Ok, this is my first non-v8 swap in a ranger. I bought a good running 87 TurboCoupe and pulled the engine, trans and wire harness (and computer). I have a 94 2wd ranger with a 4cyl and 5 speed. I know that the engine should go in relativly easy, but I am unsure about the wiring and stock trans. Anybody got input on this or have done this before. I know I am not the first person to do this and am going to be relying on help to get this done right.

info: 87 (86?) Turbo coupe non-intercooled, 5 speed manual going into 94 Ranger XLT 2wd 4cyl.

Thanks

 

Are you going to use the intercooler, if so, it's vented through the hood on the SC, so you'll need some kind of hood scoope, a functional one. The tranny bolts up fine, "of course", but I think you'll have to fab up a tranny mount and cut or lengthen the driveshaft, whitchever. It's supost to be pretty straight forward. I read a write up on it a while back, I just wish I remembered more, "sorry".

 

Have you thought about using the M5OD thats in your truck now? This is going to be a project for me next year, and I was just going to use that tranny. Not sure if it will hold up, but I don't see why not.

 

Good point, they put it behind the 4.0 sohc motor at 207 hp and some of us are pushing more with no problems. That would do away with tranny mount and driveshaft problems .

 

ive done it well im in the process
the stock transmission does not work well unless you want to have a tranny guy beef it up throw some double syncros and a better clutch because i was told by a tranny guy that my stock on probbly over 5 pounds would just slip and im gonna run at least 20 to 25 psi
the wireing goes the same place and just rerout it like you would do the v8 swap everything goes the same places noting to complicated...
i got a t5 tranny and a c5 i think it is
the t5 is off a foxbody mustang and according to my friend who has done trannys for 25 years he said that there are a few trannys that will work but the t5 is the strongest for a 5 speed and the c5 or c4 auto will work just gotta bolt a floor ****er in the spot of the 5 speed...
custom driveshafts arent that expensive if you get a t5 ill get the measurements on mine from the guy who made it in town and send em to you if you would like


got any more questions just email me at birdmanslopy@yahoo.com
i have no idea to send pics or video i wish i could

 

I can't say that myself or my licensed technician friend has ever heard of double synchros. Help me out here....

I think the M5OD will work fine to be honest.

 

My plans were to use the stock ranger tranny, but use the tbird clutch set. My problem is not really mechanical, but electrical. The ranger motor is a dual plug setup and uses coil packs. The tbird motor does not, therefore I have some basic wiring complications. Also, how does the wastegate work ? Is it mechanical (vacuum) or electrical (solenoid) and if electric, how do i get the computer to signal it ? Can I use the stock ranger computer or do I need to use the tbird computer. When or If I use the tbird computer, what else has to be changed ?

Dont worry, there will be NO automatic cobbled in this truck. I prefer to use all OE and like to keep this looking stock as possible, with the exception of a single 3" exhaust.

 

I wouldn't use the t-bird clutch either if it's used, center force is the clutch you need, dual friction and grabs like a bear. There's guys using the stock manual tranny pushing close to 300 hp with the explorer express super charger. I should be around at least 230 hp and my tranny shifts and works like a charm and it does get abused at times, but it's your call, we all know the t-5 is stronger, but the M5OD isn't a sloutch by any means.

 

double synchros is just adding one extra synchro to your gears it helps shifting faster and in all just helps the tranny..
the t5 tranny sits about the same exact spot as the stock tranny as i mocked mine up so it would still look stock since i want mine to be stock looking to besides a egt and boost gauge inside where i havent figured where i was gonna mount it...
the wastegate should work off vaccume i mean all turbos i have seen its off vaccume correct me guys if i am wrong....
i just know i had the same question about the coil packs and when i asked the my friends dad he said as long as i have the computer out of the t bird merkur or svo im fine... hes helping me swap it by the way...
i have the svo computer so by talking to people on merkur fourms as well as here i was told im in good shape because i want to push at least close to 300 rwhp as i can get..
im gonna try to order a clutch for mine when i get money but im sure the t5 will be good

 

The last time I added synchros I went with four, it shifted like velvet....
Dave