The NeverEnding Quest for more Power

[DeadPrez08]

So I've got the 2000 2.5L 4cyl Ranger; 5-speed manual, short bed, usw usw...

I've put in the OEM-fitting K&N, ran some stupid Lucas fuel treatment through it (but I think its been run out since).

I've been reading about a million different "ideas" for getting some more power out of this motor- superchargers, turbochargers, bigger motors.

Regarding a motor swap, I'm looking at (first a motor, but then) a new tranny, fuel injectors for the added cylinders, a new ecu, suspension to handle the weight, weight for the tailend (true/false??) ... so, roughly $5-$6,000 for a v8.

As far as a supercharger, it seems the only direct fit charger is for the 4.0 v6... all this crap about electric superchargers or lame crap like the Turbonator is ... well, crap.

So, what can I do to this Ranger to realistically get just a bit more power out of my 2.5?

I already plan to have it lowered 3/4 or 4/5 just to make loading and unloading my bike simpler and to improve cornering a bit. I've got a bike for my adrenalin fix but I'd like for the Ranger to not weep trying to drive up big hills.

~Dunte

 

[Mark_88]

Getting just a bit more HP is not difficult...like a bigger exhaust system...

If you want to be a bit faster off the line then look into rear gears...probably the cheapest way to get more out of your current system...

Other than that...a mild turbo boost would be the next best thing...with the price of gas going through the roof you may not want to swap in a v8 only to find out that the gas mileage is decreased considerably...unless you don't drive much or have an uncle in Saudi Arabia...

 

[DeadPrez08]

Exhaust has been a consideration; my specific objectives are a bit of passing power and the aforementioned hill-driving-issue. Gas mileage in my last v8 (1999 Chevy 5.7L) was far far from great but not terrible. I figure a Ranger, being a smaller (but by feeling, hardly lighter) truck, shouldn't draw on the v8 as hard.

But what turbo systems would fit? And what kind of price can I expect for a reliable, even if small, system?

The 4.0 superchargers look to run in the $3-$5,000 range, about as bad as finding a bigger motor.

 

[Mark_88]

The turbo system from any previous turbo T-Bird, Mustang, XR4Ti, Cougar, or others would work...you just may need to change the wiring and computer from what you have...

Not sure to be honest...I've looked into this a bit myself and almost bought the complete engine and wiring harness out of an 88 T-Bird for $1,000 but decided to pass it up...But there are other Turbo forums out there or just post the question again as something like "What do I need to Turbocharge a 2.5" or similar...

The main thing you have to consider is the Turbo engines have forged pistons and the stock pistons will not hold up to full turbo boost...the last time I checked on this the pistons alone were something like $300 and then there is the rebuild itself including slight overbore.

The other key ingredient is the head...if you find a complete turbo engine for sale there is a good chance that the heads are cracked and need replacing or rebuild...I think Esslinger sells a turbo head that has the bigger valves though...

Bottom line is how much do you want to spend and how much more power do you really need...a mild boost on your current engine would give you a good bump in power for passing etcetera and you would not need to redo the bottom end...just change out the computer, add the turbo exhaust manifold and bolt on the turbo charger...maybe a bit more small things (like an intercooler) but there are aftermarket turbos available...

I will let someone who knows more about it fill in any details I'm missing though...