Turbo or supercharged minivan.

[85_Ranger4x4]

As long as it bolts to the engine, I'd mod everything else out of the way if possible. I'd stick with the Auto, but everyone knows that Fords auto transmissions are crap.

Once you get out of the RBV/FWD relm their transmissions ain't too bad.

A 4.2 is plenty for a family hauler, it will pass about anything but a gas station.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

either the newer v6 honda minivans that are 200+ hp or a older dodge minivan with a swapped in turbo 4 banger from like a colt or daytona....

 

[Will]

You have to come pretty high with a sleeper these days because you don't know what some of these mundane appearing cars are packing from the factory.

That 4-door Cadillac next to you with the old guy smoking his pipe has a 300hp engine in it. The Escalade one of the moms at our school drives--it has a 403hp, 417ft# engine and it sounds bad-ass when she pulls out into traffic. No mid-sized van or SUV has less than 250hp, unless it's a base model American one. Even those are on their way out. Sleepers were good back when the average car could break 12 seconds 0-60. Now, just because you drive with attitude doesn't mean you are driving a sleeper. That the Acura TL beside you can run 5.8-seconds 0-60, high-14s from the factory with the AC on--and has a dual gate, ratchet shifter--in burl wood grain of course--doesn't occur to the average punk kid. That the driver chooses not to risk his personal freedom just to show you up is another matter altogether.

 

[koda6966]

You have to come pretty high with a sleeper these days because you don't know what some of these mundane appearing cars are packing from the factory.
That 4-door Cadillac next to you with the old guy smoking his pipe has a 300hp engine in it. The Escalade one of the moms at our school drives--it has a 403hp, 417ft# engine and it sounds bad-ass when she pulls out into traffic. No mid-sized van or SUV has less than 250hp, unless it's a base model American one. Even those are on their way out. Sleepers were good back when the average car could break 12 seconds 0-60. Now, just because you drive with attitude doesn't mean you are driving a sleeper. That the Acura TL beside you can run 5.8-seconds 0-60, high-14s from the factory with the AC on--and has a dual gate, ratchet shifter--in burl wood grain of course--doesn't occur to the average punk kid. That the driver chooses not to risk his personal freedom just to show you up is another matter altogether.

That's why I would race other minivans.

I dunno, it was just an idea I was checking out.

 

[Ozwynn]

That's why I would race other minivans.

I dunno, it was just an idea I was checking out.

its been done. I have even read about a minivan V8 swap. you want something unique....... build a long travel minivan that dezertrangerz would be proud of.

 

[koda6966]

its been done. I have even read about a minivan V8 swap. you want something unique....... build a long travel minivan that dezertrangerz would be proud of.

Swap it onto a Ranger frame.

 

[Ozwynn]

I have awd so I was thinking an 8.8 rear and longer CV axles for the front.

 

[Roger]

89 and 90 Chrysler made their minivans with turbos Some were 5 speeds, but most were automatics. Bulletproof hydraulic 3 speed autos. The 4 speed autos in the V6 minivans got the bad rep. The turbos need to be cared for, let them spin down a bit before shutting them down, but they are easily capable of 200+ reliable HP. And are a ton of fun to whip up on ricers with. What I never liked about the early minivans were the lowback bench seats. OK for small kids, but not so good for decent sized people.

Officially, there weren't any Grand Caravans with the turbo motors. But, there are a few in the wild and have had their VINs verified. But, thats a lot more vehicle to drag around with a 4...

 

[koda6966]

I have awd so I was thinking an 8.8 rear and longer CV axles for the front.

But Rangers have semi cheap aftermarket options. And it's only a few inches of a difference.

Once opon a time I wanted to do this.

I have another that's quite a bit better thanks to Hazmat, but the image wasn't in the old thread and I'm too lazy to find it on my computer.

 

[Ozwynn]

But Rangers have semi cheap aftermarket options. And it's only a few inches of a difference.

Once opon a time I wanted to do this.

I have another that's quite a bit better thanks to Hazmat, but the image wasn't in the old thread and I'm too lazy to find it on my computer.

you don't need to use cheesy ranger aftermarket parts......... custom cross over suspension can be built. the problem is being able to open the rear doors with the bigger tires.

 

[koda6966]

you don't need to use cheesy ranger aftermarket parts......... custom cross over suspension can be built. the problem is being able to open the rear doors with the bigger tires.

Now there is something I hadn't thought of.

I could custom fab some brackets to make it like a DeLorean.

 

[TheTopher]

you don't need to use cheesy ranger aftermarket parts......... custom cross over suspension can be built. the problem is being able to open the rear doors with the bigger tires.

Piece of cake, just make sure you lift it so the doors are higher than the tires

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you want to go offroad I think you would be better off starting with an E-Series, they are slightly heavier built than a Windstar.

 

[koda6966]

I don't want a fullsize van, I would want a minivan.

 

[Will]

When I had a VW bus I had a 289 and a Cruise-O-Matic laying around and was contemplating putting that in the middle of the van in a box. The VW bus has a real frame. You would need some way to put the VW chrome moons back on whatever wheels you could find for the rear axle. That would definately be a sleeper. Especially with a quiet exhaust on it.