I would like to upgrade the performance of my 2004, 3.0 Ranger. I would like it to be able to produce burnouts and have the power for Autocross applications. This may be unrealistic for a 3.0, but would like to explore all options. Would like to know of vendors who make or supply bolt on performance upgrades for this engine. Also would like to hear from persons who have done engine mods for this model and hear their experiences and recommendations.

 

Im not going to be the only one to say it, but the 3.0 is not a motor that is going to do what you want. Its a slow moving, low power, reliable dog. This web board also seems to focus on maintenance and problem solving troubles you may be having with almost zero discussion on mods (engine and suspension).

There are other web boards out there that do more of that stuff. But im sorry to say the only way to get the power you want with a 3.0 is to take it out and mod a 302 into the truck.

Just one jackalopes honest opinion.

 

I'll be the next one to post that the 3.0 is a dog. And we're not talking about a greyhound or a pit bull. We're talking about a dog that is loyal, friendly and is always by your side through thick and thin. A dog, as in a good dog.
Okay, having put many hundreds of thousands of miles on a 3.0 engine on several Ford vehicles (I currrently have a '98 Ranger/3.0/manual), I'll be the next one to say that, powerwise, the 3.0 engine needs to be left alone. If you want power, you buy an F150 or larger. Or, you buy the 4.0 SOHC Ranger. (Not near the reliability of the 3.0, but that wasn't what you said you wanted in your post) Or, maybe you buy an early Ranger that somebody dropped a 5.0 in it.
But don't try severely up the horsepower of a 3.0. (Not that you can readily get hot-rod 3.0 parts anyway) You will be disapointed.

 

I agree with the other posters,,,the 3.0 is durable,reliable and dependable but not a high horse speed demond and would be a waist of money to try and make it one,,,they just dont have the torque to do what you want,,,drop in a 302 or 5.0 or something,,,but i dont think the front end will handle a lot of weight without some major upgrades !!!!!

 

Thanks guys, thats what I figured. Probably time for a transplant. Now I need to decide which motor will do what I want with an easy switchout. What about transmission? Need to replace or rebuild to handle the added power? Who would you recommend to check on crate motors and other parts for the swap.

 

do an internet search for ranger V8 install or something similar. Its been done a lot and there are many "walkthoughs" on peoples builds out there. Good luck!!!!!

 

sell the ranger and get a mustang, a V8 in the ranger has been done, and there's a reason why that produces a dog truck, there's too much weight in the front not enough in the back,

 

Any way to get a better weight distribution? How can more weight be put into the rear without just bulk weight?

 

if you want speed, both 1/4 mile and curved track, weight is your enemy. Adding weight to balance the truck and add traction to the back is counterproductive. Its like limping with your left foot and shooting your right foot so that you walk "even".

 

If you're really interested in autocross, power upgrades would be not be the first thing I'd be addressing. The extra power won't mean anything if every time you go around a corner you lose traction from poor weight distribution and soft stock suspension. The burnouts...to each their own I guess. The suspension, along with a limited slip differential upgrade if you don't already have one would be first on my list, with a possible re-gear of the rear end as well.

As far as the weight distribution thing, adding weight to the rear without removing it from the front is counterproductive as mentioned earlier. Moving the battery to the rear will help. If you want to get serious about it and this isn't a daily driver, then I'd suggest things like removing the A/C, possibly power steering, etc which will also tip the balance as well as lessen the total weight of the truck...I'd even consider moving the radiator to the bed which is not a big deal depending on your skill set. If you can get the truck on a set of corner scales it will give you an idea of how off the distribution is not only front to back, but side to side as well. The goal obviously is even distribution in both directions so work toward the goal with with fluid levels that would be present when autocrossing and with the driver in the vehicle.

Whether or not it's a daily driver determines if some of this is practical or not. If it is a daily driver, then I'd just upgrade the suspension and throw a Trac-Lok under it and go have fun.

 

Thanks, now what would the specifics of upgrading the suspension look like and who are some good vendors.