ranger that has the 2.8 and 5-speed? Were they common? Will I need to buy the tranny seperate because that truck doesn't exist?

Please feel free to tell me what I am missing.

I cook and make beer, I am a product designer, I worked in the pits on diesels at Bonneville for 12 years, did some work on a Nascar NW car, built IH rock-crawlers with friends (but was more impressed with the Rangers and Bronco II's) did some drag-racing in high-school, I am building a jalopy-style hotrod with a friend, pictures on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/boletivore/sets/72157603868811724/

 

[Mac]

Well Welcome! I sure hope you really didn't sell that good looking Torino! You could have popped in a late model EFI coupled with a 5-speed and really been impressed. I'm getting rid of the 428 and C-6 in my Fairlaine for something better, mileage wise. I know absoultely nothing about hot-rodding the 2.8/2.9. Sure someone will jump in with suggestions. What weight of rod you looking at building? Thinking more of a 2.3 turbo'd 4 banger would do good with a light weight. Some of the Mustang guys can make them fly. Enjoy the site, lots of info and good people here

 

[skippy]

Please check the tech library for info on 2.8L,some good info there.I have a Durasparked 2.8L w/holley 350 and it's no hotrod,but it is fun to drive around our little town.115 horses doesn't lend itself to winning to many races,but you can surprise some people.

Welcome!

 

[Z3CHYD]

I got some long tube headers for a 2.8 v6 if your interested lol