epper: Letting the cat out of the bag here... but its for a project I am planning. epper: I currently own a Ford F150 Lightning
rockon and would like to make a smaller version of the truck and have it appear factory, using the Ford Ranger. My first thought was to use the 03/04 Cobra 4.6L DOHC supercharged engine. However, this engine seems to be a little too tall and therefore a little too wide to accomplished without extensive modifications and highly likely having to remove the HVAC system, which isn't an acceptable solution. :bash:More searching... for a factory type engine producing approximately 350-400 HP and have smaller overall dimensions that the Ford 4.6L led me to the possibility of the 4.2L used in the Jaguars. I learn theses 4.0L and the 4.2L are suitable replacements for the 3.8L that is used in the Lincoln LS. This leads me to believe that the 4.2L would be a suitable candidate for my intended application. Nonetheless, I wish to obtain more information to confirm my assumptions.
For those of you who aren't familiar with this engine, I am referring to the AJ34S. The AJ34S is a supercharged DOHC V8 installed in the 2004–present Jaguar XJR/Super V8, the 2003–present Jaguar XKR, the 2003–present Jaguar S-Type R, or the 2009–present Jaguar XF producing either :bowdown: 400 or 420 hp and 408 lb·ft torque.
:nono: I could go the easier route and swap in the legacy 5.0L engine from a Mustang or Explorer but its seems everybody is doing this and it doesnt fit my requirement to be supercharged and factory stock appearing. :nono:
Another thought of mine was to use the supercharged 3.8L V6 from the mid to late 90s Thunderbird. The downside to that is the power output is also down, IIRC 215 HP. The upside is there is aftermarket support for the engine and it could be a small stroker with 4.2L parts. Even with the aftermarket and stroker options I could make 350-400 HP and look factory stock, however I believe I would be on the edge of survivability. :kaboom:
Additionally, I wish to show the truck at Ford and Truck events such as Carlisle All Ford Nationals. Since the F150 was already named Lightning I wish to stay with that theme of naming, similar to the Typhoon and Cyclone GM did with their performance trucks a few years back. One problem would be "Thunder", a company has already placed the Lightning 5.4L supercharged engine into Ford Expedition and called it Thunder. Then there is the Thunderbolt option that was available for the Ranger, which precludes me from using anything thunder related. I am thinking of calling this enhanced Ranger "STORM." :??:
Anybody have any additional ideas or possibilities kicking around???
op:
