I have an '90 Ranger 4x4 longbed with a 144,000 mile 2.9L V6 leaking oil. I think it makes 150 hp and 150 lb. ft. of torque. I'm thinking of replacing it with a 4.0L. What's the horsepower and torque ratings for the 4.0L V6? Would a swap to the 4.0L make a difference? How crazy can you get with the 4.0L? I saw a Dakota last night with a dual exhaust and I'd like to run with or beat a truck like that one.

 

The easiest swap would be a 4.0L OHV which would essentially bolt right up. Plenty of low end torque but your only looking at 160-165 hp depending on the year. And it's not like there is a huge aftermarket regarding performance parts.

Have you thought about dropping in a 5.0L?

 

I heard it would eat up the stock transmission, transfer case and 7.5" rearend. I'll take a look at turbocharging the 2.9L. That might be the easier way to go.

 

The 2.9 was 140h.p. 170h.p. Close enough though . I think the only thing you'll kill with that 4.0L is the transmission. I don't know if you have an auto, but I was reading that the auto 4.0L tranny has harder parts than the 2.9. My friend has a 5.0L H.O. EFI on a 7.5" in a ford fairmont station wagon and is doing fine. I'm pretty sure the 4.0L has more power than stated as well, but you'll have to check the year.

You can get pretty crazy stuff for these engines. I converted my 2.9L to MAF to put a non-computer friendly cam in. The weight to power ratio is good. It's getting harder and harder to find these performace parts though.

You'll see a big difference with the 4.0L (stock wise). It's a good engine. The 2.9L is also a good engine, just smaller displacement and different ignition system. I would take a 2.9 over a 3.0 (I'm all about my internal cam engines). I haven't rode in a performance 4.0L, so I don't know which I would take. My 2.9L is awfully fast, but I imagine a tweaked out 4.0L would destroy.

Good luck with the turbo. You'll have to let me know how to turns out. I want to turbo mine as well, but still saving for it.

Pete

 

I know a lot of people who wish that was the case.

 

I have a buddy that had a '92 4.0 with a Paxton blower. I dont kow what the hp was but I do know it was EXTREMELY difficult to keep the tires from spinning in 1st & 2nd even with 33's and stock gears. Plus I have a buddy with an '87 with built 2.9 that can't keep up with my '94 4.0 supercab 4x4 with shell and lumber rack.These are just my experiances and opinions,but I prefer the 4.0.
Good luck
P.S. His ex. totaled the '92 thats the only reason it is not on the road any more.

 

The 3.0 is an internal cam OHV engine.

 

To nit pick just a little:

The Ford 3.0L "vulcan" found in the Ranger and Aerostar are OHV engines.

The Ford 3.0L "duratec" in the Escape is a DOHC design.

 

The HP difference may no be that much between 2.9 and 4.0, but the torque is 55 ft-lbs more and makes a huge difference. I've had both engines, while I did like the 2.9, the 4.0 is much better.

 

I was wondering if you ever did the swap. I also would like to swap my 90 4x4 5speed. The only problem I have ran into so far is, what is required to do the swap. I know that I need the tranny and of course the engine, but what about the wiring and the computer.
Seafire

 

Hi NitrousAl,

did you ever swap your 2,9 for the 4,0? I'm looking to do the same with my 2,6 for a 4.0 but I'm told that there are difficulties with enginemounts, sizes etc.