I got a 1988 Ranger 4x4, i seized up the 2.9 about a month ago so I took out the engine and 5 speed and i got to thinking and there’s a mustang beside my garage with a 289 in it, the only problem is that it’s fuel injected and i was wondering if i put a intake manifold for a carburetor on the engine and bolted it up to the Ranger transmission, would it work or would it not be worth it? Also, would a wiring harness be hard to find & install?
-Dylan

 

Welcome to the forum

2.9l transmission won't bolt to a small block V8

And I would measure the length of the 289, fan blade to fly wheel, the water pump and accessories/pulleys were sticking out quite a ways on Mustangs. car had a looong nose
The Explorer V8s had a shorty water pump and brackets so fit into Rangers

Yes, loads of carb/distributor options for 289s

 

If i used an adapter plate for the transmission would it work?

 

No, but you can try to make one
And the V8 torque would shred the 1988 V6 transmission pretty quickly even if you did that

1988 Ranger 2.9l 4x4 will have a Mitsubishi FM-146 5-speed transmission
It does have a removable bellhousing so an adapter is possible, just not practical