What doner car to use?

[Shaker75]

Hey everyone, new to the site and was wondering about replacing the 3.0 in my 94 ranger. Can anyone tell me what other ford or mazda vehicles can be used as a doner engine. Just blew mine and was looking for a quick replacement. I have a 1996 ford taurus available to me with the 3.0 V6 in it. I was wondering if this motor can be used or not. Are the mounts the only issue? Has anyone attempted this. Please let me know

 

[Muddycowboy]

isnt the taurus front wheel drive

 

[Shaker75]

yes it is front wheel. I was just reading another thread that had areply saying the tuarus motor will fit. It just needs a different head gasket to redirect coolant flow. I am still wondering if the 1996 motor will be an issue if plut into a 1994 ranger. Also, if the mount location on the block where the ranger mounts are supose to go, are drilled and tapped already on the taurus block?

 

[Muddycowboy]

not real sure but your in the right place to find out good luck with it

 

[Shaker75]

I can buy the engine for $100 but i need to know soon before this guy sells the whole car. Im hoping it will work out. Any info would be great and thanx again.

 

[wanebell]

Shaker;

Yes, the 3.0 motor from a 96 Taurus will fit. You will need to install the Ranger head gaskets and also install the intake manifold, distributor, and front dress from your truck. The Ranger motor mounts will bolt to the Taurus block without modifications. If your truck is a manual, you will also need to install the fly wheel and clutch.

 

[Shaker75]

Thanks to everyone for there replies. I was under the impression that it would fit but wanted a second opinion. I will let you guys know how the replacement goes just as soon as I get the donor motor home.

 

[Shaker75]

No go on the motor guys. I went to see it today and am pretty certain that the car is stolen and Im not about to take part in that. Plus the motor had 156k and not the 100k that I was told. So the search continues.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

3.0's are one of fords most prolific engines, you shouldnt have too much trouble finding one. have you checked local junk yards?

what exactly is wrong with your current motor? this will have an effect on what donors you can use. if the entire engine dress (accessories, brackets, dizzy, intake and exhaust mani's, sensors and wiring) is OK, then you can use just about any 3.0 from any year...you just have to keep all your original components.

 

[Shaker75]

Good news, it turns out that I have had a 1993 taurus wagon on the back property of my shop. It belongs to one of my machinists. He said to just take whatever I want cuz the auto tranny is shot but te motor runs great and only has 100,875miles on it. Hopefully this will work out.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

sounds good.

lut us know if you run into any problems during the swap.

and dont forget you need to change the head gaskets to RWD ones or else you'll have overheating problems.

 

[Shaker75]

Question, what do I need to put on my newly used motor to have it work with my manual tranny? It had a auto tranny attached to it originally. Do I just need to swap my flywheel and clutch assembley and call it a day or is there more to it?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

nope, just the flywheel and clutch and you'll be ready to cook.

 

[funkingonutz]

someone on here told me once that the computer from the ranger, wont "play" well with the taurus motor.......just something i heard....because i was going to swap my ranger (1995) motor for a taurus(1995) motor, and i decided not to because of the computer issue.

 

[bobbywalter]

use the ranger intake and engine controls/sensors and its fine.