Hey guys so I’m new to these forums but I had some questions. I have a 94 ranger and am wanting to go from the 2.3 L4 to a small block 8. I’ve been debating between a 289 and a 302, talked to some buddies and I think I wanna go with the 289. What all modifications will have to be made and what’s the best advice concerning the transmission. I currently have the 5 speed manual transmission. Nothing has been done to the truck yet mainly because I want as much information as possible before beginning the project. Thank y’all in advance!


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You can buy mount kits, takes a lot of work out of making your own, if its got air, things get real tight in that area, your trans won't work, a C4 or overdrive would work. Exhaust would have to figured out, trans cross member may need some attention, driveshaft would be next, might want to put stiffer front springs in, if its 2wd it helps. Would need to get rid of the elec fuel pump and all the computer stuff, not a Saturday afternoons job.

First, when you BUY the adapters get good ones.
If money is not a problem, consider L&L Products, the best Adapter Kit there is; it is the Kit I used for my '88 STX 5.0L Conversion.
I am not sure if they have Kits for 2nd Gen Rangers but it doesn't hurt to look.
I used a C4 and found the C4 Trans Mount lined up exactly to the OEM Ranger Position.

IF the '94 Ranger is similar to the 1st Gen, then the L&L Header are the best, one of the thickest metals, solid Header I have seen for adapter headers.

Engines... a 289 vs a 302 is like comparing apples to apples, they are exactly the same on the out side and the 302 will have a little more torque.
IF it was me, and I still might do it, I would use a mid 90's era 5.0L out of a 5 sp Mustang. The Mustang's of the Mid 90's has a separate Engine Harness.
Most people on here will suggest the Explorer 5.0L with harness but your '94 MAY (and I am not sure) not have the electronics the later 90's Explorer 5.0L have and you may not need it.

The 5.0L has a better engine crank oil seal, it is a complete ring installed rom the outside of the engine, easier to replace IF the need arises; which is far less of a chance with the new seal than the old Rope Seals.
The 5.0L also has no Manual Fuel Pump Hole, but my '88 Ranger Fuel Pump worked good.

So find a 90's Era 5.0L, you will be better off.

Just my opinion and voicing it out loud... again !

Ltr

JM, did we lose you ?

Run a 5.0L-W with an AOD Trans. No one will know if it is 5.0L-W or a 289, all of the parts interchange.
You can tell everyone it is a 289/4.7L !
Another thing... IF you wanted to, the 302/5.0L both have Cylinder Skirts to stabilize the pistons on the lower end of the stroke. If you build a 289 use a 302/5.0L-W block.

The 5.0L-W is the SBF with some refinements to help it out, as I stated above. The 289, when it came out in 64/65 were great motors for their size, the 5.oL improved on the SBF.

Oh ya, there are more 5.0L-W Engine out there, than the older style 289/302.

Good Luck.

Guess we lost JM !
He had the same idea for the 289 as I did originally.
Would have been a good swap.