Blade
Backwoods boy
i would like to get some more horsepower out of my truck. The output is rated at 140 hp @ 4600 rpm. anybody got any suggestions on how to get some more hp out of my truck?
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Horsepower
- Thread starter Blade
- Start date
- Moderator
- #2
What motor you got in it?
Blade
Backwoods boy
its the original 2.9 liter motor. its stock.
TexasNomad
FTFS Designated DRINKER!
I"m not sure about what all that can be done to your engine.
But your best bet would be a beefy cam port and polish the heads headers and a good exhaust system..
Or you could do a v8 swap to a 302 or 351.
Seeing how your engine is going to be hard to find performance parts for it might be cheaper to do a engine swap. I may be wrong so don't quote me on that
But your best bet would be a beefy cam port and polish the heads headers and a good exhaust system..
Or you could do a v8 swap to a 302 or 351.
Seeing how your engine is going to be hard to find performance parts for it might be cheaper to do a engine swap. I may be wrong so don't quote me on that
Skandocious
Post Whores Make Me Sick
Start with exhaust and a good tune up. That's always a safe bet
Blade
Backwoods boy
lol.. yeah thats what countryboytn and me have talked about. i may do the v8 swap and put the 351 in a few years.
TexasNomad
FTFS Designated DRINKER!
it really would be the best if your really looking for power there just really isn't any thing you can do to that 2.9 to make big power.
You slap a 351 in there and she'll be unstoppable
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/v8conversion.html
http://www.advanceadapters.com/
http://www.jamesduff.com/
You slap a 351 in there and she'll be unstoppable
http://www.jamesduff.com/broncoII/v8conversion.html
http://www.advanceadapters.com/
http://www.jamesduff.com/
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- Moderator
- #8
302 is an easier fit in a Ranger, and should have plenty of power for most uses...
But on your 2.9- intake and exhaust would be good first steps. Make sure its tuned up (plugs/wires/etc.) well. Also, be aware that 2.9s have a tendancy to crack the heads if they overheat even once.
*For the intake, get a real cold air intake...if you can see the filter element when you open the hood (cough*K&N*cough), it's sucking hot air. Which is bad.
But on your 2.9- intake and exhaust would be good first steps. Make sure its tuned up (plugs/wires/etc.) well. Also, be aware that 2.9s have a tendancy to crack the heads if they overheat even once.
*For the intake, get a real cold air intake...if you can see the filter element when you open the hood (cough*K&N*cough), it's sucking hot air. Which is bad.
countryboytn
'78 Bronco owner
I'd say just do exhaust for right now...we both know you don't need anything more powerful than what you have . Plus with a Exhaust at least you sounds like you are goin fast, even when your sitting still.
Then WHEN you blow the little 2.9 up (i know you will) do a engine swap. Only problem I see would be that, it wont be just a "engine swap" you would probably neeed a trans, axles, T case, etc. that could handle the extra power. (might be wrong though...i don't know how much power those components can handle stock)
. Plus with a Exhaust at least you sounds like you are goin fast, even when your sitting still. Then WHEN you blow the little 2.9 up (i know you will) do a engine swap. Only problem I see would be that, it wont be just a "engine swap" you would probably neeed a trans, axles, T case, etc. that could handle the extra power. (might be wrong though...i don't know how much power those components can handle stock)
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CowboyBilly9Mile
Charter Member
If your axle ratio is less than 3.73, it's candidate for an upgrade. Donars should be cheap and readily available.
Brian_B
blank
If you want to stay with the 2.9 there are some things you can do. Open up the air flow to the engine. Open up the exhaust. There are headers for them, but $$$$ (around $400).
You can add higher flow injectors (19#) and an adjustable fuel pressure regulator (one from a buick grand national will bolt on), but I am not as fond of that modification.
I also just happen to know where there is a 2.9 intake (upper and lower) that has been ported (gasket matched).
That would help a lot if you do the other mods along with it.
As far as the head cracking...that depends on what year your engine is. In 89 they basically solved that one. The 89 heads are made different. Yes...they still do not like high heat, but they are not as prone to crack.
If you are going to modify the 2.9 or swap to a V8, I recommend getting a new radiator. The 1st gen explorer (4.0) radiator is a bolt in. You would need to swap the radiator hose, but that is about it. Those radiators can be bought new for around $90 from radiatorbarn.com.
As stated, the V8 swap is popular too. I have seen even the 351 stuffed in the 4X4 models. Not nearly as easy as the 302 though. You can actually buy kits from summit racing to drop a 302 into the 1st and 2nd gen rangers.
You can add higher flow injectors (19#) and an adjustable fuel pressure regulator (one from a buick grand national will bolt on), but I am not as fond of that modification.
I also just happen to know where there is a 2.9 intake (upper and lower) that has been ported (gasket matched).
That would help a lot if you do the other mods along with it. As far as the head cracking...that depends on what year your engine is. In 89 they basically solved that one. The 89 heads are made different. Yes...they still do not like high heat, but they are not as prone to crack.
If you are going to modify the 2.9 or swap to a V8, I recommend getting a new radiator. The 1st gen explorer (4.0) radiator is a bolt in. You would need to swap the radiator hose, but that is about it. Those radiators can be bought new for around $90 from radiatorbarn.com.
As stated, the V8 swap is popular too. I have seen even the 351 stuffed in the 4X4 models. Not nearly as easy as the 302 though. You can actually buy kits from summit racing to drop a 302 into the 1st and 2nd gen rangers.
- Moderator
- #12
You could put a 4.0 in they have enough power for a ranger and everything (Kinda) bolts right up. If you can find a 4.0 from a 91-94 with the tranny you can just bolt it in and swap the harness and computer and your good to go.
The 302 fits nice if you have a body lift, otherwise you need to do a little hammer work to the body at the tunnel.
The 302 fits nice if you have a body lift, otherwise you need to do a little hammer work to the body at the tunnel.
Watchdog7
Guarding the Gates
- 276
- 7
Swap it for either a beefy 4.0L V6 or a 302 V8.
5.0...
that is all.
that is all.
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