4.0 or 5.0 ranger pickup.?? engine swap

[paperman]

I have a 94 ranger with a 2.3 in it... its a good truck but...it lacks power.The motor
has over 200,000 miles on it.The truck runs fine but i'm getting ready(i hope this semester) to paint it at school. so, if i go with a more aggressive paint scheme and
wheels would be nice to have some more ponies under the hood??

4.0 vs 5.0?
Budget: $1,000.00

motor/ transmission(optional)

The 1994 ranger pick ups came with the 4.0 liter engine option. I think that possible
just drop a 4.0 in it?? i know i'd have to get the wiring harness and a larger radiator
(dual core instead of the single core) and maybe new motor mounts?

maybe put a better cam in it,and some other bolt on mods(or to be added later)

Then there the 5.0 question..

Do i find a 5.0 motor and trans plant it??

My dad has a 1992 lincoln with a 4.6 twin cam motor??? and it just sits there and was only parked because of the transmission and some other minor problems. this is the last car mother rode in before she died. the car will eventually be sold off as junk but the motor needs a rebuild but would be a good donor engine???

Like,i said in the begining budget is the key and also ease of installation is a concern.
look i'm leaning to the 4.0 version because of cost and installation concerns but would love the 5.0 arguement and see how much a difference in cost the v-6 vs v-8 conversion cost??
If, the cost is nominal i will consider a v-8 i want a v-8!!!!but because i work at night and go to school during the day bugdet is the major consideration.

I wanted to address the transmission question? this is a major consideration.with the 4.0 conversion i think it the might work together(i think in my year and engine it has several different transmissions) with a v-8 swap transmissions and rear-ends and axles need to to be or are suggessted changes?
I'd appreciate any any useful suggestions on my problem.

[jonmark1985]

Not on $1000.. or not with any sort of a decent engine. Jegs sells this kit with motor mounts and headers for $337. You will still need a transmission. I'd suggest the C4. You will probably also need to have a driveshaft built.


Trans Dapt 9716K - Ranger V8 Swap Kit - JEGS

PS make a thread in the performance room about a budget 302 and I can get you started on building a cheap powerhouse!

[mahanja]

I agree. $1000 is not much for a 4.6 rebuild. Parts are too expensive. They can be built very strong though. If you can come up with a 302 to rebuild cheaply it may be the way to go. If you can find a running 302, look at just doing a cam/lifters swap (obviously do your homework when choosing the cam), mount a C4 behind it and drive it 'til it dies. The C4s aren't too pricy and can handle almost anything you are going to build in your garage. Save up for the rebuild.

[jonmark1985]

grind out the thermactor bumps on the heads too, that helps and its cheap

[jrealmuto1]

id stick with 4.0l i had a 4.0 in my ranger , did some mods and ran mid 15s, thats not bad for a little pick up

[ZBlackBeast]

4.0 SOHC, right?

[Xr4tiRanger]

do like me and throw a 2.3T in it

with just the stock motor a manual boost controller and a bov and a downpipe

i took down a mildly modded 5.0L mustang

but now its being totally built

[ajpletcher]

I would agree with the 4.0, you will get enough power for it to be worthy, and dont have to put in a bunch of mods to get it to fit, a simple wiring harness, rad, couple mount and away you go. Plus it will give you the matched weight and towing the truck can handle.

[jrealmuto1]

i love the 4.0l,try the venom400 chip, it works awesome on an x or ranger..automatic tho...i dumped 2gs in the trans did some upgrades to the motor and wam..its awesome..

[dangerranger4.0]

have a ford ranger with a 4.0 with trans selling, switching to a 5.0
asking 1000.00