87 Ranger 302 Swap

[JuJu1289]

Hello all, its been about 6 months of research and saving now and I think ive got enough money to get the swap under way. My truck is a 87 supercab 2.9 2wd and I plan on going carbed. I dont have a real plan for what engine im going to get, just all depends on what is at the pull apart in Louisville. It will prolly end up being from a mustang. I just have a couple of questions I need answered of stuff to add to my shopping list. Remember im on a budget and dont really have the money for all new parts.

1) Ignition: I was looking at distributors and I saw the HEI one with the build in coil. Are these worth it or not? Heres two of the distributors I was looking at.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-PRO-COMP-READY-TO-RUN-DISTRIBUTOR-289-302-SBF_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d277bf8dcQQitemZ400094394588QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_2884wt_939

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-289-302-5-0-DISTRIBUTOR-HEI-DISTRIBUTOR-6502-R_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cece03fc8QQitemZ330391633864QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_6304wt_1165

2) Is the msd 6al ignition box a must have, in alot of the 302 builds I see guys with this on there. The least expencive one is about $200, so i was just wonderin if this is needed to run.

3) Cam options: I done some research on cams and how to tell the stats of one. Gas mileage is a consideration but I also want a engine that can put out some power.

4) Power Steering and Alternator: They say the v6 alternator and power steering will work on the 302 with the correct brackets but i can never find the part number for these brackets. Some people give part number but not for which company so i cant find the brackets.

5) Carburetor: Wanting a 4 barrel carb and I think this is a pretty good one. tell me what you think of it.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-0-80457S/

6) Headers: Looking for some used ones, I have a 3" body lift on so if you have some recommendation for headers preferably under $150.

If you can answer any of these questions I would really appreciate your help for getting on my way to the v8!

 

[zukirider21]

hey you dont need the 6al ignition controller. in fact, its really not worth spending much more than $50 if its going on a mild motor. and HEI distributors are pretty pointless on a ford. thats chevy crap and besides theyre big and bulky and can interfere with stuff.

you can get brand new hedman headers from summit specifically designed for a 302 in the ranger for $167. otherwise you dont have too many other options. i think someone said shorty foxbody mustang headers will work but im NOT positive on that.

the carburetor you linked to is the exact one i have (except mines not polished). pretty standard. should be great for a mild motor with decent manifold vacuum.

i really wouldnt bother with a cam unless youre willing to spend money on rockers, springs, retainers, pushrods, lifters, and a timing gear and chain set. and once youre that far into it, you REALLY should port your heads. otherwise youll get a super mild cam and basically waste your time. and if you get one thats too serious, youll have HORRIBLE fuel economy, a rich idle (the carb you want doesnt like low manifold vacuum from big cams, it leads to a rich idle that cant be adjusted).

 

[baddad457]

you can get brand new hedman headers from summit specifically designed for a 302 in the ranger for $167. otherwise you dont have too many other options..

Those Hedmans suck in a 2wd application. The right side dumps straight down into the axle. Not sure if they're any better for a 4WD. Other options are the Hedman 88400's, Shelby type Tri-Y's, Hookers, Torque Monsters. Might be one or more I missed.

 

[JuJu1289]

Wasnt sure if I got a enlarged cam if I would also have to upgrade all the valvetrain. Ill prolly just wait on the cam then till I can do it right and do it all at once. Even thought I have a body lift I dont want to get a larger set of headers and them not fit, although i do want a longer type for better lower end power.

 

[okietheranger]

Wasnt sure if I got a enlarged cam if I would also have to upgrade all the valvetrain. Ill prolly just wait on the cam then till I can do it right and do it all at once. Even thought I have a body lift I dont want to get a larger set of headers and them not fit, although i do want a longer type for better lower end power.

i used headman headers 89500 they worked very well with little mods, in my case it was a 89 5.0 with the vert mounts swaped side to side and a 3 inch body lift, just had to do a little tiny grinding on the pass side

 

[red85]

hey you dont need the 6al ignition controller. in fact, its really not worth spending much more than $50 if its going on a mild motor. and HEI distributors are pretty pointless on a ford. thats chevy crap and besides theyre big and bulky and can interfere with stuff.

Not true. I run a Chevy HEI module with a Ford DuraSpark distributor. It doesn't interfere with anything at all and there's no rev limiter.

 

[baddad457]

Umm, he was referring to the HEI distributor itself, not the module you're using.