small block v-8

[mudslinging79]

what small block v-8s have people dropped in the b/2, other than the 302?

[BIICrawler]

289, 302, 351W, 460(I think this one was a fullsize frame with a ranger body on it), 4.6(was in a ranger), chevy 305 and 350

Not all small blocks or Fords, but those are the V8s I've seen in BIIs and Rangers. The off road club I am in has 2 BIIS with 302, one with a chevy 305, and a Ranger on a fullsize frame with a built 514.

[mudslinging79]

was looking at possably the 289, am wondering what modifications need to be made for clearance. thinking carbureted model, and having to make motor mounts

[BIICrawler]

It's the same as a 302. You have to hammer on the firewalll some, how much depends on bodyl ift and what trans you use. You have to clearance the A/C heater box for the passenger side head, again how much depends on body lift.
You have few options on motor mounts. You can spend a lot on swap mounts, or use fox body Mustang convertible mounts. Or you can make some metal plates and reuse your existing mounts. I am using solid mustang motor mounts.

[country0001]

I'm saying screw the V-8 option and going with a 4.0 swap into my BII. Its a plug and play option on the 90 model and there are plenty of part for them. I've had many V-8's and I'm still impressed with the way a 4.0 runs.

[BRay09]

Originally Posted by country0001

I'm saying screw the V-8 option and going with a 4.0 swap into my BII. Its a plug and play option on the 90 model and there are plenty of part for them. I've had many V-8's and I'm still impressed with the way a 4.0 runs.

Does building a V6 4.0 motor have the same basiccs as a V8? I just got done building my 351w for my F250 and now i was thinking of building a more powerful motor for my stranger. I seen on jegs they do have cams, lifters, rockers, headers, programmers and what not, i just dont know if itd be as easy as a V8. What are your plans and how much TQ/HP are you expecting to see?

[country0001]

As for right now, I'm just going stock. For what I need the 4.0 will be enuff. My BII w the 2.9 pulled a 16' trailer w a tractor on it, and its pretty spunky when I want it to be. The 4.0 in my ranger is pretty stout too. Iwill def go w headers and a better exhaust but as for the other stuff, I don't need it. I like to play in the mud, I'm not doing anything too extreme.

[Eddiec1564]

I wanted to stuff the BIG six 300 in my B2, but that engine is just tooo long to fit with out major hammer time on the firewall. The 4.0 will be the best swap, everything fits properly with no fabing of mounts. Just have to get the wireing for the 4.0 swapped over into the B2

Maybe in the future the 300 I6 might find a way into it... I have a 93 explorer which is almost the same as my Bronco2 to experment on.....

[country0001]

Especially w the 89 and 90 BII's the 4.0 is a relatively easy swap . Just find a ranger or explorer w the engine and tranny combo and steal the harness and computer, and ur good to go. There are a few issues for the 89 over the 90 because the 4.0 wasn't available till 90. Its rumored that the 4.0 was an option in 90 but no proof of one actually in it from the factory

[Old93junk]

Putting the 302 in a 1st gen. Ranger or B2 is easy.............I have done 3 of them in 10 years..........Real straight forward no BS swap, almost as if Ford may have considered it at some point in the engineering phase.

[mudslinging79]

i was looking for a small v/8 that wouldnt require a lift kit or other real mods for my 87 other than motor mounts, body and suspension is stock cept for explorer springs in the back.

[Old93junk]

Originally Posted by mudslinging79

i was looking for a small v/8 that wouldnt require a lift kit or other real mods for my 87 other than motor mounts, body and suspension is stock cept for explorer springs in the back.

See my above post ........NO suspension mods are required to fit the 302.........I have put a 315hp 302 in a former 4cyl. 2wd short bed Ranger (changing to a c6 and a 8.8 of course).
All you need in a B2 is:
motor mounts
remote oil filter
rad. from a Explorer
Your choice of trans to back up the 302( no trans offered stock with a B2 will withstand the 302 for long)......Possibly shortening or adding to drive shaft depending on trans used.
If driven like a adult the 7.5 rear and the Dana 35 front, will hold up.
Exhaust work
Advise from folks here on wiring.
WARNING:..............A B2 with a 302 is a wild ride, and will KILL you!
Drive conservatively!

[mudslinging79]

if i do this, it will be straight carbureted, screw the electrinoc fuel and ignition, old school all the way. am just looking for a little more mid to high end oomph going down the freeway and haulin a trailer. though what about the stock transfer case, or is that not up to a 302?

[Old93junk]

Originally Posted by mudslinging79

if i do this, it will be straight carbureted, screw the electrinoc fuel and ignition, old school all the way. am just looking for a little more mid to high end oomph going down the freeway and haulin a trailer. though what about the stock transfer case, or is that not up to a 302?

Some folks have had luck with the stock trans. case but most simply transplant a F-150/Bronco transmission and transfer case, its much stronger and custom trans mounts are available from several sources. EFI , computer, all can be trashed out if going old school.

[BIICrawler]

My 84 BII came with the C5 automatic. It is still in there with a V8 bell housing and V8 C4 valve body. Along with the stock transfer case. And I am not to easy on it with 38" tires. And I have no body lift. The biggest problem I have had is motor and trans mounts. I have broken the original trans mount, f150 trans mount, oe style mustang motor mounts, poly motor mounts. I now have solid motor mounts with a poly trans mount and they seem to be holding up good. The C5 is the only stock BII transmission that I would consider running behind a V8.

If you run a F150 transfer case some, like the BW1356, won't fit without notching the frame.