V8 Swap prep questions

[djschick88]

Im about to start the v8 swap on my ranger. My little 2.3 has been a good motor until last monday when a knock started and i checked the radiator fluid and there was none in there.

I have a 1995 XLT 2wd 5speed.

Im wondering if getting a 5.0 from the 93-97 years would be best?

Also i would like to keep it a manual what type of transmission should i get?

Explorer or mustand engine any preferences?

I hope to start in the next month after i gather all the parts.

Thanks DJ

 

[RangerSVT]

Your best bet is to get an explorer engine, 97+ you get the GT40P heads, compact accessory drive system, and the correct oil pan. You WILL need a harness from a mustang, 89-93 is most desired and has the fewest wired to splice. Unless you transplant the ENTIRE harness from the explorer, the explorer engine harness alone will not work, its not a plug and play system. On a good note, take PIN 8 from C214 and plug it into PIN 16 on C216 (the Big connector)on your instrument cluster, this will allow your factory tachometer to work correctly with the V8 engine. For manual trans, T-5 would handle power the best, but will have to make mods for shifter and clutch hookups, a M5ODr2 from an 97+ 4.2L V6 F150 I believe is a 100% bolt in swap
SVT

 

[Spdrcer34]

The Explorer motor does not have the correct oil pan for his `95 Ranger. But everything else is correct. Look for a 97 or 97.5 Explorer motor. They had a Return Fuel system, they had the better heads, and they had no PATS to deal with.

Ryan

 

[alaskan155]

the 95 has the same dash/heating system, so it matches the 95-01 explorers.

so with a dual sump pan, and engine mounts he could always tranfer the complete dash wiring, gauge cluster, and steering column from a 95-01 explorer and add thing such as the pats system, advanced airbags(98+) etc.

this is assuming he is getting a complete donor to work with.
thats 1 option and the hardest

2nd option
explorer motor and spice all the wiring into existing dash harness

3rd option
explorer/mustang 5.0 motor with mustang wiring harness.

considerations for your state for smog
does the motor have to be from a new vehicle with the newer vehicle emissions still intact.(option 1 would make it look factory, along with 2 or 3 if done right)
is the swap legal for your state?

some ideas, there are plenty other ways/options

 

[djschick88]

Well i think the engine has to be the same year or newer. My truck doesn't have a tachometer so would i have to worry about doing the splicing for the tach?

"PIN 8 from C214 and plug it into PIN 16 on C216 (the Big connector)on your instrument cluster, this will allow your factory tachometer to work correctly with the V8 engine"

And i wasn't planning on getting a donor vehicle but if it is better i could scrounge around for one.

So it sounds like i need a 97' explorer 5.0 with a mustang harness of the same year?

And is there some kind of splicing diagram for this swap i could look over?

Thanks for the help so far i really appreciate it i need all the help i can get!!

 

[RangerSVT]

Well i think the engine has to be the same year or newer. My truck doesn't have a tachometer so would i have to worry about doing the splicing for the tach?

"PIN 8 from C214 and plug it into PIN 16 on C216 (the Big connector)on your instrument cluster, this will allow your factory tachometer to work correctly with the V8 engine"

And i wasn't planning on getting a donor vehicle but if it is better i could scrounge around for one.

So it sounds like i need a 97' explorer 5.0 with a mustang harness of the same year?

And is there some kind of splicing diagram for this swap i could look over?

Thanks for the help so far i really appreciate it i need all the help i can get!!

It doesn't matter on the year, this is just if you want your factory tach to work correctly, it is not required, nor is the tach hookup required to the instrument cluster
SVT

 

[Mac]

Well i think the engine has to be the same year or newer. My truck doesn't have a tachometer so would i have to worry about doing the splicing for the tach?

"PIN 8 from C214 and plug it into PIN 16 on C216 (the Big connector)on your instrument cluster, this will allow your factory tachometer to work correctly with the V8 engine"

And i wasn't planning on getting a donor vehicle but if it is better i could scrounge around for one.

So it sounds like i need a 97' explorer 5.0 with a mustang harness of the same year?

And is there some kind of splicing diagram for this swap i could look over?

Thanks for the help so far i really appreciate it i need all the help i can get!!

I'd first of all find out the exact inspection requirements in your county. There have been several from Texas doing the swap. Not need to get a complete donor if you are just going to use the Explorer motor and then the '93' Mustang harness/computer. There is a swap manual put out by Matt Harwood (down-loadable) that has helped a lot of people. Those hints on how to get the tach to work only apply with an Explorer.
Dave

 

[Teddyzee]

Any EFI HO engine out of a Mustang or Mark VII. Or an Explorer.
The cars have a higher power rating stock, the Ehas more potential in the heads, so it depends on your goals which is best.

The last 5.0 Cougars, '94/'95 Mustang and the 5.0 Explorers all have the shortest front accessories, which give you more room in the engine bay. But do some more reading, they are not a necessity.

The T-5 swap is easy, just needs a simple setup for the clutch slave.

Buy the Harwood manual for your truck. Lot's of wiring info available at www.fordfuelinjection.com for whatever Mustang harness you use. ('86-to-'93 are most common)

You may not need that Tach info, but that is correct for '95 and later Rangers as well. I did it to mine.

 

[djschick88]

Well thanks ill have to look into all of this and do some MORE reading. I just want to know everything there is before i try to do the swap. I guess i need to start trying to sell the 2.3 and trans.

Thanks for the help and if there is still anything i need to know please let me know.

-DJ

 

[RangerSVT]

Post up your research, ideas, and plans for your swap. We can guide you if you happen to have any troubles or have questions in particular
SVT