Thread: Engine upgrade for classic rangie

Originally Posted by peachey80

Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum, although have been keeping an eye and reading up on some good stuff for quite a while.

I'm after some thoughts/advice on what to do with the Rangie.....

Here's what I've got. '85 4 door 5 speed. The engine has been pretty tired for a while and hemeriging for quite some time, and it finally decided to spit out the rear valley cover gasket and spew oil out everywhere, so.... it's parked. It's done around 230k, doesn't really burn oil, just leak it...... lots of it.
Anyway, what I have also is a 3.9efi out of a late rangie, BUT ! it's been hot, and boiled by the previous owner. He couldn't stop it from getting hot, so ripped it out and for a disco motor ( he's still having trouble with it getting hot by the way ), so not sure if it's done any damage. The good thing is it didn't cost me anything.
I've pulled it down, the sleeves don't look to have moved at all, bores look good ect... I'm told if these things get hot, chances are it could have cracked the block between the cylinder sleeves ? ?
So, I know the 3.5 it still reasonable, so is it possible use the 3.5 block with the 3.9 crank, rods and pistons ? the just put the injection system to either the 3.5 heads or 3.9, which brings me to question no. 2 . Are the heads any different between the 3.5 & 3.9 ?

Or... anyone got any better ideas ?

Cheers,

Shayne

I think you will find the only difference between a 3.5 and the 3.9 is the bore diameter
Im pretty sure the 3.9 is 5mm bigger in the bore the stroke is the same as a 3.5

Oh, Bugger
I was assuming the stroke was the difference, that's what I get for mucking around with ford V8's then.

Ok, so that plans out the window.

What would I be looking for any possible damage from it overheating ? Or anything that could have been causing it to overheat. It's had all new water pumps and thermostats, the only thing left I thought was the heads warped ?
Can I use the 3.5 heads? as I know they're ok.

3.5 EFI heads yes , if its going in to the rangie with injection

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Ok thanks buddy.
Is there any easy way to check if there is any damage to the block at all between the sleeves ?
May get the heads machined then to ensure a nice flat surface. Does the block deck ever get warped from exesive heat ?

Originally Posted by peachey80

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Ok thanks buddy.
Is there any easy way to check if there is any damage to the block at all between the sleeves ?
May get the heads machined then to ensure a nice flat surface. Does the block deck ever get warped from exesive heat ?

Thats a good question to ask a engine rebuilder mate , Id hate to lead you astray

Its also very hard to say over the net with out seeing the motor in real life

No worries, cheers mate.
thanks for your help.

Peachey80, Check your engine breathers, the one at the back of the motor on the drivers side leads over to the charcoal canister and has a filter inline, and the two flame traps on the rocker covers connected to the carbs with piping. Even if the old 3.5 has got a bit of blowby, if the breathers are clear it'll leak a whole lot less and probably be useable for a bit longer till you decide what to do with it....Just a thought.

JC