Budget engine swaps?

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Have you ever done an engine swap?


I've got a 1990 ford ranger 2wd. The body and frame are in good shape, but the 2.3l is just getting really wore out. It doesn't have any power and it drinks and leaks oil. I've kept it alive as best as I could with regular maintenance. Next weekend, I'm going to be swapping it for a 5.0l 302. I've been planning this swap for about a year and I finally have everything I need to make it happen. Everything has been done on a tight budget, with 90% of the parts being from several u-wrench-it junk yards.

Last summer I swapped in a 1996 ford explorer 3.73 limited slip rear end. Also did a mild upgrade on the front suspension, to handle the added weight of the v8. The 302 is bone stock from a 1995 mustang, with just gaskets and seals being replaced. The transmission is the m5r2 from a 1993 f-150 with the top shifter plate from a 1997 f-150.

It'll never see a drag strip or do any off-roading. I just want it for the extra power and the rumble of a v8.