The great which engine question

[Sultan]

So after a year of looking I got an '88 2wd short bed Ranger a week and a half ago. It has a 2.9 and a 5 speed. The engine need help so I am at a cross roads trying to decide which way to go. The plan for the truck is new paint, tires and wheel and turn it into a nice winter driver.

Here are the three ways I see that I could go. Feedback and thoughts are more than welcome!

One, replace the 2.9 with a Jasper short block. That is $1600 and I will need heads. Not sure where the best deal is on them but I would love to know where the best place is to get them.

Two, convert to a 4.0 but I am not sure what the advantage is to this. Yes it does have more power and the heads are better but does the mileage get worse? Also in a related question, I see some folks swap the dash when they have an 88 or older. Do you need to do that? I really like the older interior.

Three, convert to a 5.0 with a T5 tranny. Yes it is the one I want but I am sure the mileage would suck and it would be the most expensive path.

So any feedback would be great. Thank you for your time and thoughts. Rick

 

[adsm08]

Well, the early 4.0s are pretty comparable to the 2.9 in terms of fuel economy if you are nice to the throttle. The 4.0 can be swapped in without changing dashes, but it's easier to swap the dash.

If I was in your position, I personally would go with the 5.0. A bigger engine will not necessarily produce lower fuel economy. The increased power means that the engine doesn't work as hard to move the truck. Less effort means less fuel. A lot of 5.0 Rangers can get up into the 20s, that's more than most 2.9s.


Just my opinion though.

 

[bigblockford79]

If I was in your position, I personally would go with the 5.0. A bigger engine will not necessarily produce lower fuel economy. The increased power means that the engine doesn't work as hard to move the truck. Less effort means less fuel. A lot of 5.0 Rangers can get up into the 20s, that's more than most 2.9s.


Just my opinion though.

I was getting around 16-17 with my 5.0 truck and that was with 38" boggers and 5.13's, with no first gear in the trans (never got around to checking it after fixing the tranny). Transmission was an AOD so there was the 4th ratio to help out.

So, with the right gear and tire combo and all things functioning properly 20+ mpg should be easily attainable in a 2wd with a manual gear box. Assuming you take it easy with the skinny pedal

 

[Sultan]

Thanks for the input. I am have been searching for cost for the conversion. I sure hope is makes sense to go that way!

 

[BlackBII]

I've done 4 4.0 swaps over the years...(All 2.9 trucks)

In every case, I've gotten better mileage with the 4.0

 

[mhughes165]

I've done 4 4.0 swaps over the years...(All 2.9 trucks)

In every case, I've gotten better mileage with the 4.0

ive done 8 v8 conversions over the past 4 years and each one got AT LEAST 21-22mpg with ME driving spirited and carbed

the smallest was on 35's with 3.73's and a automatic

 

[mp3deviant721]

Are all of you guys talking city or highway mileage? 'Cause if it is city mileage, I might dump my 4.0 for a 5.0. And have the gas mileage and power when I need it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Are all of you guys talking city or highway mileage? 'Cause if it is city mileage, I might dump my 4.0 for a 5.0. And have the gas mileage and power when I need it.

I am going to guess hwy.

The parents '94 Explorer has never gotten better than 17mpg hwy in the 15 years they have had it... and is nothing to write home about for power.

 

[Daven]

Iiiinteresting...

Is this really true? Like proven fact, or theory? It almost makes sense that a bigger engine would need less throttle, and therfore use less gas... But either way at least going up to a v8, i would think it would increase.

 

[Sultan]

mhuges165,
I am looking at keeping a 5.0 stock and my truck is 2wd. I plan on going cheap/value route. So the question is what would you expect the cost would be?

Thanks for your wisdom. Rick

 

[Psychopete]

So the question is what would you expect the cost would be?

The price will be as cheap as you can buy the parts to do it.