I recently purchased a 1994 Ranger. 4-cylinder, 2.3L, 5-speed. The truck is in perfect condition and runs flawlessly. It has under 100k. The emission exam, which I just had done this past weekend, was without event and the inspector even mentioned, "man, this thing seems pretty solid". However, I'm a bit concerned over the truck's lack of acceleration and sluggishness. I'm confused because it does not blow any smoke, doesn't burn oil, blow water, knock, idle poorly - NOTHING. It runs great and is getting fantastic gas mileage too. I understand that it's just a little four-banger and that its not gonna set the world on fire with its speed but it just seems excessively sluggish. I just want to make sure that I'm not ignoring a red flag. Could it be a lack of compression? If so, wouldn't that reduce mileage? What are some suggestions? I would greatly appreciate any and all comments.

 

I think it is going to be hard to get a straight answer as it is very much a personal opinion. Mine is a 4.0 97 so it isn't relevant. How about test driving another similar truck at a used car lot? Might be the best way to compare them apples to apples. Later, Jay

 

I own a 96 ranger 2.3 5spd. It is a bit on the poky side it has 59,000 miles on it. I would have to say though it can get moving when i need it to. define slugish? what kind of terrain are you driving on, mud, hills, country road, moutians, open plains. I live in STL MO and it does good all around. I have done a couple modifications to but even before that it ran good.
1. Flowmaster exhaust
2. High flow cat
3. K&N air filter
Keep in mind to also that I am running
LT 235 75 R15 BFG T/A KO (these are the normal recomended tires for a 2x4 F150). I have a posi 8.8 rearend runing 3.73 gears. It has the Mazda 5spd. All In All it moves but there is not much I beat in a race (aside from off road). The other thing is are you using your A/C? If so you can fully expect to have little power out of the 2.3. These trucks are classic for when you are cool the truck is slow. For some reason or another the A/C compressor on these drains alot of power from the engine.

If you have any questions Just ask.
Brendan

 

Yeah, I agree with the AC comment. On my '92 explorer with the 4.0, whenever I have the AC on its like it sucks the life right out of it. Dog city. Turn it on and I'm going again. Just roll down the window and wave at everyone at the gas station as you go by, that should make you feel better.

 

I'm going to say it before some else says it.

Before going to dump money into fancy exhaust and other mods, when is the last time you changed the following:

Oil and Filter

Air Filter

Spark plugs, what kind of shape are the wires in? Are they gapped correctly?

Pcv valve

Fuel Filter...Most reccomend every 30K

How's the pressure in the tires, are they inflated to what's in your drivers side door frame?


If you've kept up on your maintaince, you've really nothing to worry about, IMO.

 

Thanks for the comments. My initial description was assuming the A/C was off. As for defining Sluggish, if I switch from first to second on a flat, paved surface at anything under 25-30 mph, I'm bogged out - if I'm on a slight incline, the effect is even more so. Also, on the highway - say 75 mph - on even moderate inclines I sometime have to down shift to fourth from 5th. This doesn't seem normal. Seeing as I just purchased the truck its hard to gauge what the service history of the vehicle is. Although the inside/outside of the truck is in perfect shape, the brake, tires, and suspension are all new. I think just a general soup-to-nuts tune-up is in order.

 

The thoughts that crossed my mind were ... slightly delayed ignition timing, and/or a leaner fuel mixture than optimum. However, I didn't respond right away, because you are claiming good gas mileage. The bad timing would usually adversely affect MPG, and, believe it or not, an overly lean mixture could affect fuel economy as badly as overly rich. So, I'm a little curious as to how you could be so sluggish, and yet still be getting pretty good MPG's. Do you have a distributor?? or distributorless with cam sensor??