Apparently been a member a long time and didn't realize it. Back around the time I joined I had a Ranger with the Ford 2.8L, so I guess I was looking for information on them.
Ranger is totaled, but I still have the engine and want to do something with it. Probably not an Alpine, but likely a similar size/weight LBC. Want to make a few changes on the engine before I return it to service. Given the popularity of these engines in Alpines I was hoping I could pick your collective brains.
My 2.8 is from an 84 Ranger. It has less than 5000 on a rebuild, so I'd rather not touch the bottom end. The engine already has a Offenhauser intake and Holley carb. The heads were mildly ported back in the 80s by my dad (previous owner), no Jim Ellis porting job, but better than stock. Comp 38-240-4 "low-mid rpm" cam kit with new timing set was installed during the rebuild. Long tube headers too, but that won't be transferable to it's new home.
First question is cam recommendations. The Comp 240 cam was a good selection for the truck, but probably not the best for a LBC. I get the feeling the the Comp 241 cam isn't much better than the current 240. I've seen recommendations, from the Steve Pruitt book IIRC, that people end up not liking because they are race cams, I don't want to go there either. Mentions of custom cam grinds and dual pattern cams that sound nice, but no company names to go with them. I know Racer Walsh also offers a couple o cams, but got no real information on them. Any recommendations or suggestions?
Second, the heads. At this time I don't have plans to do any more work to them, but that could change. I know Jim Ellis passed a year or two ago. Is there anyone else doing the porting work on these? Would they install the 2.9 valves too? If so what would this kind of work cost?
Third, valvetrain. Pruitt's book recommends free-floating the rockers. I understand the benefits. I semi did this on a 4.0L way back, installed spacers to replace broken springs, but didn't open up the rocker bores. Anyone doing still doing this mod? Worth the time and effort? Anyone making the shaft spacers still?
Fourth, flywheel. Anyone making a lightweight flywheel for these? I'm going to have to get one anyway, might as well get a lightweight one if it's available. Otherwise I'm probably going with a 4.0L flywheel and 10" clutch.
Last for now, headers. Anyone still selling headers for your conversion in the Alpines? The ones I have won't fit, chances are headers for the Alpine will be close if not fit well. I'd rather make modifications than have to start from scratch, and the ones I have are probably too rusty (~35 years old) to be worth cutting and welding.
Thanks,
-Josh
Ranger is totaled, but I still have the engine and want to do something with it. Probably not an Alpine, but likely a similar size/weight LBC. Want to make a few changes on the engine before I return it to service. Given the popularity of these engines in Alpines I was hoping I could pick your collective brains.
My 2.8 is from an 84 Ranger. It has less than 5000 on a rebuild, so I'd rather not touch the bottom end. The engine already has a Offenhauser intake and Holley carb. The heads were mildly ported back in the 80s by my dad (previous owner), no Jim Ellis porting job, but better than stock. Comp 38-240-4 "low-mid rpm" cam kit with new timing set was installed during the rebuild. Long tube headers too, but that won't be transferable to it's new home.
First question is cam recommendations. The Comp 240 cam was a good selection for the truck, but probably not the best for a LBC. I get the feeling the the Comp 241 cam isn't much better than the current 240. I've seen recommendations, from the Steve Pruitt book IIRC, that people end up not liking because they are race cams, I don't want to go there either. Mentions of custom cam grinds and dual pattern cams that sound nice, but no company names to go with them. I know Racer Walsh also offers a couple o cams, but got no real information on them. Any recommendations or suggestions?
Second, the heads. At this time I don't have plans to do any more work to them, but that could change. I know Jim Ellis passed a year or two ago. Is there anyone else doing the porting work on these? Would they install the 2.9 valves too? If so what would this kind of work cost?
Third, valvetrain. Pruitt's book recommends free-floating the rockers. I understand the benefits. I semi did this on a 4.0L way back, installed spacers to replace broken springs, but didn't open up the rocker bores. Anyone doing still doing this mod? Worth the time and effort? Anyone making the shaft spacers still?
Fourth, flywheel. Anyone making a lightweight flywheel for these? I'm going to have to get one anyway, might as well get a lightweight one if it's available. Otherwise I'm probably going with a 4.0L flywheel and 10" clutch.
Last for now, headers. Anyone still selling headers for your conversion in the Alpines? The ones I have won't fit, chances are headers for the Alpine will be close if not fit well. I'd rather make modifications than have to start from scratch, and the ones I have are probably too rusty (~35 years old) to be worth cutting and welding.
Thanks,
-Josh
