3.0 to 302 swap
#1
02-07-2019
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Fort wainwright, AK
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3.0 to 302 swap
Hey guys I’m trying to plan a swap from my 3.0L to a 302. I currently have an automatic transmission but I want to switch to a manual with the 302 and a carbureted intake. I’m goin to change the fuel pump to a mechanical one as well. My question is do I need to find a different ECU or do I even need an ECU once I put that motor in. Also will I need an ignition box with the distributor in order to crank the truck. It is a 2000 ranger XL extended cab 4x4.
#2
02-07-2019
Welcome to the forum
With a carb and manual trans you won't need the PCM(ECU)
Best setup for spark is the HEI distributor, yes, Chevy made HEI, one of their better ideas, lol, but you can get HEI setup for Ford 302, basically you hook up 1 wire to it with 12v key on power and thats it, self contained system, it does use vacuum advance
You can add a second wire for tachometer, 2000 Ranger instrument cluster Tach should be able to be made to work with V8
HEI distributors come with and without Tach hook up, so pick the one you want
You will want an M5OD-R2(M5R2) manual transmission and transfer case from a 1997-2003 F-150 with a 4.2l V6 engine, the 4.2l V6 in those years has same bell housing pattern as the 302/5.0l
You can use the Ranger transfer case but it will fail with V8 torque over time, totally a users choice thing
And the 1997-2003 M5R2 has shifter in about the same place as the M5R1 found in Rangers, so matches up pretty well
In 2000 Ranger the rear axle ABS sensor did double duty, it was also hooked to the GEM Module, behind the radio, and it converted the ABS signal to speedometer and cruise control speed signal
GEM module runs the cab electrics so it will stay as is
The Rangers 8.8" rear axle can handle the V8 torque just fine
You will need to do some plumbing in the gas tank to switch to mechanical fuel pump, you will need to remove in tank fuel pump and put in a solid lift hose with "sock"(filter).
Prime the mechanical pump so it can start a siphon to lift fuel over the top of the tank, don't run out of gas, lol, or you will have to prime pump again
With a carb and manual trans you won't need the PCM(ECU)
Best setup for spark is the HEI distributor, yes, Chevy made HEI, one of their better ideas, lol, but you can get HEI setup for Ford 302, basically you hook up 1 wire to it with 12v key on power and thats it, self contained system, it does use vacuum advance
You can add a second wire for tachometer, 2000 Ranger instrument cluster Tach should be able to be made to work with V8
HEI distributors come with and without Tach hook up, so pick the one you want
You will want an M5OD-R2(M5R2) manual transmission and transfer case from a 1997-2003 F-150 with a 4.2l V6 engine, the 4.2l V6 in those years has same bell housing pattern as the 302/5.0l
You can use the Ranger transfer case but it will fail with V8 torque over time, totally a users choice thing
And the 1997-2003 M5R2 has shifter in about the same place as the M5R1 found in Rangers, so matches up pretty well
In 2000 Ranger the rear axle ABS sensor did double duty, it was also hooked to the GEM Module, behind the radio, and it converted the ABS signal to speedometer and cruise control speed signal
GEM module runs the cab electrics so it will stay as is
The Rangers 8.8" rear axle can handle the V8 torque just fine
You will need to do some plumbing in the gas tank to switch to mechanical fuel pump, you will need to remove in tank fuel pump and put in a solid lift hose with "sock"(filter).
Prime the mechanical pump so it can start a siphon to lift fuel over the top of the tank, don't run out of gas, lol, or you will have to prime pump again
#3
02-07-2019
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Fort wainwright, AK
Posts: 3
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Welcome to the forum
With a carb and manual trans you won't need the PCM(ECU)
Best setup for spark is the HEI distributor, yes, Chevy made HEI, one of their better ideas, lol, but you can get HEI setup for Ford 302, basically you hook up 1 wire to it with 12v key on power and thats it, self contained system, it does use vacuum advance
You can add a second wire for tachometer, 2000 Ranger instrument cluster Tach should be able to be made to work with V8
HEI distributors come with and without Tach hook up, so pick the one you want
You will want an M5OD-R2(M5R2) manual transmission and transfer case from a 1997-2003 F-150 with a 4.2l V6 engine, the 4.2l V6 in those years has same bell housing pattern as the 302/5.0l
You can use the Ranger transfer case but it will fail with V8 torque over time, totally a users choice thing
And the 1997-2003 M5R2 has shifter in about the same place as the M5R1 found in Rangers, so matches up pretty well
In 2000 Ranger the rear axle ABS sensor did double duty, it was also hooked to the GEM Module, behind the radio, and it converted the ABS signal to speedometer and cruise control speed signal
GEM module runs the cab electrics so it will stay as is
The Rangers 8.8" rear axle can handle the V8 torque just fine
You will need to do some plumbing in the gas tank to switch to mechanical fuel pump, you will need to remove in tank fuel pump and put in a solid lift hose with "sock"(filter).
