Swap Kit Opinions?

[CraKel]

Ok, so I've bee looking into alot of different ways to accumulate the right parts this winter for the 302 swap and rather than peice it together one by one I think I found a pretty decent kit online that isnt too pricey.. I know everyone has bad luck with these kits but let me know your opinion before I purchase anything, it seems like its got a good selection of parts and comes with a rad too. thx, Ck.

heres the link:

http://carshop.carshopinc.com/product_info.php/products_id/4490/38200

 

[Teddyzee]

You don't really need it.

If you get an engine from a Mustang, or similar, you'll have the oil pan and motor mounts already.
So you'll need headers and the oil filter relocation.

You can really save money that way.
Depending on your engine, your stock rad should be fine. My truck runs very very cold with the stock rad.

 

[CraKel]

I have a 302 and c4 out of a 79' T-Bird, pretty sure it came with motor mounts, didnt really check the oil pan to see if it was rear or dual sump.. but most likely its front i think.

Anything else I need to know bout the swap in a 2wd 93-97 ranger? Any other problems you encountered?

I've been looking into ignitions, etc gonna go witha MSD setup..
What about fuel pumps? use the one in-tank from the ranger with a regulator?

 

[CraKel]

tranny adapters was another big question I had.. was looking on JD at the ones they sell but are pricey$$ I would like to keep the OD and switch the c4 to a 4speed if possible, is the adapter all i need then the driveshaft will hook up without fabrication?

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

id be weary of that kit if they dont know that 1998 wanst I beam equipped, especially since they note "will only fit trucks with i beam suspension".

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Waste of money..........IMO.

 

[ChrisR1S]

if you do go to piecing parts together, which i think you'd be better off doing, i'd go with the canton oil filter adapter. It's a real nice piece, the cool thing about this relocator is that it swivels, allowing you to locate and run your lines wherever you chose. It is an expensive piece though compared to other adapters. i got mine off of summit for i believe around 50bucks

 

[baddad457]

Swap kits = snake oil. And that 79 T-Bird 302 has a front sump pan. Check the casting numbers, there's a good chance it's got the heavier D8VE block. Good fodder for building a 352 stroker.

 

[Teddyzee]

tranny adapters was another big question I had.. was looking on JD at the ones they sell but are pricey$$ I would like to keep the OD and switch the c4 to a 4speed if possible, is the adapter all i need then the driveshaft will hook up without fabrication?

No trans adapter of any kind is needed with your 2wd. You can bolt an AOD or C4 directly to the new motor. Most all Ford driveshaft yokes are the same, so your stock yoke will work fine. I used my stock driveshaft, your results may vary

 

[CraKel]

ok great.. but that still only gives me 3 gears right with the c4 (yes I know its a 3speed tranny). Is there any way to incorporate the 4speed for better gas milage etc.. and can the shift linkage be hooked up to the ranger column shifter? or do I need a floor shifter? thx for the help everyone!!

 

[Teddyzee]

Sure, just find yourself an AOD. Then you'll have an auto with 4 gears, including overdrive.

I'm sure there's a way to run a column shift, but I'm not the guy to ask.

As far as parts in the kit you mentioned, you be able to get an oil pan for less than $50, I think I paid about $69 for the oil filter relocation kit. The parts add up, but not as much as that kit.

 

[CraKel]

Ah ya now I understand.. I totally thought the adapter was for a different purpose.. Ya so Ill be sticking with what I got and hopefully wont need to do any driveshaft mods as ours are the same years/style etc.. any word on what I should do for the fuel pump?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

if your running a carb, just use the in tank one and run a fuel pressure regulator, or run a mechanical one off the block.

running fuel injection, just leave it how it is.

 

[baddad457]

The mech fuel pump suggestion should go away and die. The only way to run one is to eliminate the power steering and use old V belt accessories. Mr Gasket 12S pump is all that's needed to run a carb. The intank pump has to be rewired to bypass the computer.

 

[wade]

"Swap kits" aren't thought of very highly 'round here! Would rather watch the Red Green Show than buy a swap kit.
That oil pan only has provision for the low oil level sensor -- no dip stick. Dip stick would have to go through the block -- or, modify the pan like I did. Most of the parts can be ordered individually, from someone like JEGs or Summit, for more reasonable prices. Some parts (dual sump oil pan) can be obtained (downright cheap) from a junkyard. Pick-N-Pull is good for all kinds of odds 'n ends. I got my radiator off of eBay - my engine mounts from AutoZone - oil relocation stuff from Summit. (I don't care for the cheap screwclamped hoses on most relocation "kits"! Paid a fair price for -AN style hoses.) Headers? Do your homework! Many options, as well as opinions. Some will/won't clear suspension, steering, and transmission applications as well as others. This is a subject that you can get an ear full of opinions! DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Search and Read! What someone else has done may, or may not, work for you.
Just because something is advertised as "Swap", don't take it at face value, until you've checked into it. With many "Swap kits", you'll be disappointed to find that you paid for parts that you can't use --to your satisfaction, or AT ALL. And, you'll end up stuck with 'em, or tryin' to get rid of 'em on eBay!