more uncommon engine swap options

[ryboj]

The 302/SBF conversion is not done just to get a 200 hp block under the hood it has WAY more benefits then that like HALF TON TRANSMISSION
Show me a drivetrain conversion that requires "less work?"

Also once you have a running 302 in the ranger with the bugs worked out.....sky is the limit for power and torque, time and $$$$
The 96 5.0 makes 215 horsies and 280 ft lbs, not bad for a START.

We are talking DRIVETRAIN CONVERSIONS not just I took out 4.3 and put in 5.8 Chevy stuff.......
PLUS the gt40 302 comes with 130 amp alternator, metal ps pump, high output water pump, oil pump, short front dress, and fits the gen I engine bay like factory. YOu can keep AC and cruise, ABS etc with the Ford drivetrain. Try that with the diesel or Chevy small block conversions.......

The BT4 has been done in the Ranger and Exploder, it fits quite nicely, but I understand its not for everyone. The new Cummins 2.8 "repower" could be done with a bunch of $$$$, but Im not sold on that thing, too much emissions and $$$$, that is why we keep going back to the tried and true bt4 or of course the VW TDI which has found its way into EVERYTHING these days.

The old 2.3t (Not ecoboost, SVO) still has a following and large aftermarket....I know I can still get a Ranger 2.3 engine all day long up here in the PNW, plenty of aftermarket support

Funny, all these years, thought the first gen explorers were all 160 base hp, but just looked at the original sales brochure and the manuals are 145, haha. I'm sure this is common knowledge around here, but even less than I had previously thought, but obviously the tq is around 220 factory crank, not too bad, but when you compare to a stock 5.0, the 5.0 trumps it with a good margin, even though the stock 5.0 is by no means a hp monster stock.

Totally agree, it's not just the engine, it's about having a proper drivetrain too. Power, without a solid transmission, is near worthless. The little rebuilt M5OD I have is nice and fresh and I know it can absolutely handle the meager power my 4.0 is putting out with a slightly upgraded Sachs clutch, but I def wouldn't be confident having a v8 in front of it (yes I know that's not a combo).

I noticed the cummins repower the other day too and it got my attention, then I saw the price and of course, haha. Gotta pass, yup.

The basic 2.3 non-T ranger engines are around since no one really wants them to my knowledge, however when I did some searches on the svo 2.3T engines, there were very very few available in the US. So, to me, it's an indication a lot of those wells have dried up and the ones that are out there are in use or no longer rebuild-able cores, etc. Could be wrong, but that's the impression I had. Basically, unless you have some connections or deeper pockets, an SVO setup would take quite a bit more coin than a 5.0 swap, and speaking about parts here, not on the swap itself.

Again, the swap only interests me if it's reliable like my 4.0, gives me a nice bump from where I'm at currently and has some room for growth (unlike costly 4.0 OHV builds), allows me to keep A/C (I really don't want to give that up), and costs less than doing a TTB and manual TC swap on a 2nd gen factory 5.0. Again, I'm not providing labor, this is done by someone experienced to do something like this.

Maybe the $$ just doesn't make sense and I'll need to be content with running the 4.0ohv longer and try and enjoy it for what it is. 4.56's should be going in soon I imagine still.....which certainly helps.

Sure would be nice just to have some more ponnies under that hood though....

 

[Josh P]

The non H.O 5.0 in the 80s was 140-150 hp. There were many dismal years for cars coming out of Detroit.

 

[ryboj]

The non H.O 5.0 in the 80s was 140-150 hp. There were many dismal years for cars coming out of Detroit.

Yes, for many of the automakers....anemic doesn't even describe it! Haha!

 

[Josh P]

Watching videos on youtube, I've seen a 390 swapped into a ranger, 460 has been done too. I've also read a build thread with a VT275 diesel swapped into a ranger. 200 hp and 440 torque. I like the idea of a diesel swap, my friend swapped a nissan sd33 into a 67 C10 truck back in the 70s and has done very little repairs.

 

[ryboj]

Watching videos on youtube, I've seen a 390 swapped into a ranger, 460 has been done too. I've also read a build thread with a VT275 diesel swapped into a ranger. 200 hp and 440 torque. I like the idea of a diesel swap, my friend swapped a nissan sd33 into a 67 C10 truck back in the 70s and has done very little repairs.

Very cool JoshP...a 390....@ FI 390 would be cool. The 460 never grew on me.

