Oh wise ones guide me :)

[cgrey8]

I'm just using a stock 2-core Ranger radiator. It was an upgrade from the 1-core that was in it stock. It cools just fine and was a bolt-in solution. But I don't have tight fitment issues that force me into more creative solutions either.

[Soul]

The explorer rad is free, from junk so ya. I think it is one of the 3-4 core super thick ones been a bit since I seen it (last year pulled the motor for another car) I just know it is good and well its there for the taking.

[cgrey8]

Here's a pic of the stock 1-core next to the stock Ranger 2-core:


I've never seen how thick the 3&4 cores are.

[Soul]

There it is freshly pulled. Rings were SUPER weak in it so I'm guessing it has been hot a time or two, most likely this will get a 331 stroker now, it goes to machine shop today. Think I got a little extra budget to get some afr 185's with it (just got a raise at work lol), Think I'll be over the 400 horse mark which is over my goal but meh be fun right?

[Soul]

Double post iggy

[cgrey8]

If fuel economy isn't a concern, then go 347. I always tout the 331 for my project, but my needs and ambitions for a build are a bit unorthodox. I think most people just looking for max HP and willing to spend the money on AFR heads aren't looking for what I am, so a 347 is more appropriate particularly given you can build a 331 or 347 for about the same cost.

Also keep in mind that unless you rebalance the stroker kit, it'll "expect" a 28oz balance where HOs are 50oz balanced from the factory which means you'll need both 28oz flywheel/flexplate as well as 28oz harmonic balancer.

[MalcolmV8]

Don't forget the blower. A 347 build just wouldn't be complete without a nice set of turbos or perhaps a kenne bell sitting on top

[Soul]

I looked at a blower but sweet jesus 2k for it? could do a turbo for so much less, but blow through carbs are unknown territory. Was going 331 due to the oil ring issue with 347's I know there is a kit out there with shorter rods, I'm going to talk to Coast High Performance and see what they have, might end up being a 347 but doubtful.

[Soul]

Sorry about the photos only being the left side, the pics to big for the post I think, I'll start resizing them I guess.

[MalcolmV8]

Considering the HP boost from a blower 2k is not bad. Think what a good set of heads cost and how much extra hp you get from them?
The blower I need for my car costs $3400 and I'd need bigger injectors and a few other tid bits needless to say that's been on the back burner for a while.

If you can fab up a turbo then very cool. I don't know much about blow through carbs myself, more of an EFI guy myself but I'm learning as I tune my buddies 496 big block.

Pics up above look fine to me. Folks with smaller monitors might have to scroll left to right but shouldn't be a big deal.

You should chat to cgrey8 about the 347 stroker. He's done a lot of research on them and I do believe he's posted that the oiling issues with them have being resolved.

[Soul]

Coast does free balance for either 28oz or 50 oz, and I've heard good things about them.

[Dave]

If buget does come up, easy to just stay with a normal 306 build and use the money saved for the good heads, cam and intake and anything else that pops up. They can be pretty productive also in a Ranger.
Dave

[Soul]

I just don't want to Over build it, and end up with something ridiculous which is where it is going now, but if it needs bored it is same to just make it a stroker.

[cgrey8]

Boring the block only requires you replace the pistons.

Stroking requires you replace pistons, connecting rods, and crank. But stroking does NOT require that you bore. Although most stroker projects include having the cylinders bored .030" over hence why you don't hear about Ford 327 strokers or 342 strokers (331/347 stroker CIDs without the .030" overbore). Calling your Windsor stroker a 327 would just confuse people into thinking you have a 60s era SBC.

[Soul]

Having new pistons put on the rod, polish crank, resize rod bolts, = just a few more for stroker. At least that was how I was looking out it and justifying it in my mind.