V8 swap ?
#1
03-19-2019
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Alexandria, Ky
Posts: 3
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V8 swap ?
Hello , looking for suggestions
I have a 2001 ranger 4.0 4x4 that I’ve owned for the last 8 years or so and I love the old thing . It is well over 300 k miles and still kicking as strong as she can . I was always wondering about doing a V8 swap . I’d love have her on the road for more years to come with more power . I’d of course rebuild any donor engine I pull before putting it in my truck . What’s the best and easiest engine to swap into it ? Explorer of the same year ? What’s going to be the big challenges ? Or on the other hand is it just more feasible to run her the way she is till she gives out ? Money is not an issue , but only have weekends to do the project . Would it take me months ? Thanks for any advice or suggestions . Just looking for someone who has done it with there particular year? I’m guessing I have to pull the transmission as well ?
I have a 2001 ranger 4.0 4x4 that I’ve owned for the last 8 years or so and I love the old thing . It is well over 300 k miles and still kicking as strong as she can . I was always wondering about doing a V8 swap . I’d love have her on the road for more years to come with more power . I’d of course rebuild any donor engine I pull before putting it in my truck . What’s the best and easiest engine to swap into it ? Explorer of the same year ? What’s going to be the big challenges ? Or on the other hand is it just more feasible to run her the way she is till she gives out ? Money is not an issue , but only have weekends to do the project . Would it take me months ? Thanks for any advice or suggestions . Just looking for someone who has done it with there particular year? I’m guessing I have to pull the transmission as well ?
#2
03-19-2019
#3
03-19-2019
Member
That Ranger would be a killer workhorse!
Peruse this subforum for a lot of info on what you may run into. Even check YouTube for video
Last edited by cliffdog2004; 03-19-2019 at 07:58 AM.
#4
03-19-2019
Ranger V8 swap is a labor of Love, not practical in any sense, lol, you can go out an buy a V8 pickup truck
What might be a better option is to look for completed or almost completed Ranger V8 swaps, they are for sale
There will be swaps for 4x4 with more power, or 2WD for speed
1996 to 2001 Explorer V8 complete will work as donor vehicle
For 2001 Ranger, 1998-2001 would be better, same returnless fuel system, but make sure you get WORKING PATS Keys with the donor vehicle, just an extra cost down the road without them
What might be a better option is to look for completed or almost completed Ranger V8 swaps, they are for sale
There will be swaps for 4x4 with more power, or 2WD for speed
1996 to 2001 Explorer V8 complete will work as donor vehicle
For 2001 Ranger, 1998-2001 would be better, same returnless fuel system, but make sure you get WORKING PATS Keys with the donor vehicle, just an extra cost down the road without them
#5
03-19-2019
Driving a V-8 Ranger is like owning a new Truck, and not understanding how Ford never-ever did this in production.
I found the '88/5.0L V-8 Ranger got better Gas Milage than the V-6 did, drove smoother, less hassles with power to get it done, I just liked the feel, the sound of the exhaust, and the idea that I had a V-8.
But for anyone to think that a V6 drives and feels like a V-8... I don't understand, nor IMHO... have they ever driven a V-8 Ranger.
Good Luck,
I found the '88/5.0L V-8 Ranger got better Gas Milage than the V-6 did, drove smoother, less hassles with power to get it done, I just liked the feel, the sound of the exhaust, and the idea that I had a V-8.
But for anyone to think that a V6 drives and feels like a V-8... I don't understand, nor IMHO... have they ever driven a V-8 Ranger.
Good Luck,
Last edited by Scrambler82; 03-19-2019 at 09:57 PM.
#6
03-19-2019
Ford did build two V8 Rangers for an auto show, around 1997 or 8 I think, 5.0l V8 same as Explorer V8 that came out in 1996, to see how customers would react, but one caught on fire so................they never made it to the show and that was the end of that pretty much
But in 2002 Ford's SVT(special vehicle team) built the Ford Ranger "Lightning Bolt", with supercharged 5.4l V8, seen here: https://ford-ranger.fandom.com/wiki/Ford_Ranger_SVT
I don't consider it practical in a small pick up because pick up trucks don't handle well as far as on the road handling compared to a car, and for towing you just need a larger truck period, with a V8 usually
For fun, sure why not a V8 Ranger, labor of Love, no practical value, lol, just my opinion
But in 2002 Ford's SVT(special vehicle team) built the Ford Ranger "Lightning Bolt", with supercharged 5.4l V8, seen here: https://ford-ranger.fandom.com/wiki/Ford_Ranger_SVT
I don't consider it practical in a small pick up because pick up trucks don't handle well as far as on the road handling compared to a car, and for towing you just need a larger truck period, with a V8 usually
For fun, sure why not a V8 Ranger, labor of Love, no practical value, lol, just my opinion
Last edited by RonD; 03-19-2019 at 09:09 PM.
#7
03-19-2019
#8
03-21-2019
#9
04-05-2019
The 5.0L in the explorer had a "short FEAD". Meaning we (i) designed front end components that moved the belt center line closer to the front of the block. This was done so the engine would fit w/o having to change much.
btw.. we first looked at using the 4.6L but the OHC heads were too wide. So we had to use the aging 5.0L
btw.. we first looked at using the 4.6L but the OHC heads were too wide. So we had to use the aging 5.0L
#10
04-05-2019
Me... knowing already how much power the 5.0L/Ranger can give you, with a little added accessories it would be way to powerful for the street.
I built what is called a "Long Rod 5.0L", .449 extra length in the connecting rods with a stock SVO stroke crank, stock bore in an SVO Block... with some block enhancing add ons, Repositioned Rist Pins, a Custom Grind Comp Cam, Roller Rockers, and Trick Flow Street Heads, this thing should spit out around 400hp and maybe break in the area of 375 lb ft of torque, with a BBK Intake... who knows for sure until the Dyno tells us... that my Ranger Friend is a health street 5.0L and should power a Ranger well within a 347's power range.
Anyway, got carried away, I think a 331 kit with stock 4.0 bore (327c.i.) would be good too !
The 5.0L in the explorer had a "short FEAD". Meaning we (i) designed front end components that moved the belt center line closer to the front of the block. This was done so the engine would fit w/o having to change much.
btw.. we first looked at using the 4.6L but the OHC heads were too wide. So we had to use the aging 5.0L
btw.. we first looked at using the 4.6L but the OHC heads were too wide. So we had to use the aging 5.0L
As I stated above a VERY healthy 5.0L can be built on short money and give you all of the STREET power you could ever use.
But my biggest problem is California Emissions !
Interesting stuff guys, keep the info coming, I'm listening... reading !
#11
04-26-2019
Whats up man, as far as I know that oil ring issue is fixed. It is pretty ridiculous fast on the street, but if you just cruise it, especially on the highway it drives real nice.
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