Hi All:

My Ranger is getting a little long in the tooth, and I want (as Tim Taylor says) more power. OK, maybe not as much as Tim would do.

I am thinking of a 5.0 V8, but really don't have a good notion on the best compromise between performance and budget.

I am leaning toward the '89 to '92 225HP version.

I found a good writeup comparing different year 5.0L motors here: Ford 302W / 5.0L History & Specifications

It seems there is plenty of room in front of the engine behind the radiator for an engine driven fan.

I have some preliminary big picture question before I start getting into the nitty gritty...

#1, Transmission strength and bolt pattern -
I see my motor has about 160HP (pretty sure that was 30 years ago) What would be the practical HP limit for the trans and drive train?
I see Summit Racing sells some swap kits, so, can I assume the trans will bolt directly to the motor? The kits don't come with friction plates, so can I assume I can use my existing (rather new) clutch plate? Can I use my old flywheel? Starter?

#2, Weight - Is a V8 significantly heaver then the V6 such that I must replace the springs in the front? Are there aluminum block versions of the 5.0?

#3, Intake height. My air cleaner is off to the side, will I have to cut a hole in the hood? I'd rather not.

#4,I see Summit Racing has kits to swap a 5.0L motor into a Ranger, but in one of the questions asked, they say they do not have any kits to swap into a 4X4. Is there anyone that does make this kit? What are some of the pitfalls putting this motor in a 4X4?

Thanks for any insights into this,

Mark.

 

The 302s/5.0ls have a long nose and short nose version for accessories, i.e pulleys and belts, you need the short nose version with brackets and pulleys

The Explorer V8 intake is short
Some others are as well but usually not from trucks just cars
You can do a body lift to get a few inches, NO cutting the hood

Springs are OK for V8 weight but they are also almost 30 years old now so..................

You need to decide on manual trans or automatic first, then you can get the 5.0l computer, wiring harness and trans/transfer case required for the 5.0l to work in a Ranger

No kits

 

Thanks, RonD:

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

Thanks, for the info on the long/short nose, I guess I have seen both, but never registered the difference.

I have, and want to keep, my 5 speed manual trans.

Ugh, a body lift. I guess if I need to in a pinch. I'm really gonna have to do some soul searching to decide on a body lift vs a hole in the hood.

Thanks, Mark.

 

Thanks why you use the Explorer intake, it's a low profile and fits without a hole or body lift.