i have a 1984 ranger. currently it has a 2.3 i4 engine. i am wanting to upgrade to a bigger engine for possible racing. what would be the best option for the least amount of work? also would a 302 boss engine be easily fitted?

 

I guess you could put a 302 boss can be put in, but nothing will be easly fitted other than what ford put in them.

 

The hardest part would be finding an actual Boss 302, there really weren't that many made.

There are a plethora of V8 swaps into Rangers on the internet; but it would probably be simpler to swap in a fuel injected 4.0 liter V6. The 4 liter has more than enough power and torque for any sane use in a Ranger.

The simplest way would be to buy a running wreck and change everything over to yours. It will take time and effort, not just a weekend either.

Robert

 

Ford Ranger V-8 Engine Swap

 

wpuld a v6 crate be a good idea then?

 

what is my best option to make the truck faster and possible racebale?

 

It would be this.....IF you have enough money!
2003 Ford Ranger V-8 - Truckin Magazine

 

Your time and money would be better spent doing a 2.3L turbo upgrade. For the money and parts involved, this setup can actually rival a mildly modified 302.

 

with a turbo upgrade in a ranger wat would be avg top speed

 

also were could i find a good turbo upgrade/

 

You might try a google search, 2.3 ford turbo upgrade.

 

Go to turborangerforums.com

 

if i put a 2.3 turbo in the ranger will i need a new tranny. also would a jeep HO 4.0 fit easily in the truck. also will any year ranger 2.3 fit standard in the truck?

 

Either turbo it or sell it for a newer ranger with the 4.0 V6. Honestly a V8 in a ranger is as silly as a V8 in a jeep wrangler, there isn't enough vehicle to need that bulky an engine. A 2.3 turbo leaves a nicely balanced vehicle that is peppy when you step on the gas and its effectively the same engine so its not as big a conversion. I assume the thing is a manual transmission with 4wd, never liked autos and turbos.

A Jeep 4.0 would fit horribly, its super long, if you want a Jeep 4.0 buy a Cherokee or if you must have a pickup a rare Commanche 4wd.

I learned early in my vehicle adventures never to change the number of cylinders in a vehicle or convert between auto and manual transmission, it is always more work than its worth, just buy new with what you want already in it.