My friends have convinced me to swap engines in my Ranger. It has a 2.0L 4 cylynder in it now. It is also a 4x2 if that matters any. And I've decided to put a 351 windsor into it. People have told me that it will drop right in. Others have said that I have to modify my heater box. Other that a new tranny does anyone have information for me. Thanks.
Checkout Ranger Power Sport(RPS.com?), sorry don't know the web site, but, they specialize in this type of swap. Do consider that cooling, and driveline will not be up to even the 5.0 in stock 2.0 form. I'm sure you will find a few other items that will need special consideration also. Weight will also be a problem, would quess the 5.0 has 150 lbs. over the 2.0 and the 351 will have another 40-50 lbs over the 5.0. But if it's worth the "problems" and what you really want, by all means go for it! Good luck with the project!
i haven't had no experience in this swap, but i have talked to a few people who have done something similar. it is possible. you will have to figure out if the radiator that you'll need to cool the 351 will fit in the engine bay. also alot of 351 in f150's have problems with oil filter/frame interference(well mine does). you'll probly also have to think about boxing the frame to strenghten it, and a relocated cross member for the transmission and a new shortened rear axle. and some way to put the power to the ground. and as mentioned by Chuck P, the weight of your truck will have to be taken into great consideration. you'll also have to redo your fuel system and think about an extra tank or something to extend your range. other than this i can't think of anything else. good luck with your swap. hope this helps.
lr
I have an 86 ranger 2wd reg cab (was 2.0L). A couple of years ago I swapped in a 289. I didn't know anything about engines, but thought what the hell. I ordered the kit from advanced adapters for the v-8 swap and went on my way. The kit was about $1500 canadian w/taxes, which is a bit steep. But I got some very good parts like:aliminum Griffin rad., motor mounts,headman headers,remote oil filter,dual sump oilpan, etc; and everything worked quite well. "You" can get most of the parts needed from the auto wreckers if you wish, like: dual sump oil pan from a Grand marquise w/351,also oil pick up tube from the same, distributor from any carborated 351 and ignition module. You can even measure up and get a rad from there(3or4 core)
The 2.0L ranger is one of the best for swaping in a V-8(if going carborated) because the distributor ignition box plugs right into the existing harness. The weight of the new engine(289-302)only dropped the front end about an inch if that, so not to worry about the suspension even with the 351. Use a C4 tranny if not wanting OD. If your truck was a 5spd then you will have to move your tranny crossmember forward a bit(there are holes in the frame already that you can use)to where your emergency cable bracket sits. Don't worry about re-enforcing your frame because she is damn strong already but if you want to add some weight go right ahead. you may have to cut your front clip a bit as I did to get your rad in there(clearance between the engine and rad). The stock rear end will work(7.5") but you may have to get your drive shaft shortened(about $50). I used an aftermarket shifter but you could use one from an automatic ranger probably with some mods.
P.S. If sound on doing the 351 make sure to build it up because they are gutless gas guzzlin pigs stock.(they will still squack the tires no problem but then that acura down the street will kick your butt. I will be checking back with you to see if my experience has helped you and answer any more questions you may have.
this is a swap i might look at doing in the future. i was wondering how the 289 is on horse power and torque. i've never had any experience with this engine. and how easy is it to add horsepower. and how does the 289 compare to a 302.
lr
lr
The 289 and 302 are the same block just different crank, rods, and pistons;though you can use 302 pistons in a 289 but not 289 pistons in a 302 because of the difference in skirt length. Niether the 302 or 289 compare to the 351 in torque but they do rev a lot quicker due to the shorter stroke. There are a lot more parts around for the 302(all bolt ons are interchangeable with the 289) and it is easier the get more horsepower out of them for cheaper. Though like I said if you are going to do the 351 you better get some aftermarket heads and other stuff, and it will be a force to reckon with. The only problem you will have is getting traction. ha ha ha
The swap isn't that expensive if you are will to learn and get your hands dirty by going to the wreckers. Though if you are going for the show truck look, be prepared to get the bank account sucked dry in a darn hurry.
yeah i would have to agree the 351 needs a lot of help when it comes to making something go real fast. the torque is a given. i have an 84 f150 4x4, which i'm currently working on, that has a 351M. the truck has great torque but not a good top speed. but at the moment that's not what i'm after. i wish i could do the ranger swap, but i can't since i'm working on the f150. in the future though i will do a ranger swap.
lr
lr power info for 351M
If you want to get some more power out of the 351M you need to up the compression. Stock, the 351-400M have at tops 8:1 compression ratio. The heads work great because they are basically the same as the cleveland. so if you bump the compression to about 10:1 (just so you can run on reg gas) and put an aftermarket dual plane intake on it you will notice tons more power. Especially the torque which will come on at about 2300 rpm.
One of the best and cheapest mods for the 351M/400 is to swap the timing chain to an aftermarket and run the valve timing straight up, this can really wake-up the engine. Stock is retarded for emissions.
well the 351m that i have in my truck i just bought from napa. so for the moment i'm just gonna leave it alone cause it runs good and does everything i need it to. plus i'm already running an aftermarket dual plane aluminum intake. maybe some power mods on down the road after i lift my truck and put better axles under it and bigger tires. plus some other odds and ends first.
if i done the ranger swap i probly wouldn't go with the 351 anyway, more likely either the 289,302, or possibly 390.
lr
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