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Idahome
Joined: Wed May 2nd, 2018
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We kept the 302 displacement because we wanted some sort of decemt MPG from the truck, it has cruise control and air conditioning. This 84 still gets 14-18 mpg.
That is from a 302, you can get higher numbers from a 331 or 347 stroker kit. I am a big fan of the 331 myself, the stroked small blocks have come a long way. The GT40 engines with the 28oz external imbalance have become common place in the aftermarket. The GT40 engine with the external balancer is a direct replacement for the 96-01 Explorer V8. The Explorer V8 is packaged by Ford to fit your Ranger engine bay. Also as a bonus the explorer engine has a high flow oil pump, high volume water pump, 135 amp alternator and a metal power steering pump. The serpentine setup is very short which makes stuffing it into a Ranger that much easier. The exhaust headers available today (Torque Monster or shorty block huggers) are good to about 380-400 hp) without notching the frame or wild steering shaft mods.
The heads on the 351 make it just that much harder to stuff into a Ranger. Clearing the steering shaft on the drivers side, the HVAC box on the passenger side, and fitting exhaust headers becomes a real challenge when you get larger then the 302 block.
I mean a 4.6, the newer snake engine, heck even a 460 big block has been done...but not without major modifications to the steering shaft, frame rails and HVAC box.
TO me it all begins with the trucks intended use. I usually then start with the transfer case and transmission choice, then decide on the engine to power it all.
What will it be used for? Daily driver? Weekend warrior? Drag strip only? rock crawler? Show truck? OR???
For most rangers we build a nice built 302 with the 4r70w and your choice of T case fits the bill. There is still room for exhaust and drivelines, as well as a heater and even AC and cruise control if you desire.
Try that with a 4.6 or 351.......
Last edited on Tue Oct 2nd, 2018 09:24 am by 410customs
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I build custom RBV, specializing in drivetrain conversions, wiring, suspension and complete custom trucks