Not familiar with those diesel engines, I'll look them up. I'm a huge diesel fan, however they're normally much heavier at a min of 600+ lbs usually for smaller engines and goes up from there.....doesn't lend itself to whoops and also adds to a higher center of gravity.

The old benz om series diesels or the ones in the mid 90's would be sweet too with a larger turbo, etc. Strong as all get out.

 

[Brian1]

The BT4 has been done in the Ranger and Exploder, it fits quite nicely, but I understand its not for everyone. The new Cummins 2.8 "repower" could be done with a bunch of $$$$, but Im not sold on that thing, too much emissions and $$$$, that is why we keep going back to the tried and true bt4 or of course the VW TDI which has found its way into EVERYTHING these days.

The Cummins R2.8 is so much better than a 4BT. Quieter, lighter and wont rattle you to death. I've driven a JP with a R2.8 and I have been around/ridden in a few other 2.8 swapped vehicles and have been very impressed with that little engine. Good torque and it sips fuel. The price tag does seem steep but it comes with everything in the crate to run the engine (computer, harness, throttle pedal and multi-gauge, etc.) so as far as crate engine prices go it really isn't that bad considering it comes with that stuff that other crate engines don't. I think it would be a great fit for an Explorer and if I had the money to spend it would be at the top of my list to swap in.

 

[410Fortune]

the 2.3L turbo SVO can be built based around the Ranger 2.3 Lima engine, there are plenty of those and there is lots of aftermarket support for the electric 5.0

Stinger Performance Engineering - Plug & Play Tuning Solutions for 80's and 90's Fords

PiMP ECU's, Coil On Plug Kits for 2.3 &SBF & BBF, Wiring Harnesses, Exhaust Systems, FMIC Kits, EEC-IV Tuning Solutions.

www.stinger-performance.com

Thanks for the feedback on the 2.8 cummins repower, real world experience is everything. I have had my eyes on the 2.8 since Cummins released it

This thread is awesome. I went through this discussion for years before I ever pulled the trigger and went all in on OBD2 conversion 5.0 drivetrain. I was going down the supercharged ohv 4.0 path for a long long time but after a "few" A4LD's in the BII and not wanting a 5 speed with supercharger on the trails....I decided I could always boost a v8 later if budget allowed and power was needed. It's not, the 5.0 in the BII with just headers and breathing mods is PLENTY for a BII on 35's.

At the end of the day, the way I see it, it comes down to this:
When Ford shoe horned the last gt40 5.0 into the 96 sploder they did us ranger dudes a HUGE FAVOR. V8 package that fits your engine bay, and not some 140 hp v8, nope they used the Cobra gt40 and OBD2 with DIS ignition!!!!!!! YES PLEASE. Then the icing on the cake was the stout 4r70w trans...... best drivetrain ever put into an Explorer or any ranger based vehicle!!!!!!!!! Its a natural fit, compatible with the systems that are already in your truck (wiring plumbing) common or not...you have to build, fix and drive these things, "exotic" drivetrain conversions are just that.......

 

[Josh P]

I like threads like this. Everyone can look at the same thing and see something different. The 302 is a great engine, I have one in my 68 cougar with a 4R70W trans and it is fun to drive. My 87 ranger needs a new engine, I've thought long and hard about a 4.0 or 5.0 swap. Both would be better than the 2.9. After driving my friends diesel excursion I want a diesel. I like the tire roasting low rpm torque the motor has, being able to smoke a pair of 35s off idle is fun.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Funny, all these years, thought the first gen explorers were all 160 base hp, but just looked at the original sales brochure and the manuals are 145, haha. I'm sure this is common knowledge around here, but even less than I had previously thought, but obviously the tq is around 220 factory crank, not too bad, but when you compare to a stock 5.0, the 5.0 trumps it with a good margin, even though the stock 5.0 is by no means a hp monster stock.

Totally agree, it's not just the engine, it's about having a proper drivetrain too. Power, without a solid transmission, is near worthless. The little rebuilt M5OD I have is nice and fresh and I know it can absolutely handle the meager power my 4.0 is putting out with a slightly upgraded Sachs clutch, but I def wouldn't be confident having a v8 in front of it (yes I know that's not a combo).

I noticed the cummins repower the other day too and it got my attention, then I saw the price and of course, haha. Gotta pass, yup.

