New to the forums, looking for some more power.

[Yutaka]

Hi, all!

I have a 2002 Ranger (single cab, 2WD, short bed) with the 3.Slow, and I'm looking to get a little more power out of it. What are my options? I don't have any engine swapping tools so a 4.0 or 5.0 would be quite an expensive route for me to go. I'd rather see what I can do with the 3.0 first

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but it's my first post so I figured I'd put it here.

 

[Curious Hound]

Welcome to TRS! Be sure to check out our tech articles in the "how to tech" section if the site. There isn't a whole lot of cheap power adding mods for the 3.0 that I know of. I'm hoping to build one up with a supercharger over the next year or so. Regearing the rear differential will help it feel better. The 3.0 seems to be a reliable platform. But it's power band is high. So revving higher is your best bet.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The 3.0 is said to be a cockroach engine at least in stock form. It won’t do much... but it will do what it can forever.

 

[Curious Hound]

The 3.0 is said to be a cockroach engine at least in stock form. It won’t do much... but it will do what it can forever.

You forgot to say "hi".

 

[sgtsandman]

Welcome to the forum. The best I can advise for what you are asking is to make sure all the preventative maintenance is done. Tune it up with Motorcraft spark plugs and wires. Run a good fuel system cleaner from a full tank to darn near empty. I prefer Chevron Techron. Check the air filter. If you can't light from the sun or a drop light, change it. If the condition of the fuel filter is unknown, change it. Make sure the tires are properly inflated to what the sticker on the door jam says. Perhaps give the throttle body a good cleaning with throttle body cleaner. That's about it. Others with specific knowledge to the 3.0 may have some more suggestions beyond that.

 

[Curious Hound]

You might have an almost imperceptible increase by switching to an electric cooling fan. Can't hurt.

Really, the engine works well. It's just not good for drag racing.

 

[Dirtman]

 

[Snoranger]

Check you’re throttle cable... They tend to stretch and not open the throttle body all the way. I’d find you a thread on it, but I’m on my phone and searching is a PITA.

 

[Dirtman]

Here go...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

You forgot to say "hi".

Hi.

 

[racsan]

Hello. roll a different rear axle underneath the back with a lower ratio. You’d be surprised what a difference it makes if your running 3.45’s and go to 4.10’s The 3.0 needs to be wound up to be in its powerband. Most from the factory have taller gearing out of c.a.f.e fuel economy standards.

 

[19Walt93]

I second the motion, deeper gears will make a world of difference without modifying the engine. A free flowing exhaust would help a little, as would making sure the air filter is clean. Be careful on your choice of muffler, please, it's better to be quiet than to sound like a Civic with a fart muffler.

 

[Yutaka]

Thanks, all. I did the throttle cable mod and it made a huge difference. No more low idle either

Now, a question about performance. I want to start by giving the engine an easier time breathing. Should I start with upgrading the exhaust or the intake?

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't think there is much that needs done with the exhaust. It is already a good size for that engine. Believe it or not, bigger is not necessarily better for exhaust. You could put a more free-flowing muffler on. But that probably won't net anything appreciative. If there are signs that your cat is clogged, replace it.

On the intake, you might be able to open it up some. I'm not sure how restrictive the intake is for your year model. On my 93, the tube from the MAF to the throttle body seemed restrictive. I replaced that with bigger tubing. I also replaced my filter box with one from a 4.0l and enlarged the inlet to the box where it comes from the hole in the radiator support behind the headlight. In the process, I abandoned all the stuff related to using the exhaust manifold to preheat the incoming air. I attached my original MAF housing and IAT sensor to the new filter box.

Do NOT use an aftermarket "CAI" system that draws air from the engine compartment. The engine compartment is hot air and you don't want that unless you are always driving in freezing temperatures.

 

[Yutaka]

I don't think there is much that needs done with the exhaust. It is already a good size for that engine. Believe it or not, bigger is not necessarily better for exhaust. You could put a more free-flowing muffler on. But that probably won't net anything appreciative. If there are signs that your cat is clogged, replace it.

On the intake, you might be able to open it up some. I'm not sure how restrictive the intake is for your year model. On my 93, the tube from the MAF to the throttle body seemed restrictive. I replaced that with bigger tubing. I also replaced my filter box with one from a 4.0l and enlarged the inlet to the box where it comes from the hole in the radiator support behind the headlight. In the process, I abandoned all the stuff related to using the exhaust manifold to preheat the incoming air. I attached my original MAF housing and IAT sensor to the new filter box.

Do NOT use an aftermarket "CAI" system that draws air from the engine compartment. The engine compartment is hot air and you don't want that unless you are always driving in freezing temperatures.

Yep, got it. The K&N I'm looking at has a shroud that blocks the filter from getting air from the engine compartment, so I should be good there.

I suppose I'll get the intake first, and go from there. Thanks!