V8 or another 3.0????

[jarfly]

Okey I most likey will be gettin a 97 single cab that has been lifed with 33's onley bad thing is engine spun a rod bearing. So last night I was thinkin I got a 89 f150 with a perfect 5.0/auto doin nothing but sitin and rusting out. So what kind of job would it be to drop the 5.0/auto down in a 97? and would I possible get better mpg with the 5.0 then the 3.0 with it being lifed and stuff?

 

[Scrambler82]

V-8

 

[Mac]

You sure picked the wrong forum to ask that question in!!!!!!! You know you want the V-8. Keep the 5.0L mild and don't worry about the gas mileage.
Dave of the Nord

 

[BlueChariot]

In reality I would agree, go V8. But...

Everyone does it, so if I had the pockets full of dough and the time/means, I'd build a 3.0 to be the best engine it could be. I don't think I've come accross a fully built 3.0 on here yet. That way you wouldn't be just another V8 stuff Ranger (not that I'm implying that thats bad in any way)

 

[jarfly]

In reality I would agree, go V8. But...

Everyone does it, so if I had the pockets full of dough and the time/means, I'd build a 3.0 to be the best engine it could be. I don't think I've come accross a fully built 3.0 on here yet. That way you wouldn't be just another V8 stuff Ranger (not that I'm implying that thats bad in any way)

Reson for wanting the 5.0 is I all ready have it and a good auto(blah) trans sittin. and I would have to wait a bit to find a 3.0..Okey I know mustang headers is needed but what about wireing?

 

[BlueChariot]

Well, youd did ask

I'd do the same in your shoes, money reasons and all. Nix that auto trans though lol

 

[Scrambler82]

There is nothing that replaces a V-8; the sound, the feel, the performance.

Go with the V-8 you will not regret it.

IMHO… a built V-6 3.0L is what it is a built 3.0L, no sound, no where near the build up possibilities.

Gas Mileage… when I did my ’88 Ranger/93 Stang 5.0L, a while ago, the gas mileage ended up the same; nothing to brag about but not too bad.

 

[BlueChariot]

There is nothing that replaces a V-8; the sound, the feel, the performance.

IMHO… a built V-6 3.0L is what it is a built 3.0L, no sound, no where near the build up possibilities.

I respect your view here and I love V8's, but I see the "V8's are the end-all be-all engine" point of view about the same way that I view people who are fanatical about only one car manufacturer. It's a bit close minded. Not saying that you are, just putting my 2 cents in.

Also a note to people who ascribe to the displacement=power view, also has some truth but compare some european engines of half the size of some tride and true American ones and you'll see a big difference. Which kind of makes me sad, really.

In a world full of a massive list of configurations of engine and cylinder numbers, to say one engine type is the cream of a VERY large crop just seems odd to me.

No offense meant to anyone, just voicing my own views here.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

For a dd application, poke another 3.0 in and go.

For a toy, go with something that has an aftermarket unless you want to homebrew parts. For a Ford, that that puts you either with a 2.3T or a 5.0 almost by default.

Sure another 3.0 putting out the power a 302 is capible of would be cool, but will cost much more than a comparable 302... especially considering he already has a 5.0 and matching trans.

 

[BlueChariot]

Completely agree with you. I just felt that since I knew the overwhelming answer, and the obvious financial solution would be "go 302 V8" I just wanted to put a word in edge wise for the reliable little 3.0, mine was bone stock, never rebuilt, had 255xxx miles on it when I sold it and was fun to drive.

 

[5.0]

.

Also consider the transmission and t-case he will be using with the 302... it's much better than whatever the 3.0 has.

I'm swapping in a stock Crown Vic 5.0 in my '93 Ranger. Power isn't the main reason why, but rather that I feel the 5.0 and AOD combo is much more reliable than the 4.0 and the junk auto it came with.


.

 

[hoosier1104]

Swap in the 302 and NEVER LOOK BACK.

 

[jarfly]

Still debaitin on this...Have been doing a lot of reading and still stumped on the wireing. So if anyone has a wireing a 5.0 in to a 97 3.0 ranger for tards I would love to read it. lol Biggest reson im prolly goin to go 5.0 is I got it and I refuse to pay 700 bucks for a friggin v6. damn them little engines is higher than a cat's ass. lol

 

[koda6966]

Do the V8. The 3.0 sucks for power.

Trust me, I know.

 

[hoosier1104]

I had a 3.0 with 148 hp and now I have a 5.0 with about 220 hp. Does that clears up for you? The only bolt on is Torque Monster headers. Worth every cent.