I have a 94 Ford Ranger Extended cab with a V6 splash...I'm considering converting to a small block...possibly a 281 or 302.
I'd like to see at least 350 hp. I'll likely pay to have it done, as engines are not my expertise...Now for the question:
1) What would you recommend that will get the best bang for the buck? Crate engine or junk yard cobra?
2) Currently have five speed but suspect transmission, axle, and shaft will need to be beefed up....Would likely go to an automatic. What would you recommend on the trans,shaft, axle, and rear end spec?
3) What should I anticipate as a price tag, lock and key?
4) How do you recommend I set out to identify a good mechanic capable of doing the install and experienced at conversions?
Cobra Make, Engine: A CSX Cobra,1966 GT350 and an '06 Ford Heritage GT
Posts: 1,829
Not Ranked
The place to look is the Ranger Station..they have all the info you will need, including parts numbers and step-by-step directions.
__________________
"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious." Thomas Jefferson
You can find all you need in the junkyard. Find a 2WD V8 Explorer/mountaineer with an sutomatic and you will have everything you need. Or you can use a Automatic Stang and strip all the parts and then get the explorer parts.
G.R,
I photographed that car at Run and Gun, I believe in 2000.
I know we have all said this before, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and yet many of us would not hesitate to impose our personal taste on others when it comes to Cobras.
I am very guilty of telling others when I think something is not to my liking.
I LOVE that car!
Go figure. I took a dozen photographs of it. It was stunning paint job. If you look at the checkers, they are not even and not some tape like a taxi cab. There is a wave pattern to it.
That paint job is nothing short of incredible. Is it loud and noticable? yes!
I helped put a Chevy 350 in a Ranger once. The radiator was under the core support, which is basically as far forward as it will go. Even with that, the engine barely fit lengthwise. I remember really wrestling with it to go in. Once it was in, everything else was fairly simple to hook up and fab.
I remember the first time I saw a Cobra...I heard that one of the local dealeships had one on the floor. A buddy and I drove down to check it out. It was the same year they introduced a Falcon Sprint with the 260...The Cobra was Gold with Black interior and fitted out with the 289cu, 271 h.p. Even then, they would eat the Vets up at the strip....hum...Anyone want to trade a Cobra for a Ranger?
__________________
Author Unknown: "A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow"
Cobra Make, Engine: NAF 289 FIA, 347 stroker with Weber 48's, building a '48 Anglia gasser, driving a '55 Chevy resto-rod
Posts: 3,119
Not Ranked
Turk
Probably in person that car does look good, I know photos often don't do justice to things--I'm not imposing anything, from the photo I don't like it's paint job, just as I'm not a fan of black cars of any make either
__________________
"Breathe in... Breathe out... then move on with life. Lifes too short to sweat the small stuff"
I remember the first time I saw a Cobra...I heard that one of the local dealeships had one on the floor. A buddy and I drove down to check it out. It was the same year they introduced a Falcon Sprint with the 260...The Cobra was Gold with Black interior and fitted out with the 289cu, 271 h.p. Even then, they would eat the Vets up at the strip....hum...Anyone want to trade a Cobra for a Ranger?