Oh, LOOK! Not ANOTHER V8 build thread!!!

[RangerSVT]

With forged pistons? That's a pretty good price, get it get your block to the machine shop first so you know if you need oversized pistons, bearings, etc...


SVT

 

[Thed]

Here's the LINK.

 

[Thed]

Got the kit as well as a 4" bore tapered ring compressor. One thing's for sure, there sure will be a lot of spare gaskets.

 

[RangerSVT]

Did you check to see if the block will need boring? If it does, or if it needs honing, you might need to swap the pistons out for 0.010 over...

SVT

 

[Thed]

The cylinder walls are as beautiful as Sara Jean Underwood

 

[Mac]

Saw this link on your manifoldfor sale post. Have you settled on what the build is going to be, you seem to have bounched around a bunch. Sounds like a strong motor but you are really limiting it with other parts. Seen some good advice there and some not so good. You started out with a stroker, 185 AFR heads and now 165's, now a custom Comp Cam. Pay attention to the total of parts and how they will work together. I don't know why you don't like the T-5, think it has a higher torque rating than the M5OD. Pick a cam that is going to work with that Explorer computer, lot don't. Better cam and even the 165 AFR's will get you close to 380 hp at the crank. Do you really need more in a Ranger? Some of the guys giving you good advice have a good track record, trust them.
Dave

edit: just noticed this is not in the V-8 Swap section, got a similar thread going there?

 

[Thed]

Saw this link on your manifoldfor sale post. Have you settled on what the build is going to be, you seem to have bounched around a bunch. Sounds like a strong motor but you are really limiting it with other parts. Seen some good advice there and some not so good. You started out with a stroker, 185 AFR heads and now 165's, now a custom Comp Cam. Pay attention to the total of parts and how they will work together. I don't know why you don't like the T-5, think it has a higher torque rating than the M5OD. Pick a cam that is going to work with that Explorer computer, lot don't. Better cam and even the 165 AFR's will get you close to 380 hp at the crank. Do you really need more in a Ranger? Some of the guys giving you good advice have a good track record, trust them.
Dave

edit: just noticed this is not in the V-8 Swap section, got a similar thread going there?

I really have bounced around a lot, and this is not the only forum I post on. I post on Motor Trend and Car Fanatics Forums A LOT more than here, and I post updates more frequently there. 400 HP at the crank is the goal, just for bragging rights and some decent 1/4 mile times.

I don't like the T-5 because of its hit-or-miss reliability. It is not rated higher than the Mazda unit, but I don't remember specific numbers. Plus, the M50D-R2 just has physically larger internals and a a more attractive set of gear ratios (IMO).

Don't worry about the Explorer computer, that thing will be custom-tuned here by a local dyno Mustang place.

So just to clarify I'll make a new list, hopefully I can stick to this one a little bit better.

-AFR 185 58cc heads
-Custom-ground cam (same price, why not?)
-Forged pistons w/rings and other hardware (already purchased)
-Edelbrock Performer RPM II intake
-Torque Monster headers (about to purchase)
-Explorer FEAD (already have it)
-Scorpion Rockers (ratio to be determined by cam selection)
-Hardened pushrods
-185* thermostat (already purchased)
-Dual-core radiator from a Gen 1 'Slpoder (this can easily change)

There's more I just can't think of any - it's getting late and I have gotten about a combined 8 hours of sleep this week. Full-time work, lots of school, and possible interview on Friday (Caterpillar technician, paid internship ) leads to a tired Thed.\

And this was originally posted in the V8 swap section, but a mod moved it I think.

 

[RangerSVT]

The M5OD does NOT like speed shifting, so if you do any racing, it won't last. Stay with the T5, upgrade the to world class specs, which will give you 60% more capacity. That's what I did with my mustang...


SVT

 

[Thed]

I know it doesn't, I could tell that already just shifting it in the garage. But it was cheaper to obtain than a Tremec and it is a MUCH easier install.

 

[Thed]

Did some work today...

Took off the harmonic balancer (with a steering wheel puller, don't ask why), the oil pan, and the timing cover.

Then I took the cam out and flipped the engine over.

And I called it a day.

Interesting tid-bit: all of the connecting rods are labeled the cylinder in which they reside.

 

[RangerSVT]

Being labeled like that usually means its been apart before...


SVT

 

[Thed]

I kind of doubt that because these things were stamped in. It looks like it could be factory.

 

[Thed]

Got some brand spankin' new A/C lines for $48 thanks to Rock Auto!!!

Also, it looks like getting a dyno tune is going to cost roughly $779. Not bad considering I get to keep an SCT X3 in doing so.

 

[RangerSVT]

If your near owensboro, ky. Look up Greg at speedy dyno, he can do it cheaper than that...


SVT

 

[Thed]

I'm in Raleigh... the Tennessee border is at least a good 5 hours from where I live.

This place is the only shop here in YankeeJrLand that will touch an Explorer ECM from what I could find.