Hey just got another ranger to the family with a 2.5 with a Manuel grand 2wd blah blah. I'm planning no on dropping a v8 in it but what's the best v8? For year. An f150 5.0? Fox body 5.0? What teams will bolt up to it to keep it Manuel. Just really looking for help what would I all need? Help would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks!

 

Okay sorry for sloppy writing. I just got a manual 2.5 1999 ranger. I'm basically asking what is best for a 5.0 build. I don't want the answer of buy an expo or mountaineer donor car. Would a 5.0 out of f150 or fox-body with the wiring work? i want to keep it manual what is the best trans for this? a t5? ive searched numerous threads only to find get a donor. But whats the best option? I am pretty sure I would need 8.8 rear, blah blah. What 5.0 works best? 95 f150 5.0? please help I have a few days to decide. Much appreciated

 

The best option is to get a donor.... thats why you keep on seeing people saying get a donor...

That being said, you can put any motor you want into it with enough time, money and fabrication skills.

 

F150 intake won't fit, Expo PCM won't play nice without the 4R70W auto behind it till you go the custom tune route. Makes a 'stang SBF 302 very attractive but the wiring and FEAD become fit issues.

A custom tune on a mostly Expo swap is probably the best option, but even then, a working clutch has its own challenges.

A 'stang doner might be the less expensive path and honestly, the forged internals are a great way to go but the POS heads Ford used on most of them will have you wanting Expo heads or after market heads so any savings might vanish.

Lots of options, no perfect solution.

 

Okay thanks, whats the way to go for motor mounts? with the 2.5 to v8 does anyone make or sell motor mounts for these or would regular mounts of an expo or something work? thanks

 

If you want to be unique, just a suggestion, but a 2.3 Turbo motor out of an SVO stang or Thunderbird would fit nicely.