what would you do?

[stevealvey24]

Im looking at getting a 1995 Ford Ranger single cab short bed. I'm thinking 2.3 turbo swap, but 5.0 with a b303 cam and goodys is sounding really good what do you guys think?

 

[CHKNFKR]

There's no replacement for displacement!

 

[stevealvey24]

Okay another question. I'm brainstorming i guess tonight. What about in my Ranger '86 4x4. What about a 302 roller block with edelbrock intake, aod, 4.10's (currently in truck) and 235/75's. Think it would get okay gas mileage? CArbuerator and all.

 

[Rose2300]

go with a v8 if you consider 15-16 mpgs good. go with a 2.3t. they can be built to be faster than rangers with 302s, and then they get great gas mileage when you're not driving it hard, like 20-25 mpg

 

[adsm08]

go with a v8 if you consider 15-16 mpgs good.

Properly tuned EFI 5.0 can get 25 or more in a Ranger.

 

[stevealvey24]

I'm know thinkin 302 swap in my 4x4. Carbed, aod, msd 6al, keep air conditioning, electric fan, performer intake, keep electric pump with fuel pressure regulator. Sound like a good setup? With a .67 final overdrive and around 29 inch tall tire it'll turn about 1800 or so at 55. I think it'd be a good daily driver.

 

[Rose2300]

Properly tuned EFI 5.0 can get 25 or more in a Ranger.

be real a 4x4 ranger will never get more than 17 mpg's on a good day, and all highway. especially if he wants to go carbed

 

[stevealvey24]

I'm not worried about out of this world gas milage. 16-17 is fine. I've never owned anything with that good a gas mileage. My ranger probably gets 15 or so cuz it turns almost 2500 at 55. I want driveability. Can a carbed motor be built with electric choke to run decent.cold. No stalling I mean.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Okay another question. I'm brainstorming i guess tonight. What about in my Ranger '86 4x4. What about a 302 roller block with edelbrock intake, aod, 4.10's (currently in truck) and 235/75's. Think it would get okay gas mileage? CArbuerator and all.

You would get better milage if you kept the roller 5.0 injected, and given that your truck is already likely set up for it, it may be easier. Converting your truck and engine to carb or just hooking up a couple wires and a fuel line.

go with a v8 if you consider 15-16 mpgs good. go with a 2.3t. they can be built to be faster than rangers with 302s, and then they get great gas mileage when you're not driving it hard, like 20-25 mpg

Depends greatly on the 302... you can put boost to a 5.0 as well. To the other end of the spectrum a 5.0 has a very broad powerband compared to a turboed 4cyl for offroading.

 

[stevealvey24]

Really truthfully wanting to stray away from fuel injection. I can build a mean motor. Can time em real good. But never messed with electric chokes. My 1978 f100 is a freakin great.truck. sometimes a mother when its cold but it runs like a top. I say roller motor becuase I wanna use a comp came magnum cam, .480 lift, 1200-5000 rpm band. Also never messed with ac on a carbed motor. How does that work?

 

[Rose2300]

Depends greatly on the 302... you can put boost to a 5.0 as well. To the other end of the spectrum a 5.0 has a very broad powerband compared to a turboed 4cyl for offroading.

The only reason i suggested it was because the OP said he was thinking about buying a 95 2.3 single cab.



That being said, if you're just gonna put a new engine in your current truck, go with the 302.

 

[trail B2]

Me personally I would run the turbo 2300 in a reg cab 2x like rose 2300.A 4x extra cab or what ever need that low power 5.0 fuel injection is worth the work to me.

 

[Rose2300]

^^^
That's a great way to sum it up

 

[Teddyzee]

I see you have a few Windsors... I would choose whichever engine you are more interested in. I've been in a Turbo 4 Ranger, quite impressive- but not something I'm interested in building.

FWIW, when my truck had a stock 5.0 HO EFI, it got 25MPG easy, that's better than any V6 Ranger. (3.55 gears, T5)

A good performing 4bbl will still be quite efficient, and will make your 4x4 fun!

 

[stevealvey24]

You would get better milage if you kept the roller 5.0 injected, and given that your truck is already likely set up for it, it may be easier. Converting your truck and engine to carb or just hooking up a couple wires and a fuel line.

Whats to really convert? Cut existing fuel line add barb adapter fitting. Fuel pressure regulator with return line and regulate to 6.5-7 psi?