Prime the mechanical pump so it can start a siphon to lift fuel over the top of the tank, don't run out of gas, lol, or you will have to prime pump again
With a carb and manual trans you won't need the PCM(ECU)
Best setup for spark is the HEI distributor, yes, Chevy made HEI, one of their better ideas, lol, but you can get HEI setup for Ford 302, basically you hook up 1 wire to it with 12v key on power and thats it, self contained system, it does use vacuum advance
You can add a second wire for tachometer, 2000 Ranger instrument cluster Tach should be able to be made to work with V8
HEI distributors come with and without Tach hook up, so pick the one you want
You will want an M5OD-R2(M5R2) manual transmission and transfer case from a 1997-2003 F-150 with a 4.2l V6 engine, the 4.2l V6 in those years has same bell housing pattern as the 302/5.0l
You can use the Ranger transfer case but it will fail with V8 torque over time, totally a users choice thing
And the 1997-2003 M5R2 has shifter in about the same place as the M5R1 found in Rangers, so matches up pretty well
In 2000 Ranger the rear axle ABS sensor did double duty, it was also hooked to the GEM Module, behind the radio, and it converted the ABS signal to speedometer and cruise control speed signal
GEM module runs the cab electrics so it will stay as is
The Rangers 8.8" rear axle can handle the V8 torque just fine
You will need to do some plumbing in the gas tank to switch to mechanical fuel pump, you will need to remove in tank fuel pump and put in a solid lift hose with "sock"(filter).
Prime the mechanical pump so it can start a siphon to lift fuel over the top of the tank, don't run out of gas, lol, or you will have to prime pump again
#4
02-07-2019
GEM(generic electronics module) is the Body Computer that all Rangers had from 1995 to 2003, then they got the SJB Body computer in 2004
In 2000 GEM controls door locks, interior lights, wipers, speedometer and the 4WD system, also interface for keyless entry(RAP module)
You can get an adapter to bolt the M5R2 to the BW1354 transfer case, at least you could, check advanced adapters
But you would be better off with the BW1356(full size) transfer case with the V8 power
In 2000 GEM controls door locks, interior lights, wipers, speedometer and the 4WD system, also interface for keyless entry(RAP module)
You can get an adapter to bolt the M5R2 to the BW1354 transfer case, at least you could, check advanced adapters
But you would be better off with the BW1356(full size) transfer case with the V8 power
#5
02-07-2019
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Fort wainwright, AK
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#6
02-07-2019
Just a thought... why do a carburetor ?
EFI with electronics is so far ahead of a Carb'd engine it isn't funny.
There are harnesses for a 5.0L swap that only need three wires, hot, run, and ground... easy enough and you will be happier both in power and in the ease of modifying.
As far as manual is concerned... you will need a lot of little pieces, IF you have the mounting inside of the truck, which I believe you do but you will still need the pedal, the linkage, the reservoir, fluid line, the slave unit... but if you get a manual trans Mustang and pull the engine and trans you will already have some of it.
Do your homework well before starting this project, it will get out of hand very fast.
On the other hand, consider a 4-sp. overdrive automatic trans, far easier, no additional parts for the trans and with a shift kit it will feel good when shifting AND in lower gears the Torque Convert will give the feeling of having lower gears.
So many variations, so many parts... choose wisely.
Good Luck.
p.s., There is always the 4 WD Explorer route too, get a JY Explorer and pull the parts and slide them in. Although a new three wire harness would make things easier.
EFI with electronics is so far ahead of a Carb'd engine it isn't funny.
There are harnesses for a 5.0L swap that only need three wires, hot, run, and ground... easy enough and you will be happier both in power and in the ease of modifying.
As far as manual is concerned... you will need a lot of little pieces, IF you have the mounting inside of the truck, which I believe you do but you will still need the pedal, the linkage, the reservoir, fluid line, the slave unit... but if you get a manual trans Mustang and pull the engine and trans you will already have some of it.
Do your homework well before starting this project, it will get out of hand very fast.
On the other hand, consider a 4-sp. overdrive automatic trans, far easier, no additional parts for the trans and with a shift kit it will feel good when shifting AND in lower gears the Torque Convert will give the feeling of having lower gears.
So many variations, so many parts... choose wisely.
Good Luck.
p.s., There is always the 4 WD Explorer route too, get a JY Explorer and pull the parts and slide them in. Although a new three wire harness would make things easier.
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