V8 Swap for 92 Ford Ranger

[packman]

If all goes well and I get the 331 motor in my ma's CV I am contemplating the stock 5.0L swap into the Ranger for a year. I figured that her stock 5.0L gets really good gas mileage and backed up with the 5-speed from the Ranger it would maintain the same mpg if not increase it. This would give me some time to work on the 3.0L a little; like getting headers on it, cleaning the engine, and possibly have some head work done to make it breath a little better. The 3.0L V6 is a mass airflow engine while the 5.0L is speed density. I figure that I can get a conversion kit from Ford Racing and all of the other swap hardware from JEGS. I am thinking that there must be more to it than that. What am I forgetting? Has anybody here done this swap or know somebody that has?
Packman

[DarkKnight]

will the 5 speed trany in the ranger hold up decent to the power of the 5.0? Is my concern.

[packman]

I figured that the stock lopo 5.0L engine in the CV wouldn't give the 3.0L V6 trans any trouble because my ma's CV has more mileage and it's a lopo.
Packman

[Lincolnmania]

i dont think the 302 is gonna bolt to the 3.0 five speed
i have the oil pan, and motor mount brackets needed....a set of explorer 5.0 stock headers too pathetic as they may be
i think you will need a t5.....i could be wrong on the bellhousing......check the ranger station mang

[Pirate]

The bellhousings ARE different. In addition, that Mazda 5-speed isn't going to hold up behind the 5.0, even if you could get it hooked up. If you had the 4.0 V6, I would say it would work, provided you could get a bellhousing to work, but you are going to have to go with either a T5 or AOD behind the 5.0.

Headers? Explorer, good choice...Kaufmann racing products (now out of business) used to have entire kits for the Ranger/5.0 swap....there are some other sites out there with swap information (seems like ranger motorsports or something..). Another key unit will be getting a special radiator to fit, a modified unit to go under the core support, otherwise you will have to use a 4.0 H/D radiator and an electric fan.

Good luck....even with Lopo engines, a ranger, properly prepped, can easily get you into the 13's at a dragstrip...

[Tiggie]

Ranger 4X4 or 2WD? The easiest way to install a V8 into a Ranger and keep climate control is to use a 2in+ body lift. Otherwise you'll hit the HVAC box. Cutting it is possible.

Motor mounts are available. '98+ Rangers can use V8 Exploder parts. '97 and earlier ones need special aftermarket motor mounts since they were still using the twin I beam. Exploder V8 radiators are good, but the 4.0 might suit you fine with a lo po if the inlet and outlet are in the right spot.

M5OD-R1's are pretty tough tranny's actually, but they won't bolt to your 302. T5 is your best bet if you want a manual, or you could use M5OD-R2 from a Bronco or F150 if you really want a Mazda tranny for some odd reason. AOD's are actually the easest for a V8 swap.

The Ranger Station (therangerstation.com) has a freggin awesome tech section. I wish our tech section here was the good (it could be and it's getting closer) . Check out this link for more info: http://therangerstation.com/tech_lib...nversions.html

[packman]

I registered for the Rangerstation a month ago. It seems like a good forum. I figured that I would get some info from you guys because GMN seems to have people that know what they are doing (this is not an ass kissing cry for help, just based on what I have read here so far with the little knowledge that I possess on automobiles). Then I would cross reference with them and see what my options are. I always look to the future and I know that eventually, the lopo 5.0L will be sitting in the garage with the 390FE and noe the flattie too. Again, thanx for all of the well informed responses.
Packman