The basic 2.3 non-T ranger engines are around since no one really wants them to my knowledge, however when I did some searches on the svo 2.3T engines, there were very very few available in the US. So, to me, it's an indication a lot of those wells have dried up and the ones that are out there are in use or no longer rebuild-able cores, etc. Could be wrong, but that's the impression I had. Basically, unless you have some connections or deeper pockets, an SVO setup would take quite a bit more coin than a 5.0 swap, and speaking about parts here, not on the swap itself.

Again, the swap only interests me if it's reliable like my 4.0, gives me a nice bump from where I'm at currently and has some room for growth (unlike costly 4.0 OHV builds), allows me to keep A/C (I really don't want to give that up), and costs less than doing a TTB and manual TC swap on a 2nd gen factory 5.0. Again, I'm not providing labor, this is done by someone experienced to do something like this.

Maybe the $$ just doesn't make sense and I'll need to be content with running the 4.0ohv longer and try and enjoy it for what it is. 4.56's should be going in soon I imagine still.....which certainly helps.

Sure would be nice just to have some more ponnies under that hood though....

4.56's will help for sure just did them on my Explorer with 265/75-16" tires on it and it makes a huge difference over the 3.73's that it had and even better than the 4.10's that I had in my last Explorer. As a Ford technician that deals with new technology on a daily basis I'd build a 5.0L from a 96'-01' Explorer and stroke it if you need some more HP/Torque the amount of tech and communication systems in newer vehicles has gotten stupid!!

 

[ryboj]

Awesome comments and suggestions all. Really appreciate it. Gives me a lot to chew on and as far as I can tell, solid advice and information, especially as some have been there done that.

Think the only deductions I can make this minute is, I don't want modern, so no DI and I don't want a BB or a wider based DOHC V8, nor do I want the heavy weight of a diesel for this application. However, if trails only was what I was doing, sure, a smaller I4 or I5 pre-emissions diesel swap just might be in order, since the simplicity and reliability is robust, along with endless TQ and normally if more is needed, turn it up. .

Going to try and swing by this shop this week, that Justin pointed out initially, these guys... Boport Performance (Powered by CubeCart) who specialize in the old 2.3T just to either rule it out or keep it in the equation, since the phrase "electric 5.0" caught my attention.

Thanks for the education on the base 2.3 Ranger engine being capable of being turned into the 2.3T SVO engine, did not know this, but knew they were related, based on looks alone, haha. Ugly little engine to be honest.... But potent, I'm sure.

I had a '89 Stang with a built 306, forged pistons, TF Heads and a TF stage 1 cam and was paxton blown. It was fun for sure. However, to be honest, I also very much appreciated the silky smooth operation of a simple 5.0 with breathing mods before it took that form. I also drove in a friends '96 explorer back in college, his being a 5.0 and I think it was RWD only, and it was smoooooth fast. Really enjoyed it and the plush leather seats. Left me with a really good impression over all these years. I digress.

Yes, stroke kits for a 302 are definitely a possibility too. Not sure it lends itself to staying with my budget, but potentially something longer term. Again, I think if I were in the power range quoted earlier in the thread, around 250-300hp and 300-360tq @ the crank, should be plenty since I'll be running 4.56's (I'm am looking forward to seeing what those give me, from a perceived power point of view, thanks for the real life info with your gear swap) and assuming the trans behind it can put down every bit of the power in a smooth and capable way, then it should do the trick and then some. Goal, making that power and keeping it super reliable (no cooling issues, etc) all at the same time, with AC too of course....! Plus, having it fit nicely under the hood helps too so it's not a burden to work on and maintain.

 

[410Fortune]

I like threads like this. Everyone can look at the same thing and see something different. The 302 is a great engine, I have one in my 68 cougar with a 4R70W trans and it is fun to drive. My 87 ranger needs a new engine, I've thought long and hard about a 4.0 or 5.0 swap. Both would be better than the 2.9. After driving my friends diesel excursion I want a diesel. I like the tire roasting low rpm torque the motor has, being able to smoke a pair of 35s off idle is fun.

Yeah buddy! I have 3ea 7.3 trucks, 01 Excursion on 37's, 97 F350 4 door 5 speed on 35's and the 2000 E350 van with only 72K miles on it.

