Turbo charging/supercharging a 1989 Ranger 2.9L?

[Daven]

I quickly skimmed through this forum and havent really seen anything to do with the 2.9l. Could i do this for my truck and would it be worth it? What needs to be done for it? How much would any of the ways cost? Basically, what are my options? lol I have a 1989 Ranger XLT 2.9L 4x4 standard.Thanks guys

 

[Hahnsb2]

Can it be done? Of course. Is it worth it? Not really.

Basically you've either got to plumb everything for a turbo or build a bracket and pulley system for a supercharger. Then you're got to come up with a way to tune it.

Looking at over $2000 realistically. I've got at least $2500 in the turbo setup on my Dakota and the turbo was only $300 of that. Stuff adds up.

 

[Daven]

Can it be done? Of course. Is it worth it? Not really.

Basically you've either got to plumb everything for a turbo or build a bracket and pulley system for a supercharger. Then you're got to come up with a way to tune it.

Looking at over $2000 realistically. I've got at least $2500 in the turbo setup on my Dakota and the turbo was only $300 of that. Stuff adds up.

Damn...lol and theres not a way to do it for under a grand...?

 

[spdcrazy]

it can be done, but the usual consensus is that its not worth the time and money, most say just swap a 4.0, or a SB.

however, i am a big fan of boost. the plumbing and stuff can be done fairly cheaply, but like hahns said, the problem is learning how to tune it.

 

[Daven]

it can be done, but the usual consensus is that its not worth the time and money, most say just swap a 4.0, or a SB.

however, i am a big fan of boost. the plumbing and stuff can be done fairly cheaply, but like hahns said, the problem is learning how to tune it.

I dont know the first thing or even where to start with the tuning. What all do you think i would need to do to do this? What would i need to make it show some bang for my buck?

 

[slow96gt]

spray it!!! lol

 

[Todd]

I can be done, and as others have stated if will cost some money.

The hard part and $$$ part is getting it more fuel.

But hey if you want to do it then don't listen to all the just go 4.0 or SB. If you are like me then you want to do something different. Who wants to have something like everyone else just because its easy to do. Hell my winter project is propane turbo for the 2.9 in my wheelin rig.

 

[jhammel85]

I dont know the first thing or even where to start with the tuning. What all do you think i would need to do to do this? What would i need to make it show some bang for my buck?

Honestly, best bang for your buck would be a 4.0 OHV swap. Tuning of some kind definitely comes with a Turbo / Supercharging.

 

[Daven]

So what would i be looking at doing if i went the way of turbocharging the current 2.9l? Price, parts, where i could get it done, what i could do myself maybe, etc? lol it would be sweet to put a turbo in it, but if its gonna be over a grand i could see me being able to do it. lol And what about "spraying" it? seems like that would be more of a waste if you are taking about Nitrous

 

[Daven]

Honestly, best bang for your buck would be a 4.0 OHV swap. Tuning of some kind definitely comes with a Turbo / Supercharging.

And i see what you mean, but i am kind of leaning away from swaps. It would be sweet and do the job great, but i dont have any engines laying around. So i would have to find a good running one, that will fit, and find a place to do it for my since i dont have any of the stuff to do it. if you guys can help me to figure it out i would love to put a bigger engine in. But i live in a relitivly small city so my best bet would be SGI or a dealership

 

[Hahnsb2]

I would definitely use Megasquirt to run the injectors if I was force feeding a 2.9.

 

[n_grimm]

I won't get into whether it is worth doing or not because that's your business. As mentioned above, a way to tune it ends up being the expensive part but fortunately it can be done in stages somewhat. For instance if you are using it as a learning project, converting to Megasquirt is a good first step. If you build your own you will need a stimulator to test as you go but either way you will probably be into it about $300-500. But you also NEED a wideband to to get the air to fuel right. Once you have it running and are comfortable with the Megasquirt you could move on to turbocharging. In addition to the properly sized turbo, piping, oil feed and return etc, you will need larger injectors, larger high pressure fuel pump, (Walbro 255?) and adjustable boost referenced fuel pressure regulator. I have done several of these projects including a twin turbo 350 sbc blow thru setup and it really isn't that hard if you take it slow. It's the tuning that usually determines if you blow head gaskets etc and maybe more so with these engines.