Point Me In The Right Direction

[johnnyx11]

Hey Everyone,
I have a 1993 single cab 3.0 4x4 manual, a 3" suspension lift with 15" rims and 31's... Needless to say, the tiny engine struggles with the bigger wheel set up.
so, after many a mile on my little beast, I want to swap in a v8. Im assuming a 302

Here are my Desires:
-Generally easy swap with least amount of fabrication.
-Lots More Power and Torque as the 3.0 barely reaches 75 mph with the oversized wheels and current gearing
-Reasonably Reliable as I would drive it consistantly
-HAS To keep a manual Transmission

I am a little confused on some aspects of doing this swap so i figure its easier to ask here than go on an endless hunt for the answers....
-Aside the Obvious, is there any reason I would want to avoid a Carb\
-Is it possible to get around 300 horse and torque from a 302 in this set up?
-are there any manual transmissions that would work with 4x4 as i am only seeing the t5 borg referenced... i do love my 4 wheel drive, unless anyone has insight on why i might not want it when swapping up to a v8? I am not against a pre runner idea, but ive never had a truck without 4x4
-will the differentials on the ranger hold up to v8 power or will i need to get different running gears (from an f150?)


From Reading around it sounds like the '93 is the most difficult to swap an EFI motor into, because of the wiring harness's,,, thats why i am finally looking into carb set ups...

anywho thanks for the info, im trying to assemble a good game plan before i start acquiring parts. =)

 

[bobbywalter]

simple as making the new system stand alone to eliminate wiring issues.


your ranger, your boat, your lawn tractor.....all are the same to me for a efi swap.



that said..if you dont have inspection issues a solid running carb for a driver isnt a big issue either...

no matter i suggest to run a fullsize manual trans and t case from a jelly bean 97-03 v6 f150 truck.

otherwise a 4.0 if you can find a good low mile unit works pretty good.



my first choice would be a late 5.3 or 6.0/6.2 gm ls powertrain

 

[bobbywalter]

i should clarify since your starting with a 3.0 any 4.0 or turbo 2.3 swap still requires a different trans.

but your t case is still able to be retained.

running a carbed or improperly geared v8 will result in shitty fuel milage too.

if your getting 20 hiway now....14-16 will be the likely rule....9-14 town.