Some of my fav vids on youtube, type in "7800 pounds of hustle" badass 4 door f350 7.3


Our excursion has 220K on it now, just broken in. It hauled a 36' enclosed trailer from CO to Idaho and back 11 times without skipping a beat.....gets 18mpg on 37's. can take 8 of us and pets.......... best friggin vehicle Ford ever built
I have the turbo out right now shes in need of some top end love after all the abuse

My F350 4 door flatbed is intercooled with Swamps injection and a 5 speed.......once you go turbo diesel you will never go back

 

[Josh P]

Prop 65 warning needed for the lung cancer and reproductive harm after 4 hours...

 

[ryboj]

Latest.....went by and spoke to Bo with Bo-Port here, one of the Ford 2.3 head \ cam etc specialist. It's not a customer like shop, so literally stood outside in parking lot and got a few details in the few mins I was there since I wasn't exactly buying anything (yet). He's not really a turn key or engine builder really let alone doing any installs, he's really just focused on heads and cams and all that. Told him I'm looking at figuring out what would be needed to put together a turbo application 2.3 that's good for the goals I've mentioned in this thread, while keeping A/C and all.

He mentioned these things:

I could use the ECU setup recommended earlier in this thread, use the standard e6 or whatever factory exh manifold and also the stock intake mani. If running AC, stick with the exh manifold, as headers won't fit really. Also, said the e6 standard mani is good till 330-350whp or so IIRC. Mentioned to run his TQ cam for my application and it will be a reliable setup. Didn't discuss pistons or rods or anything, but mentioned he has them. Mentioned I should be able to run a basic setup around 15psi IIRC for 250rwhp and will have capacity to increase that if ever desired to 340-350whp or so at the limits of the stock factory ECU mentioned earlier in this thread, before going standalone.

He hinted at maybe being able to source a complete engine for me, however no certain details or anything yet, since not really his thing. He also mentioned he has a turbo ranger and ran the m5od for a while without incident, not sure what his power levels were then but mentioned I should be able to run mine too, but reliability wouldn't be there long term by any means and recommended possibly a T-5 eventually or whatever options there are for this application, stick wise.

So, clearly lots more to figure out in adding up what's needed and the costs associated, let alone the actual labor swap itself.

Have a feeling, all said and done, it could end up being $1-2k more than a 5.0 swap, lol. We shall see. Again, not looking to build a monster 2.3 here, looking for pricing on a very mild build here, but clearly, everything would need to be sourced and started from scratch. Makes me love seeing 150k Explorers and Mountys going for 1.7-3k all day long, as a complete vehicle I can just pull from vs the boutique 2.3T

I also stated there's not a lot of inventory, core wise, with these engines around the yards and he did agree, they're not readily available exactly.

 

[410Fortune]

2.3 engines on ebay

2.3L Ranger Engine in eBay Motors for sale | eBay

www.ebay.com

Your North Nevada craigslist actually has one:

las vegas auto parts for sale "2.3L ford" - craigslist

las vegas auto parts for sale "2.3L ford" - craigslist

lasvegas.craigslist.org

1986 Ford Ranger/Mustang 2 Engine 2.3L Gas - auto parts - by owner -...

1986 Ford Ranger/Mustang 2 Engine 2.3L Gas, 4 Cylinder, COMPLETE Motor, Doesn't Have Fly Wheel and...

palmsprings.craigslist.org

 

[ryboj]

Thx 410... Yes, a few examples out there. Trying to educate myself first go know what I need so I can price the whole thing out.

 

[410Fortune]

yes just want to show you they are indeed available

 

[ryboj]

yes just want to show you they are indeed available

My knowledge is around the other platforms so I'm definitely playing catch up trying to sort what's what in the 2.3 Lima World. Still interests me....just need to check financial viability.

 

[Josh P]

I think the 2.3 would be an interesting swap just like seeing a new 5.0 in a xr4ti.

 

[sandsprayer]

How about the new 7.3 godzilla?

Cooool

 

[410Fortune]

how many xr4ti are still going on the roads in the usa?
There are a few drivetrain swaps I have always wanted to do:

2.3T into a gen I ranger 2wd
BMW I6 into a 76 2002 with AWD
VW Corrado G60 or VR6 into a 90's gti

We shall see if any of those happen as I get older.
1976 Bmw 2002tii was my first car, man that was a wicked ride!
As a kid I was in love with watercooled VW's and GTI...the corrado was a wicked machine I'd take either one
Then I found my way into a 88 Bronco II and went offroading....never owned another car.