3.0 engine swap
 

what engines could i swap out for my 99 3.0 flex? took out heads and foung a huge crack in one. gotta take block out to replace oil pan. figured i might be able to find a cheap used engine and save myself some trouble. can i use a taurus or sable engine? they are so cheap for remans.

yes to both your questions

what could i expect,
i mean what modifications would i need to make, or can i just drop a long block in there and plug the harnesses back in?
also since my truck is set up for "flex fuel" am i limited to only flex engines or would a 3.0 ranger "gas" engine also work with no mods?

The PCM expects to see a sensor for the flex fuel.

what is the PCM and how could i get around that bugger?

It da puter dat run tings.

I have used non flex fuel motors in flex fuel trucks by swapping the injectors from the old motor over to the new...no problems. I have never used a taurus motor but it can be done. I can't give specific advice but you would need to change the water pump and timing cover for sure because of the rotation. Somebody would have to give more advice on this... As far as ranger motors I have went as new as a 01 into a 99 but I think you could use any 99 or newer motor. You may have to swap intakes if you get one with a plastic upper.

BTW you will not be removing the Fuel compensation sensor, its on the frame directly under the drivers seat...reuse your pcm (puter)

only need to swap injectors, eh?
that's simple enough.
in regards to taurus /sable blocks my only interest is b/c of the price for the block. too much modding defeats my purpose which is getting my truck back on the road (reliably) for the least dollars spent.
thanks y'all for the quick replies.
welcome all ideas.

Watch craigslist for a parts truck, sometimes you can buy one cheaper than a motor...

thanks man! will do!

yw

I will have to disagree with the highlighted, the engines are identical, one is just side mounted. but the rotation and everything else is going to be the same.

I stand corrected, I have never done the swap...

okay, so the engine sits in the sable,etc...sideways, but drops in ranger straight correct? do i use the entire long block, or just short block with ranger heads, intake manifold, etc...? are the cams, etc... similar in the car types versus ranger type engines or is there a marked change in performance? i know i'm asking alotta questions. prior to this tear down i've done little more than replace accessory components. but i've discovered i really like working on my truck and i am interested to learn as much about interchangeable parts as possible before i make a quick decision.

as far as I know, the block will drop right in and bolt right up to your trans, I think it even utilizes the same engine mount locations.
but you will need to use your intake manifold, wiring harness and ECU. possibly the starter, but aside from that, everything else should swap over.

so what about engine performance? any noticeable difference between Sable/ Ranger?

none, they literally are the exact same block.

oops

yes i understand the blocks are cast from the same mold, but what about the cams, crankshaft, push rods, etc? this is what i meant regarding engine performance

thats what I mean too, they literally are the same engine.

:) ok... sheepish grin... thanks for your patience man. i really do appreciate your help.

thanks so much for your time and patience. :)

no problem, its what we're all here for, someday I'll have a question and you'll help me ;)

sounds like a plan!