Should I go 302 or 4.0L swap?

[stevenf]

Right now my Bronco has the 2.9L which has about 140hp and 170ftlbs of torque. The 4.0L has 160hp and 225ftlbs of torque. The 302 has 215hp and 295ftlbs of torque.
Its seems like the 4.0L would be the best choice compared to a stock 302. The 4.0L is lighter, lighter on the trans, a bolt in swap, and with a mild cam, exhaust and intake, it would be close to the same specs as a stock 302.
What input do yall have? If you have done the 4.0L swap, are you satified with the power increase?

 

[Ranger44]

In my opinion the 4.0 is a better swap in a RBV.

The 4.0 has a lower powerband. Making lots of good power down low. Making it a better truck engine.

The 5.0 has a 3.0like powerband and makes it peak power at 3,400rpm.

There is alot of aftermarket for the 5.0. The 4.0 has a little.

But, just for the simple fact that the 4.0 would be more bolt in than the 5.0, I'd go with it.

 

[baddad457]

The torque output is where the 302 shines over a 4.0. And the weight difference isn't an issue. The 302 also has more power potential, once you get a taste and smell the burning rubber, you'll forget all about those 6 bangers. If you want simple and are content with a 4.0, then go that route.

 

[mkpecor]

i have been thinking about the same swap for acouple months now and i am doing the 5.0. i have heard the wirein on the 4.0 is a #itch. in high school i had a 351 in a 85 ranger and loved it. but the 4.0 is a good motor to. its a hard choice, good luck.

 

[stevenf]

What ci is the 4.0L. I know the 5.0L is 302.
I think I found a cam for $120.00 for the 4.0L. Im just running through was hp/torque range I will get for the money with each setup.

 

[baddad457]

1 liter equals about 61 cubic inches.

 

[skinner]

Dont kill me baddad....(forgive me father, for i have sinned)
Ive owned the ohv 4.0...and a 302(well,technically, 306) ranger.
The 302 was faster and fun, but sucked gas and was honestly impractical for a daily driver as far as things that I just couldn't get working or didn't have room for (AC for one).
If I had it to do again, and will...
I'd buy a 4.0 and build it up with Bird's et al advice. Or even that guy Trevor I think his name was(where is he btw?) Fits nicely, sounds awesome, and makes power comparable to a stock 302... I'm very fond of those motors.
I'd take ALL the crap from a 4.0 ranger, redo the motor, and install.
But a stock 5.0 would be cheaper in that respect.

 

[Ranger44]

The torque output is where the 302 shines over a 4.0.

Yes, but at a higher rpm.

Low torque is better for a towing/offroad truck.

If he is, however, looking for a "fast" truck, then a 5.0 may be more of what he wants.

 

[stevenf]

Im looking to boost power in my head turner trail rig. Its a freshly painted dark blue 89 Bronco II with flawless interior. Its going to have a 8.8" rear and a Dana 44 front both full width running 32-33" tires with just enough suspension lift to fit them. I plan on running 4.10 gears and I want a bigger stronger engine that wont brake the bank and provide enough power needed on the spare of the moment tow/climbing runs. It seems like 4.0L is the way to go, I just didnt know if I will be spending the same on the 4.0L of 5.0L swap.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

A stock 4.0L and 4.56 gears is exactly what you want.

oem y-pipe and 2.5" exhaust, high flow intake, maybe a snorkle. Possibly hop up the ignition system.

But don't put a cam in it. Unless you plan to use headers, ported intake, bigger TB, bigger injectors and fuel pump, and then sending the ECU out to get reprogrammed. Any less mods it will just not run right.

To 5.0 requires to much of the right foot to make torque. She likes to be revved. Good for nothing but a street truck, or an all-out mud truck.

I researched the hell out of this topic, and went my 4.0 went, I put another 4.0 in. I even have a complete EFI 5.0 and a set l&l motor mounts, all ready to put in, I decided against it. I love the lowend torque and MPG of the 4.0.

 

[baddad457]

Yes, but at a higher rpm.

Low torque is better for a towing/offroad truck.

If he is, however, looking for a "fast" truck, then a 5.0 may be more of what he wants.

Not neccesarily true. Depends on the build.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not neccesarily true. Depends on the build.

It depends on the year of 302 as well, an Explorer 5.0 makes a lot more power than 4.0 (288@3300 vs 220@3000)... which is why you couldn't get a 4.0 Explorer with AWD.

If you don't have a manaul transmission plan on switching it out at the same time, the A4LD was beefed up when the 4.0 came out.

 

[rickcdewitt]

The 4.0L is lighter,-
damn near the same weight as the 2.9l actually,so you don't need to realign your truck


If you have done the 4.0L swap, are you satified with the power increase?

yes totally.33's and 4.10's spin on the pavement like the little stockers did with a 2.9l(or better).
the thing to remember is the 4.0 is making THE SAME torque as the 2.9l's peak at only about 1200rpm's,and you can lug it down near 500rpm's

i used a 92 setup and reused the (4 wire)o2 sensor,motor mounts,radiator,and other stuff from the 2.9l.get the factory EVTM's for your truck and the donor.under 40$ total and worth every penny.it turns wiring into a no brainer.

your truck being an 89 the 4.0l is a simple swap and you can probably get a donor sploder cheaper than the 302 stuff-motor,motor mounts, radiator,tranny,tranfer,driveshafts,exhaust and whatever else needed.

 

[stevenf]

I plan on running my stock auto trans until it goes out. It was rebuild about 70k miles ago. I will just wheel in low on the t-case or shift the trans into first and second.
When doing the wireing, I will need the 4.0L harness, ECU, Fusebox, and what else? I want it to be as easy as possible. Will I have to take out the dash?

 

[Ranger44]

Not neccesarily true. Depends on the build.

Looking at the engines, stock to stock.

It depends on the year of 302 as well, an Explorer 5.0 makes a lot more power than 4.0 (288@3300 vs 220@3000)... which is why you couldn't get a 4.0 Explorer with AWD.

If you don't have a manaul transmission plan on switching it out at the same time, the A4LD was beefed up when the 4.0 came out.

I'm talking about torque below 3,000rpm, and 68ft/lbs of torque is almost comparable to going from a 2.3 to a 3.0.