Paying a Mechanic for V8 Swap

[mdcusmc]

My 1999 Ranger 4.0 has a leaky transmission, and over 200k miles on it. I have some funds to buy a different car, but I'm pretty sentimental about this one.

I was quoted $10k for a V8 swap as a starting point, but I don't know exactly what the quote entails. Also, I don't know what other work needs to be done for road worthiness.

Am I at least in the ballpark of what it would cost for a mechanic to do the swap? Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks!

 

[Dirtman]

It's your money... cheaper options out there but to have someone else do the work 10 grand seems fair if they are also including buying the engine and transmission.

 

[franklin2]

My 1999 Ranger 4.0 has a leaky transmission, and over 200k miles on it. I have some funds to buy a different car, but I'm pretty sentimental about this one.

I was quoted $10k for a V8 swap as a starting point, but I don't know exactly what the quote entails. Also, I don't know what other work needs to be done for road worthiness.

Am I at least in the ballpark of what it would cost for a mechanic to do the swap? Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks!

I see you are in California. How are you going to get your paperwork on it with a v8 swap? They certainly will not pass it with a engine swap, unless you put in the CARB certified LS engine setup.

 

[Ranger850]

@mdcusmc there is a guy with a v8 swapped ranger on here, He is thinking of selling it for 12K, or something. It's a Splash, with a lot of work done to it. For 10k, I'm betting you could find one built, for sale, and in your price range.

 

[Uncle Gump]

No amount of money will cover the sentimental thing... well maybe...

I would probably put a new trans in it. Maybe if local law permits... super charge the 4.0L. Then go through the truck chassis and brakes... repair all the small stuff it needs. Put a good shine on it... give it qa good detail and enjoy it.

Doing whatever you can yourself will save money...

 

[fastpakr]

I see you are in California. How are you going to get your paperwork on it with a v8 swap? They certainly will not pass it with a engine swap, unless you put in the CARB certified LS engine setup.

Unless something has changed recently, the Explorer 5.0 swap should be just fine.

 

[Curious Hound]

Unless something has changed recently, the Explorer 5.0 swap should be just fine.

I agree although I don't know the laws out there. Get all the parts from a California compliant V8 Explorer. $10k Is probably reasonable.

 

[Ranger850]

Hey look, I found it.

How's everyone today?
Thinking about selling my 95 splash v8 conversion, trying to find a good price point what do you think its worth?
351 w 30 over
Eldelbrock Air gap intake
Eldelbrock Rpm heads
Holley 650dbl
Msd everything
Custom 4 core rad with dual fans
Tremec TKO II with Midshift kit built by Liberty gear
Stainless 4" exhaust 40 series flow master with electric exhaust dumps.
All auto meter phantom gauges with carbon fiber dash.
Kenwood and kicker sound system with custom sub enclosure
Weld drag lites with Bfg drag radials. beltech lowering kit
8.8 rear with 373 gear. Battery and fuel cell in the back.
All receipts and build sheet with specs.
Please let me know what you guys think.

make around 475 hpView attachment 45901View attachment 45904View attachment 45905





View attachment 45890View attachment 45891

 

[franklin2]

Unless something has changed recently, the Explorer 5.0 swap should be just fine.

I know you consider the Explorer and the ranger pickups the same thing but they may not. If they did approve of that, how many choices would he have for a donor? It would have to be 1999 or higher correct? How many years did they make the 5.0 explorer?

 

[RonD]

Just look in the Calif. auto/truck traders and you will find Calif V8 Rangers, smogged, titled and registered
Then you can spend what you want making it into YOUR Ranger

 

[Ramcharger90]

I know you consider the Explorer and the ranger pickups the same thing but they may not. If they did approve of that, how many choices would he have for a donor? It would have to be 1999 or higher correct? How many years did they make the 5.0 explorer?

5.0 exploders and mountaineers were 96-01

 

[franklin2]

5.0 exploders and mountaineers were 96-01

So he would have 3 years to pick from? One of the rules are same year or newer swap correct?

 

[Dirtman]

There is an easier solution... move.

 

[Junglejoe]

My 1999 Ranger 4.0 has a leaky transmission, and over 200k miles on it. I have some funds to buy a different car, but I'm pretty sentimental about this one.

I was quoted $10k for a V8 swap as a starting point, but I don't know exactly what the quote entails. Also, I don't know what other work needs to be done for road worthiness.

Am I at least in the ballpark of what it would cost for a mechanic to do the swap? Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks!

Look up svt on here, Rick.. talk to him.

 

[Ramcharger90]

So he would have 3 years to pick from? One of the rules are same year or newer swap correct?

No, he has 46 other states to choose from.