Need tips on 3.0 performance mods
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 39
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From: West Tennessee
Need tips on 3.0 performance mods
My '91 Ranger 3.0 is ready for rebuild and am considering doing some mild performance/gas mileage mods. Will retain the A4LD trans. Are there some tips and "chips" available? Cam specs for gas mileage? Vendor suggestions? Can these blocks be bored? Can block or heads be shaved? Do not want to raise compression to point where premium fuel is needed. Exhaust suggestions?
Thanks, in advance. Mike
Thanks, in advance. Mike
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 759
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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)
I don't have any experiance with the 3.0, but as far as engine's in general that use a computer, i wouldn't go too extreme. You can bump the compression ratio to about 9.3:1-9.5:1 and still be able to run regular 87 octane gas with no pinging as long as the timing is set right. I'm not sure if a different cam would throw the computer out of wack but lets say if it didn't i wouldn't go more then an RV cam, which is good for more torque but shouldn't hurt milege. You can bore any engine up to usually .60 over. You gain maybe 3-4 HP for every .20 you bore it but the more you bore it the hotter it runs. I would only bore it enough to clean it up which .20 is usually enough on just a worn engine .30 on an engine that was just straight blown up. When i've done engines that i want to be powerful but economical for street, i always just go up one step on everything that i have to do and go for an after market part that is better that costs the same as the original.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 759
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From: Ventura ,ca. (near L.A.)
One more thing, i would definately do. I would put a shift kit in the trans. It will reduce heat and wear and give you a nice snappy shift. I highly recomend the Transgo tow and go, its and nice firm shift but not too hard and will bark the tires on a shift under the right cicumstances. Also if you havent already, upgrade to a big B&M trans cooler. I would get the biggest one that will fit behind the grill. If you have a junk/stock trans, you wont fully enjoy any mods that you are doing to your truck.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: West Tennessee
Thanks, JimW. Trans already has a medium sized cooler, but can go larger. The lines are already there. Will probably do the Transgo kit as you suggest.
The engine isn't too bad, it's just thrown a main bearing. Still runs and feels ok but the bearing continues to get louder (thumping sound). Oil pressure is on low side of normal, but at stop signs it hits bottom. Comes up immediately when touch gas. I have a recently rebuilt 1996 3.0 that I will swap into the truck. Then will rebuild the '91 engine as you suggest. Thanks. Mike
The engine isn't too bad, it's just thrown a main bearing. Still runs and feels ok but the bearing continues to get louder (thumping sound). Oil pressure is on low side of normal, but at stop signs it hits bottom. Comes up immediately when touch gas. I have a recently rebuilt 1996 3.0 that I will swap into the truck. Then will rebuild the '91 engine as you suggest. Thanks. Mike
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 67
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From: Abingdon, VA
I got a diablosport chip from Motorhaven, and I'm happy with the increased power. Even more noticeable is that the chip changes the shift points for the transmission--not only does it shift more smoothly, it shifts at the proper times now (a big change from stock). If you want to see what a 3.0 is really capable of, check out http://rogueperformance.com/.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yeah the Diablo chip is great...but requires premium gas, which is what he's trying to avoid.
As for exhaust I have a Flowmaster 40 series delta on a 4.0L, really opened it up, lot more punch when I get on it, and sounds great if I really rev it up before gettin' on the clutch.
As for exhaust I have a Flowmaster 40 series delta on a 4.0L, really opened it up, lot more punch when I get on it, and sounds great if I really rev it up before gettin' on the clutch.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 249
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From: Santee, CA
There's a great site on the 3.0 Vulcan here: http://rogueperformance.com/WelcometoFredland.html. You might also want to check around in the 3.0 forum if you haven't already.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: West Tennessee
Thanks jimw411, TwoDollarBill, RangerPilot (once again), and rebturtle.
I'll stay away from the Diablo chip but does anyone have another suggestion, or should I leave the chips alone? Although I asked about tips for exhaust, I actually already have nothing but 2" pipe from the cat back. Lots of guys here in TN do that. Sounds really good, even with the old motor. Can't wait to hear the new one...which goes in a couple weeks. Then I get to rebuild the old motor. Am looking forward to it.
That Rogue site is fabulous and I will be roaming around in it for a while. Thanks for that tip. Please post more if you want. I can use all the help available.
I'll stay away from the Diablo chip but does anyone have another suggestion, or should I leave the chips alone? Although I asked about tips for exhaust, I actually already have nothing but 2" pipe from the cat back. Lots of guys here in TN do that. Sounds really good, even with the old motor. Can't wait to hear the new one...which goes in a couple weeks. Then I get to rebuild the old motor. Am looking forward to it.
That Rogue site is fabulous and I will be roaming around in it for a while. Thanks for that tip. Please post more if you want. I can use all the help available.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: West Tennessee
Another question not related to the rebuild of my '91 3.0, but maybe one of you guys can help me here:
The engine I will be swapping into the truck next week is a '96 3.0 from a car, probably a Taurus (transverse). I already know that the '91 intake bottom half will have to go on the '96 to get the coolant sytem right for the truck. I have already put Vulcan head gaskets on the '96. And new head bolts.
But the '96 is an OBD2 motor and thus I must install the '91 distributor on the '96. The issue is the harmonic balancer. The '96 motor's crank trigger apparently is fired off the harmonic balancer because there are triggering teeth on the balancer, and there is a sensor mounted above it. I can find no timing marks on it or the block. Am I missing something?
The '91 balancer has the marks, but I don't think it should be swapped over, because it is "balanced" for the '91, not the '96, right? Any suggestions?
The engine I will be swapping into the truck next week is a '96 3.0 from a car, probably a Taurus (transverse). I already know that the '91 intake bottom half will have to go on the '96 to get the coolant sytem right for the truck. I have already put Vulcan head gaskets on the '96. And new head bolts.
But the '96 is an OBD2 motor and thus I must install the '91 distributor on the '96. The issue is the harmonic balancer. The '96 motor's crank trigger apparently is fired off the harmonic balancer because there are triggering teeth on the balancer, and there is a sensor mounted above it. I can find no timing marks on it or the block. Am I missing something?
The '91 balancer has the marks, but I don't think it should be swapped over, because it is "balanced" for the '91, not the '96, right? Any suggestions?
