I'm looking to gauge the interest in a performance 2.9L engine. Mild build would include high volume oil pump, high compression pistons, ported heads, matched intake, etc.

Higher build would include turbo, world product cast heads, possibly a standalone engine management

Would you buy something like this? How interested and how willing to pay would you be? PM me for a price point if you'd like, just looking to get some feedback on this idea I had. Would there be more interest in a 4.0 version?

 

the 2.9l is a dog of a motor in what is now a VERY old entry level truck....there won't be a huge market for this...

 

It's a decent enough motor, I was just looking if there was a niche market.

 

IF I could get away with that level of engine mods, I could also get away with a 4.0 or even a 4.0 SOHC or a 302. 2.9 was ok in '86, but most 4 cylinders will run away from it now.....

 

exactly....the 2.9 is a very dated motor...with way better options out there.

 

I have a Ranger with the 2.9L and while it ran OK stock I know enough about the Ford Colonge V6 that it is not a 'performance" engine.

I rebuilt 2 - 2.8L v6 engines that came in the German Capir's back in the 70"s. I was disapointed in the results. The one with a mild cam ran no better then stock and the other ran good only at high RPM.
In Europe they did get they to run well but in this day & age with 4 vlave per cylinder engines that old v6 is just an iron lump. Easy & cheap is a 302 swap with a T-5 using junk yard parts.

 

You could do a small STS turbo system with a properly set up carb, but the cost around $3000 if your a decent mechanic can be a bit high.

Considering a 302 should bolt in or some other better version of a motor that would of come in your truck for quite a bit less giving comperable HP with out the turbo headache's.

Not that I wouldn't turbo a 2.9 to be different, but for the money spent you could of been better off with other swaps.

 

I have a 4.0L v6 in my Aerostar, and I would be interested in some kind of performance upgrade for it that would fit in the tight engine compartment. So that means mods that do not take up any more space, like replacement throttle body, intake, OHV heads, cam, headers, and exhaust system; no superchargers or turbochargers, or OHC heads.

There used to be a company called 4.0 Performance that did amazing performance mods to that engine, and sold some parts for it. I spoke to one of their representatives once, and he provided a tip for minor improvements that I have yet to try out. But unfortunately, they do not exist anymore, probably due to lack of a market.

I think BBK (Brother's Performance) may still sell a supercharger and other parts for it for use in Rangers or Explorers.

If you have the room, I would install a 302 instead of trying to soup up a v6. It will be much easier and cheaper, and you can be guaranteed continued availability of parts.

 

A 4.0 swap would be your best bet.
The 2.9 is forever linked to its infamous cracked heads and blown head gaskets, not worth the hassle and expense.

 

I have a '88 Ranger with the 2.9 and a 5 speed manual trans, It's far from being a dog. I think I might have blown the head gasket but I will rebuild. I'm thinking on a Super-Charger!

 

If you blew the head gasket on the stock engine, you will blow it even faster with a super charger. I think the problem is that the way the coolant passages are shaped, the heads just do not provide enough clamping on the gaskets. So more combustion pressure just makes it worse.

 

Tim that would be fantastic
Tom Morano Racing / Toronto Canada
ok here we go
drop in no retune. 3.5 Liter stroker kit
and complete engines
get the kit and do your builds
Do (do) priority main oiling as well
Roller conversion heads n some other options . Just check em out !
I am ^ Tom is Kool as I talked to him 2 days ago . Quite knowledgeable.
However customs is a Bear at the border for complete engines and Tom prefers not ! Again Hwvr you can
ship heads etc in component form
And assemble yourself at your level
Not recommended for amateurs.
As far as world products/ world castings isn't presently selling any heads for the 2.9
Go with tommoranoracing.Com
Doubt he has international patents
filed or registered IP. Rights
copywrighting. Is first process step
Let me know if u can do the 3.5 stroker HERE in the US
as I PRESENTLY want one complete
Thanks guys
enjoy .
No I am not a friend of Tom Morano
He does 3.8's and 4.0 as well
For 4.0 conversion as I understand
u go twin came
sohc won't bolt up correctly unless u basically change everything.
Russbrenbowles@gmail.com