Scrambler82
Old Bastard !
Joined: Fri Dec 22nd, 2017
Posts: 2108
Name: Grev B ... Occupation: Quality Assurance Engineer ... Interests: Rangers, Photography, Metal Bending ...
Reputation Points: 2108
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Other than additional work, a V-8 is the way to go !
My '88 STX 4X Pickup, was ok with the 2.9L but I found my foot was on the floor boards more than not; just not enough power !
The 2.9L was drinking the gas like it was going out of style, the best I got after the lift and tires was around 14 mpg, after the 5.0L I was getting upward of 20 mpg... on the best day !
I converted to a 5.0L, stock, with auto, C4 but would like an AOD now, and the truck was a pleasure to drive, over powered yes but not a problem, OEM HP - 235.
On the V-6 side, what about a 4.0 OHV, I have heard it has more power than the 2.9L and should be a bolt in, same trans, not sure about the wiring, but I'm thinking the same mounts... almost a given !
Now back to the 2.9L, you could add higher ratio Rocker Arm, it should increase the low end torque and give you a little more kick in the pants feeling when taking off but it will run out of power, which the V-8 won't !
You could, if the engine is in good shape, replace the cam, new lifters and rockers, get something that has a good mid-range rpm power.
You can do a lot to an internal combustion engine, it just depends on how deep the pockets are... OR, ok I won't say it.
The 1st and 2nd gen Ranger/B-IIs didn't get the V-8 because Ford felt it would be a direct effect on the F-150 Sales, and their excuse was it had to meet Emissions over all their trucks, and a power to eight restrictions, an OEM 302/5.0L in a Ranger it would be faster than most would like.
I know you want to get to a place with the 2.9L that will give you that feeling of power when you step on the accelerator, but no amount of work on an OEM 2.9L is going to compare to the 5.0L.
Good Luck, Stay Safe to all !
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Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !
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Welcome, Glad you joined us.