v6 weak

[josh-the-ranger]

i have the 2.8 in my ranger 4wd. it seems pretty weak, im lucky if i can hit 60 on the highway. would pulling the emmisions and new exhaust help significantly?

 

[baddis]

pulling the emissions is against federal law. you might start with a good tune up. and also you didn't state the gear ratio or tire size that could also limit power.

 

[Stumpy]

Gear ratio vs. tire size is very important.

Increasing (numerically) the ratio of your gears will have a huge effect over minor engine modifications.

 

[josh-the-ranger]

..

i wont pull emmisions just put a manual carb on, i heard a 2 barrel off a 360 works? my tires are 31x10.50 bfg all terrains. stock gearing as far as i know, i dont know how to check the gear ratio..

how much would it cost to gear it down a little?

btw its a 5 speed manual

 

[baddis]

i would look in the local yards to find the gears already set up to minimize cost i am running 31x10.50 and 4.10 gears and have no lack of power with an auto.

 

[Stumpy]

There should be a tag on the differential cover on the rear axle that will have the ratio on it, or you can look on the inside of the drivers side door for the axle code.

Use this for reference...
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html


Stock can range anywhere from 3.08 to 4.10, it's helpful if we know what ratio you have, especially for 31x10.5's.
I have 3.45 gearing with 31's and my 2.9 is a dog, if your tires are too big for your gearing the only other option would be to drop in another bigger motor (i.e. 5.0L), little performance mods won't make much difference.

 

[fastpakr]

I would seriously consider a Duraspark conversion on this as well as a small Motorcraft 2150 carb. Try to keep at least the smog pump if possible.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would seriously consider a Duraspark conversion on this as well as a small Motorcraft 2150 carb. Try to keep at least the smog pump if possible.

+1

Just pulling the stock carb will mess with the stock ignition as well.

 

[josh-the-ranger]

.

i just went and looked, i have 3 73 gears. should i get 4.10 gearing?

 

[jeffcv33]

dude. 3.73 gearing should pull 31's easy. you might want to look elsewhere rather than gears

 

[josh-the-ranger]

exhaust

could this be part of the problem?

 

[fastpakr]

Are you talking about the factory crimp in the manifold pipe?

 

[josh-the-ranger]

y

yeah it looks kinda restricting

 

[fastpakr]

Perhaps a little, but the engine runs just fine (even with that) as long as everything is performing as it was designed. Duraspark and non feedback carb along with a good tuneup should be your first stop. Once you're sure everything is up to factory standards and aren't satisfied, then it makes more sense to look at your remaining options.

 

[Will]

Could start with a compression test and make sure the motor is sealing.