Project:"85 v8" I want to call it red rocket...but that sounds dirty

[t0x1k]

Starting with a 1985 ranger, picked it up for 1850. little to no rust, under side is immaculate, manual brakes and steering should help me out with engine clearance and headers.
My 94 ranger has more rust problems. The radius arms still have the original powder coat where as most other rangers have flaked off.

The motor going in is from my totaled t top mustang. Carbed 302 with mild cam, stock heads, tremec tko600 trans. Aluminum drive shaft from the mustang might bolt up if I set the engine back enough, it's only 4 inches shorter than the rangers. If not I'll have a custom one made if it can't be lengthened.
I'm waiting for an expo rear end to pop up on craigslist, only one has and it has a locker and it's been converted to a ranger set up, was hoping to leave it set up as an expo to attain some drop. Stock gears are in it 3.27s. I'll keep waiting for that 4.10 posi.

I might get a fuel cell if the stock tank doesn't work, this would allow me to run the mustang x pipe.
Trans cross member, I might use the stock one or relocate the frame mounts inboard and use my mustang gforce billet cross member.

 

[t0x1k]

In her new home. Cleaning the engine was a bitch, 8 cans of carb cleaner, half gallon of simple green later.

 

[t0x1k]

Installed the radiator, the picture above is the first way. I could not get the electric fan to fit so I cut out the center brace and mounted it between the grill and rad core support which gives me plenty of room for a fan.
Here's how it sits behind the grill.

Next step is trying to figure out the fuel supply. Stock fuel lines are too small for a v8.

 

[cookiemonster]

Dude that is awesome.

 

[RangerBoy94]

That just gave me wood

 

[t0x1k]

Just ordered everything I need to complete the project.

Summit Racing Equipment AER-FBM2000 -3 AN TO 1/8 NPT ADAPTER Ready to Ship $2.25 1 $2.25
Summit Racing Equipment AER-FBPA0030-18 BRAKE HOSE- NON DOT Ready to Ship $12.25 1 $12.25
Summit Racing Equipment FRA-384072 HOSE ASSY STR X 45 STEEL NUT Ready to Ship $61.95 1 $61.95
Summit Racing Equipment MRG-1616 SUPER STOCK HOOD PIN KIT Ready to Ship $12.95 1 $12.95
Summit Racing Equipment RUS-640281 FITTING Ready to Ship $21.95 1 $21.95
Summit Racing Equipment SUM-220846B 8AN TO 3/8 NPT ADAPTER W/FNSH Ready to Ship $2.25 1 $2.25
Summit Racing Equipment SUM-293220 20GAL ALU FUEL CELL NAT FINISH

That covers the fuel supply and hydraulic clutch set up.
Tomorrow my filter adapter should be here and I can finally fill her with fluids.

 

[t0x1k]

Picked up my new driveshaft today, on the way back I got rear ended in my car, so now I'm down another car.
I also got the hydraulic clutch setup working.
I order some tri-y headers. Advance adapter headers are horrible quality, the runners going into the main tube are cut with a torch and protrude into the main tube more than they should restricting air flow and don't exactly make it easy to have a good looking exhaust set up.

 

[Tominator]

Look behind him! He's even selling his house to afford the parts!

Great build.....and done right! Keep the progress pics coming!

 

[doorgunner]

looks great....

lotta good swaps on TRS...I haven't seen 1/4th of em yet!

Keep the pics updated!

 

[t0x1k]

Tri-ys will be here today! I can finally get it on the road!
Going to use the mustangs X-pipe set up.

 

[t0x1k]

Fired it up the other day with the tri-ys.
I also learned that turning the distributor screws up the timing.

 

[t0x1k]

Started the exhaust work today. Cut up the x pipe from the mustang and built a custom h pipe out of it. Really wanted a x pipe set up, but would have to have it custom built and were talking money I don't have. I'm extremely happy with how it's fitting so far. Going to dump the exhaust before the axle.
I only have one last thing before I can test drive it. The alternator is the original 1g, i tried making it work, but won't do anything. I was thinking of hitting a junkyard for a 3g, but prefer the simplicity of a one wire. Ive heard bad things about one wires. Anyone know?

Shot at 2012-05-29

Shot at 2012-05-29

Shot at 2012-05-29