Well the time has come to start figuring out what parts I need so I can get a number in my head of what I need. Got the truck already, and although the stock straight 6 runs fine, I want a small block V8 in it. Seeing as there are so many options around I was thinking of just getting a crate motor to keep it easy, and alot of places right now are offering very good warranties on crate motors like 5yr/60k mile. The only thing is, I don't know much about ford stuff really. I know which trans will fit which chevy block for which application and stuff.
So a few questions:
#1 I'm sure a 302 block will fit, but I'm kinda wondering if my plans to have a Ranger/Explorer trans is reasonable or if they will even bolt up properly.
#2 as far as rear end I was thinking an explorer rear end cuz it has disc brakes, well the more recent solid axle one did.
My goals are just to have a mild street build that I can drive the 12 mile round trip to work everyday, maybe take to the desert with a dirtbike in the bed, or tow the cobalt to the 1/4 mile or road course. If it was a Chevy I would grab a 700r4 out of an S10 and a small block and toss it in but I am trying to stick to the blue oval.
As far as a crate engine, I saw this on Jegs
http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engi...72CTC/10001/-1 I've been out of the game for a long time cuz I haven't had a garage to work in until recently (just got all the paperwork signed on my new place tonight). Does anyone have any links that will be worth while? I was intending to kind of do a junkyard built with an old mustang 302 also but I kinda want a crate motor cuz it arrives done, and I just drop it in. It will keep me from taking a year to finish it. I don't mind throwing something together on the weekends. Me and my dad are gonna work on it as kind of a project. Plus when my new boy gets old enough to help, he will learn how to work on stuff with it.
Here is the truck...