is there a difference between a taurus 3.0 and a ranger 3.0 because i can always find cheaper 3.0s out of the taurus but out of rangers they seem more expensive?

 

The intake and exhaust are different, block is the same.

 

will a 88 3.0 bolt up to a mazda 5 spd tranny?

 

will a 88 3.0 bolt up to a mazda 5 spd tranny?

 

I don't know, but I have heard that with some FWD vehicles that share a motor with a RWD, that because the motor is put in sideways in the FWD platform, that modifications are made to fit it into the RWD platform. Some FWD motors have accessory belts on both ends of the motor, so this could cause problems too. I don't know if this is the case, it may just be the mount that are diferents, but I would look into it.

 

If the Mazda 5 Speed is from a 2.5L, it will not mate up to a 3.0L. You would need a 3.0L Mazda to mate with a Taurus motor.

 

the mazda tranny is from a 92

 

The year is irrelevant. The question is what motor it came from. The 2.3/2.5, 3.0, and 2.8/2.9/4.0 bellhousing patterns are different.

 

2.3L

 

Refer to ranger pat's post above.

 

this makes me wonder about the concept of putting a s.h.o. taurus motor in a bronco 2, or a 4.0 ohc in a taurus. sounds like ive been watching monster garage too much.