Are these 2 engines the same? If so, is the difference in the fuel economy due only to the difference in the curb weights (Ranger is 255lbs heavier)?


Thanks!

 

Welcome to FTE!!!!

The basic engine is the same, the computer programing, cam, gearing, etc, as well as the weight could contribute to a mpg difference.

 

The Taurus has more than one 3.0L The duratec is a DOHC and runs like a champ.

 

thanks! for the info

 

It depends on the years & models of Ranger & Taurus you're talking about. I put a 1996 Taurus 3.0 into a 1991 Ranger and it runs like a champ. For the most part, it's the head gasket and some very minor differences in the heads. If you're swapping the entire motor (long block) then it's a non-issue. Otherwise you have to do some checking to make sure you use the right gaskets. Check this site for more info on the "Vulcan" 3.0:
http://rogueperformance.com/WelcometoFredland.html

 

only a 255 pnd difference? i would think its more than that, course theres so many differnt ranger weights. a shortbox 2wd vs a 4wd s/c would be alot. final drive gearing does alot. dont know what ratio a taurus uses, i wouldnt have less than 3.73s in a ranger chassis, and preferably 4.10s with the 3.0 remember the 3.0 makes its power higher in the rpm band than the other motors available. its a good motor, definitly a upgrade from the 2.3 but the 4.0 has more power at a lower rpm and isnt much differnt on fuel economy, unfortunatly the 3.0 and 4.0 have differnt bell housing patterns and cant be exchanged for each other without a trans change, otherwise id put my higer-milage 4.0 in the wifes lightweight taurus (just to bump up the performance a bit) and give the ranger a low-milage (only 60,000) engine. then id change my gearing to make up for the power difference. but, not possible so just a daydream. the taurus is a tire-fryer by the way.

 

I would think the biggest factor in fuel mileage would be the aerodynamics of the car versus the truck. Pick-ups are not very aerodynamic.

 

the gearing is way way diff as well.. that doesnt help

Matt