Hi all. I have a 390 and a C6 in my garage and a ranger supercab on the way. I want to marry them together and go to the strip on weekends to play. I realize its a big job but I have all winter. Any sites, photos, ideas are welcome and will be appreciated. 4 link rear and narrowed diff will be in the plans---or are ladder bars better for weight transfer?? Trans brake and converter can probably be next winters project. Has anyone used rack and pinion/mustang style front susp on these trucks with success--that steering box has got to go....homemade fenderwell headers the only way to go or are there suppliers out there looking after us nuts already?? I will try and move the fuel tank and batteries behind the diff., keep the engine as far back as possible, maybe sneak the diff ahead a bit to try and make it hookup. So much to do, so little time.
Do some measurements of your frame rails and see if a Mustang II crossmember with rack will fit. It's likely you will need to do some custom cutting and welding, but anything is possible.
Gut as much of the engine compartment as you can, then see how the engine mounts will need to be fabbed to mount the 390 in there. You can make your own towers with some nice thick steel and use the 390 engine mounts.
It will be like doing a hot rod, where if it isn't made, you get to make it!
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Mark in FL
restoretherepublic.com
It will be a tight fit. The mustang steering and suspension is by far more work than the engine swap. There is nothing wrong with the TIB/TTB. You will have issues with the steering for sure. You may have to use a steering box that mounts outside the frame. It will be about the same amount of work as getting a 460 in there but with the proper skills and time it can be done. As far as suspension if you want it to hook you will need a 4 link. It would also be a good idea to move as much weight back like batteries, fuel cell and such.
Matt
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88 Ranger XLT 4x4, 396W stroker, ZF 5 speed, twin stick NP 205, Perry's Fab n' Fiber fenders & bedsides and hood, 8.8 swap, BII gas tank, lifted a bit, 35in ProComp M/Ts.....4 linked Rockewells and supercharged 557 on the way
I saw a guy on the net who put a 460 in a ranger. He tapped right into the block where the oil filter screws on because of clearance issues with remote filter adapter and the steering box. Seems like it would work for a FE motor also
I like your engine choice. As heavy as an FE is its still lighter than a 460 (like close to a 100 lbs) and you can shave even more off with aluminum parts (ive heard like 70 from an intake swap alone). As well as a couple inches shorter in length and height, and I think narrower in the lower part of the block than a 460. I think Ive seen 460 swap headers but no FE. Go with a 4 link.
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96 F150 reg cab sbx 5.0 5spd 4x4, 3 body/ 2 susp, 35 boggers, 3.55LS, mass air, K&N drop in, stock cats no muffler. 05 FX4 screw. 68 fastback 289 lawn ornament.
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