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Compatible engines for an engine swap

Tiny
LANCE EDWARDS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
My truck has a seized engine after blowing a head gasket, so I am looking to do an engine swap. My problem is figuring out what I can swap in without needing modifications. I know that it is a Vulcan V6 3.0 Flex Fuel which was used in a lot of vehicles ranging from a 1986 Ford Aerostar to the 2008 Ford Ranger.

List here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Vulcan_engine

My thought is that any of these engines should be a compatible swap, but I am worried there might be differences in mounting, belt routing, hose configuration etc. because the engine went through a fair number of minor upgrades within the same model. Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
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Friday, September 15th, 2017 AT 12:08 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
What is the eighth digit of your VIN number?
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Friday, September 15th, 2017 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
LANCE EDWARDS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Eighth digit is a V.
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Friday, September 15th, 2017 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
This is what I see for vehicles that work.
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Friday, September 15th, 2017 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,449 POSTS
As Saturntech9 shows, it is not just that the engine is the same family that was used in other vehicles. As you surmised there are multiple differences in the engines. Some are minor, maybe a dipstick was moved from side to side, others can be an instant problem. Like they changed the control system used and the replacement engine cannot talk to the rest of the truck.

Looking at Hollander it looks like Late production (after 9/99) 1999 and 2000 Vin V engines from Rangers and B3000s are drop in units.
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Friday, September 15th, 2017 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I am going by Rock autos catalog they have a awesome fitment catalog. That is what issues to help answer questions on this site.
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Saturday, September 16th, 2017 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,449 POSTS
Yep, I recognized the layout. They are real good.
I have Hollander interchange data as well. It shows a long block as the same from 1999-2001, but the complete engine uses different numbers due to the flex fuel option.
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Saturday, September 16th, 2017 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Yeah, it is a long block listing from rock auto all the bolt on stuff is easily swap able from the old engine.
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Saturday, September 16th, 2017 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
LANCE EDWARDS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Any idea if a non Flex-fuel engine would work for a swap? I ask because I've found one at about 30-40% under what seems to be the going rate, but it seems that it's the "Standard model" instead of the flex fuel.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2017 AT 2:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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The flex fuel system is totally different including the fuel pump, computer, wiring harness warning lights etc.
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Friday, September 22nd, 2017 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
LANCE EDWARDS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok that's what I was both worried and expecting would be the case. Thanks for the clarification.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 2:03 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,526 POSTS
Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 AT 12:37 PM

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