Engine swap:
 

As you can see, I'm new here. My first post was on, "Built Ford Tough" last evening. There I asked about the engine swap and was directed to this forum. Here goes....

My son has a 1994 Ranger with a 6 cyl. He wants to drop a 5.0 into this truck, but he is not sure what would be the best course to take on this. Locally he can purchase a used 5.0 with a T5 Tranny for around $2,000.00. The selection of engines range from 1991 - 1994, the miles on these engines range from 44,000+ to 93,000+. The engines would have the computer, and associated wiring included. If he goes this route he will have a local shop hone the cylinders, replace rings, gaskets, new cam and a few other things done. At a later date he would like to purchase a kit that would include new heads, upper/lower intake and a few other goodies.

Or, should he purchase an engine that is already rebuilt, purchase a long block (new)? What?

My son has about $5,500 - $6,000 to work with at this time. Your expert advise would be greatly appreciated as he and I embark on this adventure together. Also, if you direct us toward a rebuilt, or new engine, your suggestions on where to pursue this would be appreciated.

As questions arise on this endeavour we will seek you guys out for help. As I stated in my previous post, I am not a Ford guy, and by that I mean that my knowledge of your terminology, etc, will be new to me. However, my son is much better versed with Ford, and their products, and their terminology. I am the one here that need educated.

Thanks, guys, looking forward to your help,
Mike

I would go with a rebuilt engine. You can find a core from you local junk yard and rebuilt that or buy one already built.

If you will be adding a power adder later(nitrous, blower, turbo) go with forged pisons. If you won't be adding one hyperutetic will be fine.

Can you do some of the work yourself (ie. install heads, intake, exc.)? If so you can probabley build a strong engine for around $2,000.

www.rangerstation.com has some good information about V-8 swaps.

Go here for all your questions. They have a downloadable manual for $25 that covers everything you'll need to know.

Check out their website, and you'll see what I mean. Below is a picture of one of their 5.0 Rangers. Looks good enough to be factory to me!

Take care,
-Chris

http://www.harwoodperformance.bizlan...e_Right1sm.jpg

Ok, not to discourage you or anything. But....if you've totaled up about what it'll cost to do it, then triple it and add a lil bit more money. And if you've calculated how much time it'll take, multiply that time 6. I am being very serious here, I am not joking, and in the end you'll see I was very close. I just got done with a V8 swap in my S-10. But it's tubbed, and has corbeau seats, the 5 harnesses, all autometer gauges, roll cage, 383 with Trick flow heads trick flow pistons 6" rods , etc.. etc... it'll take a long time, I couldn't imagine putting a Fuel Injected motor in one......that would be even more time consuming, good luck with your project!

I appreciate the responses from you guys. The manual that was mentioned above has been sent for. I'm sure it contains just about anything/everything we will need to know.

About the "hidden time", and "hidden cost", you'r right. My son and I restored a '67 Chevelle together, frame off. Hopefully, from that experience we can avoid some of the pitfalls involved when taking on a project of this magnatude.

With some local folks available for information, the informative manual that is on its way, and with the help of you all, we will see this thing through.

The tough thing right now for my son is deciding which route to take concerning the engine. Again, any more input from you would be greatly appreciated on this decision.

Thanks again,
Mike

I'd say go ahead and get one. They drive better that way. :D

Take care,
-Chris

Just wondering, is it going to be 2x4, or 4x4?

I would go with a low milage engine from a car or how about finding a donor from a v-8 Explorer. Get the complete harness if possible. The pre-93 cars had forged pistons in case you were thinking about a power adder ( nitrous,blower or turbo(s) )in the future. It will be a big undertaking but it definitly can be done. I have a buddy with a Boss 429 ( yes an actual Boss 429 )sitting on a stand in his garage he wants to put in a Ranger, and he claims it will fit no problem.

Is the Ford Explorer not based on the Ranger platform? I wonder how much of the chassis they changed? I would suspect a lot of what is needed could come from an Explorer V-8 donor truck, or a Mercury Mountaineer (which is slightly different from the Explorer in drivetrain.)

Just a thought.

The swap involves a Ranger 2x4.
ATTN: LX5liter. Talk to your friend that want's to do the engine swap in his ranger about RangerPowerSports.com. Great place for ranger chatting!!:D

Swap
 

First, check this site:

http://www.kaufmannproducts.com/

Complete Explorer engine would be good swap -
already has the P (as in GT-40P) heads and
good intake, equal to Cobra intake, all you
might want to add would be a better cam, the
stocker is smaller than a stock HO 302 Mustang.

check these sites for retrofit stand alone mass air:

http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/
http://www.swcp.com/~dilts/mustangs/...e/efi_conv.htm
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...6&lastcat=2430
http://classicbroncos.com/webmap/Engine/Fuel_Injection/
http://www.windsor-fox.com
http://www.painlesswiring.com