2.9l Ford Suggestions?

[Fordguy77]

i have really considered doing a 302 or a 4.0l swap already. However my 's funds are rather low especially at this time of year. I know they run a MAP set up, so to my knowledge even adding headers and a better cam and such will not have a significant impact because the computer is not set up for these changes. I have done some reading on them and it is possible to switch over to a MAF system. I was wondering if any one has any personal experience with these motors, or any input on them. I have an extra 87 Bronco II laying around for parts, so if there is a way to get good useful power out of the 2.9l i was considering rebuilding the parts truck motor for hers so it would not interfere with her ability to get to work. So any suggestions or personal experiences with the 2.9L would be greatly appreciated.

[Warrlord]

Honestly, it's a waste of money on a 2.9 just to get a few more ponies out of it that the "butt dyno" will barely notice & draining your wallet at the same time. The easiest & least expensive swap would be the 4.0. After owning 2.9's & 4.0's, there's a huge difference in torque between the two. The 4.0 responds much better to bolt-ons than the 2.9 does for the same amount of "bolt-on" money.

You could do a, "do-it-yourself" turbo install for the 2.9 buying used parts off of ebay to juice up the 2.9. But there's other things to consider like, replacing the injectors to deliver more fuel, limiting the boost so you don't break pistons, buying premium fuel at every fill-up, mounting it in a suitable place for oil drain-back or making it a "remote" turbo setup with electric oil pump (dependable pumps are pricey), finding an intercooler that fits the vehicle, installing a "MAF" system so computer fuel delivery works optimum & it doesn't run lean causing piston problems, etc.

Or..............you could just drive the B2 as it is.

[Warrlord]

The 2.9 is a 6 cyl. It is essentially a puny pistoned, destroked, 4.0. The 4.0 is a direct swap with the ECU & wire harness from the donor vehicle. There are subtle differences though like the exhaust manifolds, not a problem if they come with the 4.0, The 2.9 is "V" belts & the 4.0 is all serp belt, bracketry is not an issue if they come from the donor vehicle. They share the same bellhousing bolt pattern. it'd be a good idea to obtain the transmission from the donor vehicle (if it's an auto) so the ECU will operate it properly.

[Warrlord]

Brody previously posted:

[brian pleasant]

4.0 is a good engine, i used to have aerostar van and use it for work with all those tools and even pulled 6 by 12 trailer, the drawbacks was the unibody frame broke off cuz weight on the traiiler but to my amazement that 4.0 runs strong. ditto 4.0! wish i still have it in garage! great engine.

[Fordguy77]

Warrlord previously posted:

[Warrlord]

Yup, an early Exploder would make a perfect donor vehicle. The 91's to 94's can usually be had for pennies on the dollar. Too bad too many of those went away during the cash for clunkers fiasco.

[Fordguy77]

Warrlord previously posted:

[Warrlord]

Fordboy77 previously posted:

[Fordguy77]

Warrlord previously posted:

[Warrlord]

It had a 3" body lift when he bought it. We found a used 3" James Duff suspension lift for the front that came with 4" coils & extended radius arms with all the goodies. So we installed that up front. On the rear I cut off the leaf spring pads because Sploders are SUA. I welded them back on to make it SOA, that yielded about 5". We retained the stock leaf springs, it worked out good cause Sploder leafs are known for being flexy. I made some shock brackets & welded them to the factory sway bar brackets for the shocks & it worked out good once we got 6" lift shocks.

Yeah, the 4.0's aren't a powerhouse by any means but they do the job way better than a 2.9. In my youth, I was always used to driving cars such as my 351 Pinto, 289 Pinto w/NOS, 350 Camaro, 454 Monte Carlo SS, '62 Galaxie factory 406 tri-power, 429 CJ in a 72 F100, etc, so I had to get used to "lack-of-power" in these little V6's by comparison. I'm old now so it's not such an issue anymore even though the thought of building me another hot rod won't leave my brain. I just enjoy wheeling more now instead of going to the track every weekend & every Friday night.

When you start the swap, I hope it all goes good for ya.

[Mporter]

i swear ive seen that explorer around lakewood

[Fordguy77]

Warrlord previously posted: