Here's a silly thought.. :) 4.0L?

[datsunlover]

Ok.. this isn't a Z, but this place is full of knowlege and I'm hoping I can tap into it.. maybe..

 

Car: 86 Mazda RX7, auto, mint body/interior, no motor/tranny (was removed before purchase) Rear gear is a 3.93 from what I can tell, and I will be keeping it auto. Main reason for that is the girl will be driving this one.

 

So I thought 305/700r4, OR 302/c4, both do-able. (I can find either, running in vehicles around the $200 mark) FI may be a bit tricky, but I'd like to have it. Then a silly though hit me.. my boss has a 92 Ford Areostar minivan he's not driving anymore. 4.0L V6, 4 speed auto. Recently replaced tranny, and the engine passed the last emision test with flying colors. I've drove the thing a few times last summer, and I was impressed with the 'umph' the thing had. (problem is it don't stop well, and it's a big BOX on wheels, so handleing is awefull! ) Aside from being ugly, rusty, and full of stinking garbage (kids.. ewww...) it NEVER left my boss stranded. Amazingly reliable vehicle..

 

Anyway, I can have this van for next to nothing, and I think it would fit quite easily in the engine bay, and push the 2700 pound RX around pretty good.. while getting decent milage and being cheep to run/maintain. I'll have to do some digging, but I'm gona guess the V6 will be somewhat lighter than a V8, and with some minor exhast/intake work, could make decent power. I have a good friend working for a Ford dealer too, so parts at cost and specs/info are easily atainable. What do you guys think?

[Guest SeanyD300zxT]

I'd say give it a shot, something cool/different.

 

My thought for the zed if the motor ever goes (when) is something along the lines of a 3800 out of a gtp. Very smooth, reliable driveline.

[datsunlover]

Well I've got some info after searching the web for a while..

 

Stock RX7 (13B) > Horse power; 160 @ 7000rpm, Torque; 140@4000

 

Stock 92' 4.0L Ford> HP; 160@4200 Torque;220@2200

 

Not as much horsepower as I would like, but I think this is a good start, as I'd be adding almost 100 foot pounds more torque right off the hop, at a much lower RPM. I think some better 'breathing' would free up a few more ponies.. I've discovered there is a world of hop up parts out there for the ford 4.0 (lots of guys using them in 4x4 rangers/broncos and the like) from cams to headers and ecu chips. Oh and if it's set up for a 4.0, at some point I could theoreticaly swap in a 97+ motor from an explorer. (and the 5 speed auto) HP; 205@5200 torque;245@3000.

 

I have to check my bosses rearend tag to see what gearing ihis Aerostar has though. From what I've found, it may have anything from a 3.27 to a 4.11! Either way, it would apear the engine/tranny combo would be a pretty good match to the stock RX7, and it'd definatly be diffrent!

[jbk240z]

I don't think a 4.0 is a good swap for a Z. They are half decent motors for vans, rangers, etc. If I were you, (being you can get the van cheap), I would take the van, find some friendly salvage yard guys and trade the van for an older small block chevy and trans. I think it would be a fair trade. Anyway, good luck with whatever you do.

[Guest Nikolai]

My dad's old Ranger hauled *** with that 4.0. Could be a neat deal with some mods.

[FEnatic]

I have the 4.0 in my 2000 ranger and yes the torque is impressive. There are many mods you can do to this motor fairly cheap: headers, cams, ported heads. Checkout this website for more info

 

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4_0_Page.html

 

I think this is a cool idea, go for it!

[TomsCoupe]

i own a 93 aerostar with the 4.0 and 4wd trans. good low end torque, not much top end though. i wouldnt bother with the swap.

[datsunlover]

Well, ixnay on the fordney (sp? ) I found a better combo for my RX. Ex police issue 1989 chev caprice. Good solid 350/700r4, high miles but runs great, oil wasn't black, and it's FI. I figure for $200, I'm in pretty good shape. Besides, my boss has decided he can get $1000 out of his van out on the front lawn.. good luck.