I'm looking for opinions here. Soon it will be time to dig into my engine. I can't decide whether or not to build a hi-po 2.9 or a mild 5.0. I don't necessarily want to have the fastest Ranger around nor do I have an unlimited supply of cash? What kind of horsepower could I expect to gain from a built 2.9 (depending on what I put in it)? I'm thinking that will be much easier. What have you all done? Thanks.

I have been thinking on that for some time now. Last time i rebuilt my 2.9 i put a camcraft cam in it, ported and matched upper, lower, and heads, put on a bigger TB, a JET chip, PS-91 Crane ignition coil, a K&N cone filter, and a 40 series Flowmaster. My 2.9 hauls ass and has run a best of 10.9 in the 1/8 mile but that is in a 4280lb B2. I am sure the time would improve if the motor was in a ranger and it is sure to improve if i do the C4 swap. But, if i had it all to do over again i would have bolted in a 4.0. Why, well when you bolt in a 5.0 not only do you have to buy motor mounts but you have to have a tranny and driveshaft and alot of other stuff to. if you bolt in a 4.0 that is exactly what you can do, bolt it in. There is no need for motor mounts or a tranny because it all bolts up. I think after you get it in all you need is a 4.0 ECM and wire harness and you are ready to go not to mention the engine mods avalible for the 4.0 like superchargers and cams, etc.
Hope this helps

Do the 5.0. I did. I thought the same about the 2.9 build until I found out how much parts were gonna be. A 4.0 conversion would be nice, but for just a little more, you can do the 5.0. Trust me you'll be much happier.

hey bronco2bad....how much hp does your truck put out?