well I got a 74 351 windsor and d00e heads for a $100, the heads have been ported a bit but other then that they are bare

I'd like to build a mild storker maybe 383, 393 but I'm afraid it wouldn't breath well enough on the D00E heads,so it doesn't have to be stroked if it won't run proper

the other thing is that I sort of want to keep it factory looking as possible so that it doesn't really look like much hence using the the D00E heads factory valve covers modified to clear aftermarket rockers an aluminum intake painted ford blue

I won't be driving it around every day so if the cam could afford to be a little lumpy thinking the compression ratio at about 9-10ish:1 so its pump friendly. Most likely going to stick it in a regular cab short box ranger 87-92 in all its factory looking glory with some decent tires and traction aids, might take it to the track on occasion

All in all I should have around a decent budget to start($4000) once I sell my 77 ford 4x4 (don't worry I still have a 79 4x4 and 69 2wheel to play with but I don't go off roading too much anymore and thats what the 77 was built for) any ways any tips reccomandations? I'm looking for probably 325-350 horse range if its possible

all right let the tips and theorys fly! thanks guys

 

302 or 351 heads? If they're 302 heads they're a complete waste of your time and if they're 351 heads and don't have hardened valve seats already installed they's only slightly less of a waste of your time, because it'll cost you more in machine work and valvetrain than a complete set of GT40s would cost. If you really want a stroker build a 408 and keep your eye open for any used aftermarket heads.. cause they're all better than GT40s and anything smaller will be needlessly restrictive on this displacement. With the right heads a 351 will make 350hp at 5000rpm or less so don't go overboard with the cam, make sure it's designed to make power in the 0-5000rpm range and not something dumb like 2500-7500rpm. For reference GT40 heads on a 351 become restrictive at 4000rpm so if you build that motor cam appropriately.

 

Thats about all the power a Ranger frame can take... Heck you might be pushing it a little at that. A 351w will also be a really tight fit. You could get all you need out of a 347 without all the fabrication cause it fits. Is the ranger 4x4? Either way a body lift helps but without you'll be taking a sledgehammer to your firewall and thats with a 302/347. Check out therangerstation.com as they have lots and lots of info on this.

You can make any motor you want fit but it just depends on how much time/effort you are wanting to put into it.