Got a 2002 Ranger Edge, 4x2, 3.0L....

Fixin' to tear it down for a valve job and I would like to list the things I intend to do and get some input (Pro OR Con) as to what you think...

Going to have the heads stripped of everything. Then I plan to make the following modifications.

Have a three angle cut on the valve seats...
Install new Stainless Steel valves, new valve seals, new valve springs, new push rods, 1.8:1 Morena roller rockers, new lifters... and while she's down I'm planning on installing new timing chain and timing gears.

I'd also like to get some input as to whether I should go to an aftermarket "Better than Stock" Plenum chamber.

Goin' to finish this little heifer off with headers (and of any of you have any suggestions as to what brand and why that brand, I'd like to hear about it.) and a Custom Dual Exhaust system with either Borla or Magna Flow mufflers (another area where your input would be appreciated...I don't want her to be loud...a lady should be soft spoken...but I want to hear her scream when she gets a good dose of throttle) and no Catalytic Converters (they ain't required in this neck of the woods) A CAI, and new chip in the ACU, and maybe a 60MM throttle body.

To put it mildly...I'm building a "sleeper" that'll scare the hell outta some kid when he thinks he wants to tangle with my lady at a stoplight some fine crisp Friday night.

I think with her breathing a little easier she'll get about 22-23 MPG cruising at 22-2300 RPM. But will take off like a striped ape when I "let 'er outta the chute".

Now...have I missed anything?...

...or to quote a line from "Blazing Saddles, "...Oh Lord...will this thing work...or are we just pissin'n into the wind?..."

 

To be honest, you're not gonna be happy with the amount you would have to throw at that 3.slo to make it perform. Cost to performance ratios is gonna put a 5.0 swap way ahead of any engine work on that 3.0L. Even my 4.0L isn't worth it. Yea there is superchargers, nitrous kits and cams avail but that v8 swap is cheaper.

 

Yep....not enough juice to squeeze out of that 3.0 (otherwise known as a 3.slow) to make it worth while. There's things you can do to it to make it more economical like a tuner and exhaust, but anything beyond that, you're better off with a 5.0 swap money-wise in my opinion.

The 3.0 is a tough, reliable motor. But power and aftermarket "hop ups" are not it's strong suit.

 

Well...looks like..."I'm just pissing in the wind'...

Shane...Morris...I would like to think you for your input, insight, experience, knowledge, and concern for my wallet (LOL).

I think I'll be content to let her just "breathe" a little easier with JBA headers, a CAI, and a custom dual exhaust system. THe slight increase in power and the (hoped for) increase in gas mileage will be done by reprogramming the on board computer or a computer chip.

Again my thanks. If you ever find yourself in N.E. Texas I owe the both of you a steak dinner.

Take care.

By the way,Shane is there really a town on Oregon called Boring or were you just peeing on my leg and telling me it was raining?

James

 

CAI an headers won't really do anything either man. Exhaust, it will change the sound.

Tuner is a good option. I have a superchips flashpaq and it works great.

 

Yes sir.... No urinating on legs here! But it is raining! I mean it is Oregon afterall.

It's a small little pass-through town southeast of Portland with 2 stop lights, 2 gas stations, probably 4 bars and an on again-off again gentleman's establishment (that NO ONE should patronize).