I have to deal with Cali emissions too here in Ma. The 93 ranger is obd1 so they cannot plug in and check. When you say exchange a steel for a clutch disc do you mean both sides? I also heard the f150 had a stiffer spring. I think high 11's is a stretch for this truck with a 390 but we shall see. As I start I'll have to put up a project thread. Still planning and amassing stuff I know I'll need.

Chilly460 what brand did u run that you liked? Cleandan thank you for the feedback and input. I was looking into the powertrax due to it having good reviews from many users. Your scenario has made me rethink it. I would hope the 8.8 being so common it may be better sorted. My goal is to do the c-clip eliminators and for now run lunchbox, future upgrades will include a true locker or even a 9" swap. But for now being as light as my truck is and being able to fit a 10.5" tire max i was thinking a locker vs lsd is where it's at.

Pm sent

So far i have planned the removal of the power steering for room. Lucky for me for offered cheap rangers with manual steering. The radiator will be moved in front of the core support for room, i have a truck pan and pickup. The heater will be removed as well since it is a clearance issue when fitting a smallblock. A 351w fits i can make a fe fit is my mentality. The concerns in fitment will be if i can manage with da mass produced header im actually thinking of grabbing one of those cheap shorty sets on ebay. The twin i beam is nice as well no shock towers etc to deal with, and a full C channel frame. Ill start a build thread when im further along. Funny the S10 guys get mentioned i have a brother with a 383 in a S15 that started this whole thing may have to call her the FEud (Danger Ranger is also on the list) if i get this engine figured out. My427stang i just realized i did not ask where u are from in New England. Heo that is good to hear about your build makes me wonder what my light combo will do for traction in a good way.

I am building a 390 from parts i assembled years ago and some recently. Plan is really a budget build, get it together and run it kinda deal. I have a 2U crank c7ae-b rods 3/8 and 2291lf .30 over pistons all lightly used. I have a d4te block thats at .30 now with light rust in the bores, crosshatch is still present no ridge with reinforced mains. I also have a set of c1 heads and a c5ae-e intake. Plans are a light hone on the block maybe zero deck it 10:1 is about where i would like to end up. Hardened exh seats in the heads and check and balance the rotating assembly. Cam selection etc is something else i will be looking for advice with. My issues stem from being in New England the prices for any machine work seem to have gotten silly from 20 odd years ago, the few shops i called basically priced any and all work on my rotating assembly out the window and wanted to sell scat or similar parts for the cost of work.

 I guess to the point is there anyone who has a good machine shop in the NE area that understands budget type builds?  Also this is going in a lightish project weight is planned to be under 2k lbs with a c6 (mostly due to toploader/associated part cost) cam recommendations. I was thinking a cam with a sluggish low end would actually be a aid to traction. Rear gears and stall are still to be determined.