I have a 1999 Ranger 4x4 with the 2.6 engine and around 140,000 on it. In the next few weeks I'm looking to swap in a 5.0 from either a Mustang or an Explorer, and then put in a single turbo kit. I am planning on trying to get around 350hp-400hp. My question is other than the clutch, tune, fueling and stuff on the engine, what supporting mods should I put in to make the Ranger run well with this build. As well as this I was wondering the differences between a 5.0 engine from a Mustang and an Expedition other than $1,000 in price? Do they have the same internals?
I found a turbo kit I like but it's for a Mustang, would this bolt onto an Explorer engine?
On 3 Performance Turbo Kit 650+hp (94-95 Mustang 5.0) SN5-0

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum

2.5l(4cyl) engine in the Ranger, or 3.0l or 4.0l(V6's)

Explorer and Mustang 5.0l(302) are the same, Explorer would use a truck cam for more torque, Mustang would have more HP
This engine was used in Mustangs until 1995
Explorers got it in 1996, so there were no cross over years but HP was about the same.
Explorer would probably be better, just for accessories and brackets since Ranger engine bay is almost the same size

No Ranger transmission can be used
Manual trans(M5OD-R2) and transfer case from a 1997 to 2004 F-150 4x4 with 4.2l V6 will fit the 5.0l engine and shifter will line up with Ranger floor plate

Mustang trans can't be used with 4x4 and truck 5.0l 4x4 trans will have shifter farther forward but can be use with custom bent shift arm in the cab

2.5l Ranger probably has a 7.5" rear end, you would need to change to 8.8" Ranger rear end


IMO, turboing a 4cylinder is better, more bang for the buck, HP increase in a V8 turbo isn't 0 but isn't anything like it is with a 4cyl, and you already have one of those IN the truck

This fellow claims 278hp with 2.3l: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM3yXYxa-OY
And over 300hp with 2.5l
2.5l is a stroked 2.3l, 2.5l was only made/used in 1998-2001 Rangers
And you still get 23+MPG around town, lol

 

Thank you very much for the help, I'll look into turboing the stock engine.

 

What you have is called a Pinto or Lima engine
Single overhead cam(SOHC) engine

First used in the Ford Pinto in 1974, hence the name, and built at the Lima, Ohio engine plant

2.3l was the base Block
2.0l was under bored 2.3l block and had same head but smaller pistons
2.5l had same pistons, head and block as 2.3l but different crank and connecting rods(longer) a stroked 2.3l

Ford did make and install turboed 2.3l engines in 1980 model cars
’85-’89 Merkur XR4Ti’s, ’83-’88 Thunderbird TurboCoupes and some ’83-’86 Cougar XR-7’s.

1979-1981 Mustangs as well but they were carbureted, above were fuel injected