I Need Speed
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I Need Speed
I am new to this but it is happening to be very helpful. I have a 71 ford ranchero 2v and I would like to race this car but I feel it cant hang with the big boys just yet. So I am asking if anyone could help me with advice on what I will need to put in the engine to get this thing running about 13 in the quarter mile. I would like about 350hp but if their is a way I could get more easily I would appreciate the help. Also if anyone knows any websites where I could find facts or anything else about my car and engine.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
I Need Speed
This forum is very good, but I think this other one is more "Cleveland" based.
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/119419
Go through the links and as many old postings as time permits. The 1200+ posts will answer 95% of your questions.
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/119419
Go through the links and as many old postings as time permits. The 1200+ posts will answer 95% of your questions.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
I Need Speed
I started off with a 2v 9:1 compression motor. Fitted a single plane street torker intake, 750 vac sec holley, inteference headers, dual 2.5" exhaust, electronic distributor, double valve springs and a camshaft which i dont know the specs of (never bothered to ask my engine builder, but it's power range is about 2.5-5.5k rpm, with the stock 2v heads). The motor makes 300-330hp, with 9:1 compression and bog stock 2v heads. Using Aussie heads will get you closer to 350hp, but you will need to use higher grade gas. Also, some head work will make a good difference as well.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
I Need Speed
Start off by keeping the 2V heads for now. Get an aftermarket 4V intake and about a 600-650 CFM carb. If you get the Aussie heads, it will bump up compression nicely, but you could always get higher compression pistons. The Aussie heads work better for not having ping at the higher compression. Plan on high octane fuel if you raise compression any with the stock open chamber 2V heads. For racing, converting to 4V heads and intake from Ford with do wonders. Headers and duals are always a welcome sight to any V8.
Mark
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
Mark
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=5362&.jpg
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: space city
I Need Speed
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Jul-02 AT 06:59 PM (EST)]when you say 13 in the quarter, do you mean "in the 13's", like 13.9's - or do you mean 12.9's and 13.0's?
to start off, you need posi-trac, gears & slicks. on 26" tall slicks, a 4.56 gear should be in the ballpark. also need a driveshaft loop to be legal on slicks, if you're in the 13's.
softer springs & shocks will help it hook up.
BIG DIET!!! loose some weight! no A/C, sway bars, spare tire, tailgate... take off as much weight as possible, especially in the front end. move the battery to the back. check the rules first - you may have to have a metal box around it.
high stall converter! if you have stuff like carb, intake, headers but the engine is pretty much stock internally, then 2200 to 2600... also a shift kit.
i'm still trying to find out what a ranchero weighs, but my guess is that with the stuff mentioned here and above, you might run some mid 13's, but probably more like high 13's or low 14's. on the other hand, the '71 may be lighter than i think. weight makes a big difference, so you might be closer to a low 13 than i'm thinking.
but to run "fast", you need a "built" motor & tranny - like the post above says, "how fast can you afford to go?"
to start off, you need posi-trac, gears & slicks. on 26" tall slicks, a 4.56 gear should be in the ballpark. also need a driveshaft loop to be legal on slicks, if you're in the 13's.
softer springs & shocks will help it hook up.
BIG DIET!!! loose some weight! no A/C, sway bars, spare tire, tailgate... take off as much weight as possible, especially in the front end. move the battery to the back. check the rules first - you may have to have a metal box around it.
high stall converter! if you have stuff like carb, intake, headers but the engine is pretty much stock internally, then 2200 to 2600... also a shift kit.
i'm still trying to find out what a ranchero weighs, but my guess is that with the stuff mentioned here and above, you might run some mid 13's, but probably more like high 13's or low 14's. on the other hand, the '71 may be lighter than i think. weight makes a big difference, so you might be closer to a low 13 than i'm thinking.
but to run "fast", you need a "built" motor & tranny - like the post above says, "how fast can you afford to go?"
