Ok, I'm pretty sure that v-8s dont fit nicely, since the engine bay is a bit cramped, but what about one of the inline sixes from the f150s? More of a curiosity question than anything. The 3.0 doesn't move as well as I'd like

 

I would say too long. Are you really a glutton for punishment?!? I would think it would be a tough one to try. Could be done, I suppose, but you would have to rework the rear area to get clearance, make a doghouse or something, ( I wish the OEM would have)

 

Eh, was just curious. Not worth the trouble if it's too long. When I get a new car for the wife, the Aero goes into "mutant project" status mu ha ha haaaaa... just trying to get some ideas for it.

 

ther than too wide, a v8 likely would be lengthwise a better fit, but I would want a doghouse, so I don't have to pull the motor to do simple things like maniflods, heads, valve covers, you know, the things we do just because they are there...

 

Think a 302 would fit? From what I have heard it is a pretty compact motor. Only prob I see is that the TB would face the firewall. I know someone's done it, but it probably involves a doghouse like you describe. Hey, it's a body on frame... what about lifting the frame an inch or two for v-8 room?

 

would have to try a mock up to figure out how well and and how hard things would work out, I would imagine it will be a real PITA< but it would be different. Find ya an all wheel drive and make a 4x4 out of it...

 

Y not go with 4.0 and supercharger.

 

How about the older car inline sixes like the 200 and 250. In the early 80's Ford ran out of the V6's in the mustangs and substituted the old inline six. If they can fit one in a mustang you can fit one in an Aerostar.

 

they also put the v8's in mustangs without bad clearance troubles. They had plenty of room forward to put the six's in, but it's a bit snug with a v-6 in the Aerostars. Even the four cylinders don't have much room.

 

wait a tick....

the 6 would take up too much room....

the 289/302/5.0 is the best choice, its light, its potent, and there are tons of goodies for it.

the Aerostar is also a good choice, its built just like a Ranger, so its got tough axles, and a tough transfer case.

if its gonna be mutant though, you should lift it to the sky, put 3/4 ton running gear under it, and power it with a 460....

 

Not sure if I want to go 3/4 mutant LOL! 5.0 is probably the engine of choice, since it's easily available, easy to mod, and is small. Transmission... think a t-5 from the mustang would be the best plan?

 

Just put a 4.0L Aerostar in there, since it comes from the factory with one.

 

If I were gonna stick with a factory motor, I'd put a 4.0 with a BBK supercharger on top...

 

Actually the 200 six was put in the mustangs/ capries of the early 80s before they offered a V6. It was the 200 cubic inch version. My sister had one in an 1980 or 81 Capri. It had 2 speeds slow and slower, what a p.o.s.

 

WE had a fairmout with the 200 in it, it was a good torque producer, but like it's big bro it wasn't a high revver.