V8 Swapped Ranger

[ghost86999]

Hi Im new here please help what would be the best 302 crate engine to drop in a 1994 ford ranger xl 2.3 that wont be to to hard to do just wanna make sure I don't buy some that won't work

 

[19Walt93]

I've read that and Explorer or T Bird 5.0 would have the shortest front drive system and that would make installation a little easier. I used brackets and pulleys from a fox Mustang on my 351 and had to hollow out the core support and mount the radiator inside it. My 93 was a 2.3, 5 speed, manual steering truck originally.Having a complete donor 95-01 Explorer would really help. Just be aware that fabrication will be necessary.
As I've suggested many times- check your state regulations before you start. NH was forced to do OBD IIemissions testing or we would lose our federal highway money- and the VIN on the registration has to match the one in the PCM. Your 94 wouldn't have OBD II so you hopefully would be OK.

 

[ghost86999]

Yes I've herd alot about the explorer 5.0s but what about a built ready to drop in 300hp crate engine off online how hard would that be what would u have to do and what crate should I look for

 

[19Walt93]

The basic engine isn't the concern, it's all the externals, brackets and pulleys and they won't come with a crate engine. You'll also need a core to return or you'll pay extra in most cases. I've seen some awful junk come from Jasper. Summit sells Blueprint, I think, and I don't have any experience with Blueprint but Summit has been great. I've had very few problems with parts from Summit but they always stepped right up and took care of it. You could get brackets and pulleys from a street rod supplier like Speedway but it might be expensive.

 

[RonD]

A "crate engine" means its a new engine that was never in a vehicle

Rebuilt or refurbished engines are not "crate" engines, but are way cheaper than crate engines

Unless you have a vehicle with a 302 V8 then there is no "drop in" for a crate 302 engine
A 2.3l SOHC Ranger engine could only use another 2.3l SOHC as a "drop in"
And only a 1989-1994 2.3l SOHC in this case

In a Ranger you need 302 transmission as well, manual or automatic
New motor mounts, exhaust, radiator, remote oil filter, loads of bits and pieces

You could find and buy an already converted V8 Ranger, then "drop in" a Crate engine

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I've read that and Explorer or T Bird 5.0 would have the shortest front drive system and that would make installation a little easier. I used brackets and pulleys from a fox Mustang on my 351 and had to hollow out the core support and mount the radiator inside it. My 93 was a 2.3, 5 speed, manual steering truck originally.Having a complete donor 95-01 Explorer would really help. Just be aware that fabrication will be necessary.
As I've suggested many times- check your state regulations before you start. NH was forced to do OBD IIemissions testing or we would lose our federal highway money- and the VIN on the registration has to match the one in the PCM. Your 94 wouldn't have OBD II so you hopefully would be OK.

Explorer is the shortest, 94-95 Mustang is the second best and uses "the normal" harmonic balancer.