It's simple. Take one slightly beat-up Ford Ranger that currently has an EFI 5.0L and T5 tranny and replace it with an EFI'd stoker 460 and a C6. Sounds simple at least.
This project in part was started because there's alot of internet BS without any real data or firsthand experience to back it up. Just like the 4.6L swap had. So I'm gonna do this to: (A) to show that it can be done, and (B) to show other guys how to do it and to document my steps and screwups. Besides BB torque in a sub 3000lb truck ought to be fun and might just be scary as crap.
It runs! It started up realy quick once I had all the wires routed correctly..... This thing is BY FAR the scariest thing I have ever screwed together.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF IT FINALLY RUNNING
It became clear very early that this was not just a run-of-the-mill engine swap, as the power potential of a 545" big block is in the neighboorhood of 700 hp. This means it has almost become a total drivetrain/chassis/fuel system upgrade, so progress is slow. I am trying to do it good the first time, so maybe I can avoid having weird stuff to deal with later on.
Check the progress over at BigBlockRanger.com
Random header build pics. These aren't the greatest, but will have to do for now.
Finished Victor intake w/ injector bungs
Interior under construction
Heater box modification
Aerostar steering shaft - shortened to fit a Ranger
Playing around with a salad shooter...
Motor mockup, cleaned and painted frame rails and diff housing
300zx wheels
Hooking up the Trans
Motor is in.
I moved the factory crossmember mounts into the front set of factory drilled holes and it lined up with the tranny mount perfect.
Valvecover notch
Alternator mount:
Fuel Cell & Battery Box
Headers are in...finally
VERY tight fit.
Rear suspension....mmmmm plasma
Fuel
Radiator, Fans, etc
It fired right up and ran awesome until I shut it off and noticed water dripping out the #4 header.... it split a cylinder wall. Whatever the cause, it's broke!
Time to fix it!
Oops. It would have fit under the stock hood.....