I have a 1992 Ford Ranger XLT which I just purchased yesterday for $300.00. The guy was the original owner and he lost a rod in the 2.3l it had in it. He was going to convert it to a 302 but he lost interest in it.

Buying the truck came with a few other parts. A C6 transmission, 8" rear end, radiator, radiator hoses and thermostat housing, and exhaust that bolts up to the 70's manifolds.

The truck was a manual at first and im wanting to convert it to a automatic. Im not your worlds best mechanic but I know a bit to get me through. Should I continue with this guys plan of converting it to the 302 or should I find a 2.3l/v6 and find a automatic transmission to couple to it?

What is the best thing to do and would be least expensive and can you guys give me any pictures that can help me do this? What would I need to be able to do either or. Im lost to be honest and not 100% sure what I would need to even start.

Im sure I would need a new wiring harness for either way I go. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

if that c6 has a windsor bell pattern, that is kinda rare, they are usually big block. if it's 2.3l then it's an i4, v6 would be 2.9l, 3.0l or 4.0l that year. converting over to auto you'll either need an auto trans mainharness or modify the existing one for lockup, neutral safety switch, and reverse lights. you'll need an auto computer. you'll also need everything for the shifter inc the linkages.

v8 option w/ auto, at least shifters can be found cheap and easy to install

start here:

http://therangerstation.com/tech_lib...versions.shtml

Thanks for the info and pointing me into the right direction. This is my first project and will determine if I have the patience to do it.

Which would be better. Fuel injected or carbureted?

fuel injection