V8 swap with Thunderbird 5.0

[Rangernewbie69]

Hello,

I have a 3.0 in a 2000 Ranger XLT 2WD 5sp, and wish to put in a 5.0. Since I want to rebuild the engine myself, I went to the local junkyard and looked for a V8. There were several to choose from, explorers to mustang to thunderbird. So long an short I was interested in the Tbird engine and wanted to keep a manual transmission. I have been reading numerous posts and I seem to become a little more confused by the moment, so instead of traipsing down a problem after problem path, I am turning to you experts for help. So I wish to know what is involved in using the Tbird 5.0 EFI and manual transmission. Help please.

 

[Mac]

Welcome! Best to post questions like this down in the great V-8 swap section. What year TB? I'd have gone with the Explorer for the better heads, intake, TB, the short front dress and the wiring/computer that is more compatable with your trucks wiring. Most common trans with a 4x2 would be the T-5 trans, V-8 model.
Dave

 

[Rangernewbie69]

Tbird engine 1992

Dave, thanks for the quick reply, the Tbird engine is circa 1992. Do you think there will be an issue with it? I am not sure on the dimension differences between it and a newer explorer model, but planned on upgrading the heads guides/rollers etc,. I am not totally sold on the Tbird one, just seemed to "have all the brackets/hardware attached. If I go with it, do I need the comp from the Tbird or can I use one from a newer model??

 

[Snoranger]

The 92 T-Bird uses the short accessories that came on the 94-95 Stang. It's not as short as the Explorer, but its better then the Fox and Truck accessories.

 

[Mac]

Main difference between the two difference computers and wiring is OBD1 or OBD2. The Explorer is basically a bolt/swap right in with minor splicing required. Staying with the TB computer and wiring has been done many times but involves more wiring/spicing. If you go with the later computer and the TB motor, you have to change several of the motor sensors and change from a dist. to coil packs, among other items. No difference at all in the motor dimensions from '62' to the 2000.
Dave

 

[Rangernewbie69]

Tbird sensors

Ok, so the explorer engine seems the way to go then, you mentioned sensors, since I was having the block and heads dipped, resealed, does that really matter on the engine type or is it just a lot of changes to make it work using the Tbird and newer computer? Sorry to ask, and thanks for your help

 

[bobbywalter]

consider a ls engine?


if you want a regular type 302, best bet is to buy a reman longblock.

 

[Rangernewbie69]

LS?

Wait, so there is a core difference in the 302's. I thought aside from the EFI and computer driving it they were essentially the same. So what is an ls? And please forgive my ignorance here.

 

[Mac]

Bobby likes the LS engine, it's a Cheby.
Dave

 

[Rangernewbie69]

LS

Ah ok, yes they are in abundance.
And very cheap. lol
Ok, so I believe this is my last question for now.
If I get the Tbird engine, redo the block, heads etc, could I put on a newer tech EFI with accompanying comp system and make it work? Or does the comp control everything electronic ?? Sorry, and thanks guys for your help.

 

[Scrambler82]

If I get the Tbird engine, redo the block, heads etc, could I put on a newer tech EFI with accompanying comp system and make it work? Or does the comp control everything electronic ?? Sorry, and thanks guys for your help.

Yes IF the engine is build around EFI.
Cam is a little different, lope separation is different.

 

[Mac]

No problem using the TB motor and freshen heads and then using the Explorer computer and engine wiring. Just a simple matter of replacing your existing 3.0 engine harness with the Explorer one and maybe a couple of splices but only in the engine compartment.
Dave