Hey guys, first post on this forum, kinda a noobie for more complicated projects.
I have been planning on engine swapping my 3.0L 2003 Mazda b3000 se rwd (automatic) to a v8 since my current engine is starting to run rough (more my project car now since I have others). I've seen a lot of posts about similar year rangers.
-Would anyone know if the mounting brackets in a ranger are the same in the b series?
-What types of engines do people typically use? Older explorer engine?
-What types of issues could I expect?
-Will I need to do a lot of welding/fab work?
-Do I just need to swap engine, tranny, and ECU or also other parts such as axles?

Thank you.

 

Welcome to the forum!

The North American market B3000's should be the same engine and trans as the Ford Ranger's.......but I have not verified this myself since I mainly deal with the "real" Mazda trucks that came to the NA market during the 1986-1993 model years. It is quite possible that you may need to upgrade the rear axle due to the higher HP and torque of the V8, but if your axle that came in the truck with your V6 engine is in decent shape, you may be able to get a few years out of it before needing to swap it for a stronger axle. It also depends on how you drive it as well.

I would think that the motor and trans mounts would be the same as the Ford Ranger, but again I don't know for sure.......If you have visited the Ranger forums, you could pose a question there to ask since I'm sure others have done this and have probably gotten their information on the swap from a Ford Ranger forum.

I would think that the smaller Ford V8 like a 302 or similar would be a favorite, and maybe even a small block Chevy engine & trans........the least powerful V8 will make the stock axle last the longest of course.

If you do get any information on the swap from other sources, definitely post that info here on this forum for other members that may want to know that information.......If you start your project, start a new thread on that also, in order to create a dedicated thread to this type of build/swap.

I'm sure some other members here may have more info on the swap as well, and hopefully they will chime in!

 

Welcome to the forum

Reads like you are going to have a fun project!

 

Hey. Thanks for the info ill definitely look around. I watched a video recently of someone showing the process of swapping a 302 from a 90s mustang to a late 90s ranger (2wd super cab as well, it was manual though). Im guessing since mine is auto there will be some more work involved. I'll ask around the ranger forums as well about bracket placements.

Thanks,
-Ghost

 

I would think that you will need to use the transmission that was behind the V8 engine......it will be much stronger I would guess. Driveshaft will need to be shortened (or lengthened) and tailshaft mount modified on the B3000 transmission crossmember to work with the new trans. Maybe a older style auto trans that doesn't have to be monitored by a computer, but still has an OD gear.......then work out the shifter linkage/cable to work with the stock shifter. It won't be easy by any means but definitely can be done. Good luck with the project, and like I said......start a thread just for your project to detail your progress......a lot of us would love to follow along with you!