8-Cylinder Tech If you are one of the few with a V8 engine in your Ranger, or if you dream of a Ranger with a V8 engine, this is the sub-forum for you.

97 ranger v8 swap !help!

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Old 05-20-2012
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97 ranger v8 swap !help!

Hey guys I'm trying to learn alittle more about v8 swaps I recently sunk my truck to the windows and blew my motor I had a 4.0 in it and I plan on putting the 302 in it. What do I need to know to do it. like do I need to match years like 90s 302 to match the trannys or do I have to get a whole different tranny. Any information on the swap is highly appreciated I pulled my motor out and is ready for a v8
 
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Old 05-20-2012
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Have you tried using the search function on the site?
there are many threads about this

Here is a link to help

https://www.ranger-forums.com/search...archid=4801695
 
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Old 05-20-2012
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I kinda wanted to get opinions from people on my specific post but I will definately look on the site thanks man
 
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Old 05-20-2012
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Search feature here will yield lots of information.... Scroll thru this section and you will find my thread 96 5.0 swap. A complete similar year Expo or Mountaineer will be the easiest and most cost effective way to get you into a 5.0.
 
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Old 05-20-2012
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Ok thanks just trying to see easy ways or tricks or if its even the right motor to put in it I know about the search topics just seeing for myself
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Honestly, I would shove a Modular 4.6 into it. They are literally a dime a dozen, yield better gas mileage, and can be tuned to chuck out some pretty decent power.

**Plus, it'll be a direct bolt-up to the M5OD transmission if you're already running an OEM manual.**
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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I like borden123's answer because the modular motor is not as wide as the 302. Just make sure that you get all the wiring, computers and stuff that comes with the donor engine if you are not going to go old school.
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by borden123
Honestly, I would shove a Modular 4.6 into it. They are literally a dime a dozen, yield better gas mileage, and can be tuned to chuck out some pretty decent power.

**Plus, it'll be a direct bolt-up to the M5OD transmission if you're already running an OEM manual.**
Any modular ford is far from a drop in affair, you'd have to chop up your frame and tube it.
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by meistreguy
I like borden123's answer because the modular motor is not as wide as the 302. Just make sure that you get all the wiring, computers and stuff that comes with the donor engine if you are not going to go old school.
The 4.6 is a lot wider than a 5.0 and like previously said its far from a drop in and would require serious modifications and fab work. That and the fact that a mod motor cost twice as much to build.
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by bfd's_ranger
Any modular ford is far from a drop in affair, you'd have to chop up your frame and tube it.
Actually, one does not need to modify or chop up the firewall, frame, or suspension. Here's the website of a guy who's actually done the swap -- http://www.cardomain.com/ride/205226...er-regular-cab
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by Topdog2007
The 4.6 is a lot wider than a 5.0 and like previously said its far from a drop in and would require serious modifications and fab work. That and the fact that a mod motor cost twice as much to build.
Twice as much? Yeah, I don't think so. Hot Rod Magazine did a complete 4.6 build for $2,298 and cranked out 592hp and 640lb-ft of torque -- http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...8/viewall.html
 

Last edited by borden123; 05-22-2012 at 10:44 AM.
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Old 05-22-2012
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Did you read the article? That's not a built motor..junk yard motor with an EBay turbo. Built in my book means bored and stroked motor, cams, forged internals, aftermarket heads, intake and ect. Which will cost twice as much as a 5.0.
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by borden123
Actually, one does not need to modify or chop up the firewall, frame, or suspension. Here's the website of a guy who's actually done the swap -- http://www.cardomain.com/ride/205226...er-regular-cab
One of the guys on her threw one in his rig and he had to do some serious work to get to fit.
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by Topdog2007
Did you read the article? That's not a built motor..junk yard motor with an EBay turbo. Built in my book means bored and stroked motor, cams, forged internals, aftermarket heads, intake and ect. Which will cost twice as much as a 5.0.
Sure, but all of that work isn't necessary.
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by bfd's_ranger
One of the guys on her threw one in his rig and he had to do some serious work to get to fit.
I guess it all depends on the generation. What year was his?
 
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Old 05-22-2012
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Originally Posted by borden123
I guess it all depends on the generation. What year was his?
Nvm he used a 5.4, which is slightly larger. But the 4.6 will still be a very tight fit, and the electrical work is far from being as straight forward as the 5.0.
 
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Old 05-23-2012
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Originally Posted by bfd's_ranger
Nvm he used a 5.4, which is slightly larger. But the 4.6 will still be a very tight fit, and the electrical work is far from being as straight forward as the 5.0.
True, true....but it's worth it in my mind.
 
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Old 05-24-2012
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borden123 it sounds like you have no context or insiteful information to be given in the v8 forum........
 
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Old 05-24-2012
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Ok I need some help I can't start a question or thread can you help me so I can do something thanks
 
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Old 05-24-2012
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Post 85 ranger 2.3 auto

I'm not sure if this is right but here goes. -- 85 ranger 2.3 EFI auto – had problems with harness & ignition wiring -- 3 corroded wires -- 4 broken --resolved that – had skip that wouldn’t go away – changed plugs from Bosh to Autolite -- resolved that – had trouble timing it cause the bracket wouldn’t settle down properly – distributor had moved – it appears ok now but not sure—will check again – problem now is when is gets warm it appears to misfires dies down when cruising --- have to put my foot into it to make it go – then ok for a couple of minutes then dies down like a flat spot – similar to starving for gas but have check fuel pressure ok – have had similar problems before on other vehicles and it was the TPS but it would show up on analyzer --- nothing shows on it -- but the emissions lite on dash glows faintly but can’t find any problems on analyzer. Need some sugestions here. Thanks
 
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Old 05-24-2012
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Originally Posted by BCSupertrucks
borden123 it sounds like you have no context or insiteful information to be given in the v8 forum........
I guess that's your opinion, and I believe that I have plenty of "insightful information" to offer.
 
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