Young guy looking to buy

[SlimJim5608]

Hey everyone,

I'm 17 and going to basic training next summer but before I go, I gotta own my own 1985 Ford Ranger.
I want to V8 swap it with 5.0L 302. My knowledge is limited. I tore into a small block chevy when I was 15 and did an engine swap with some friends.

I have about 1200 saved up now and should have about 10,000 by the end of summer. I guess my questions are...
How much am I looking at to build this myself vs having a shop do it for me?
Are the parts going to be hard to find?
what year ford 5.0L(4.9) 302 are easiest todo my build with? and what Cars?

Any input on the topic of '85 rangers would be awesome, I'm in the dark here. Thank you all so much!

 

[djfllmn]

does it have to be an 85 or are you open to other years? The early rangers are becoming few and far between, especially here in the northeast due to salt

 

[SlimJim5608]

Yes I am open to other years, I started with 1985 because I did Specifically want that year S10 but those are even harder to find. I'm comfortable with one from the 80s-2000.

 

[djfllmn]

i have not done the swap but the general consensus is that if you can find a doner 5.0 explorer to get that

 

[SlimJim5608]

Does the Year matter?

 

[Blmpkn]

Do the right thing and put an LS in it.

 

[djfllmn]

Does the Year matter?

they only put the 5.0s in from 95-01

 

[SlimJim5608]

Do the right thing and put an LS in it.

sounds like dad lol

 

[SlimJim5608]

they only put the 5.0s in from 95-01

thats what I saw after looking it up. Thank you

 

[Blmpkn]

sounds like dad lol

It's a far better motor than a pushrod Ford 5.0 in terms of... literally everything. Even the smallest LS (4.8) makes nearly 30% more HP than a 5.0 expo..

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So I am going to move this to the engine swaps…

Also, the carbureted (or better yet something like the Holley Sniper) 5.0 is the simplest for an 83-85 and still simple up to 88.

Modern power plant? 2.3l Ecoboost. That will stomp a 5.0 if you put a little work into it. It pains me to say that in a way, but it’s the long and short of it.