Unanticipated performance improvement

[mikkelstuff]

I replaced the 3.0L in my 2002 4WD Ranger XLT last summer following a blown head gasket at some 166,000 miles. It would have cost half the price of an engine just to replace the head gasket and timing chain, so went with a Jasper rebuilt engine.

This had been my Dad's truck which I inherited after his passing in 2015. From the first, I found this 3.0L to be a real dog. Oh it would run 80 mph all day long. It just took a while to get up to speed so entering the interstate was a challenge.

So now, with a newly rebuilt 3.0L, I find the performance much improved. This truck will actually accelerate!

This makes me wonder if this original engine might have had head gasket leakage or even a cracked head all along. None the less, it is pleasing to have more power with this 3.0L.

 

[pentode]

I'm on record here saying this a few times - I should start the Vulcan fan club - but the 3.0 is underrated. Sure, you need to wind it up to 4 grand if you really want to move but just gives you a bit of V6 Mustang thrill. Anyway, the redline is at least 4500.

If it got 30MPG I'd be making marriage plans.