V8 Swap
 

First off, I'm a nooby to the forums so I'd like to say hello. So me and my buddy's have been tossing around the idea of throwing a 302 into a '91 Ranger I got sittin around collecting rust, and I'm just looking for some feedback, helpful feedback would be really appreciated. I just need to know if it's even possible for this year, and if so the difficulty of it. Thanks.

first SEARCH

and welcome

Welcome here and check in the v8 section of the forums. it has been done

No problem. Its a pretty easy swap into a 91. Takes some swap parts like motor mounts and headers but is fairly straight forward. There is tons of information on this site since it is a fairly common swap. Do you want to go carbed or EFI?

Sorry, I searched a little but probably didn't search the right stuff.
We're thinking about going carbed.

Well start asking specific question and we can try and help you. Carbed greatly simplifies it since you don't have to do much wiring. In order to fit the motor you need swap motor mounts, the heater box will need to be modified, and an oil filter relocation kit will have to be used to clear the power steering gear box. You'll need to modify or make a custom trans crossmember and most likely the drive shaft will have to bed modified or have a new one made. You can get away with stock manifolds, but their are shorty headers out their meant for a 302 in a ranger. Also you will need a dual sump oil pan to clear the engine cross member.

Carbed seemed like the best way to go cause of the whole wiring harness issue. Whats a good transmission to use, the rangers a 5 speed right now but could convert it to an automatic either way works. I was thinking an 8.8 for a rear end or will the stock rear end be able to handle the v8?

For the rear end, depends what rear end you currently have. The 7.5 axles will last quite a while behind a 302. Its not until you start running slicks and a locker you will really start to have issues. As for trans i'm guessing your looking at 2wd so a t5 is a good trans for a 5 speed, but it takes some work to eitehr hook up a hydraulic slave cylinder or a clutch cable. As for an automatic if your looking for something cheap and easy out of the book I would look at a C4 or C6 trans. Very stout and reliable. I personally hate the AOD trans with a passion, they just aren't very strong and they are tempremental. Their are other trans options out there like the 4r70w but your talking some coin to get one to work behind a carbed 302.