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I just got a 5 speed 97' Ford Ranger with a 2.3L engine in it. I was wondering how to get more horsepower and performance out of my truck. What can I do to my ranger to make it go faster?
First off, start with a good tune up. Plugs, wires, air filter, etc.
You can remove the rubber silencer that is attached the airbox that goes into the inner fender. I'm not sure if it is really worth much power, but it does change the sound of the engine a bit. I wouldn't waste your money on so called "cold air intakes" unless you just want to dress up the engine compartment a bit. Most of them end up drawing in more hot air because they leave the filter completely exposed to the hotter underhood air.
As mentioned, a good exhaust system will help out. Don't go overboard on the size of the piping, you'll probably end up killing your low end torque if you use anything over 2.25" with this motor. Have an exhaust shop make a new intermediate pipe sans converter for daily driving, then bolt the factory pipe if/when you have to get an emissions test.
Dual plug heads have very small intake and exhaust ports compared to other 2.3L heads, so don't waste your time and money on larger throttle bodies and the like until you open up the head and intake, which present a far greater bottleneck than the throttle body on a stock motor. If you are so inclined, a mild port/polish job on the heads and intake would probably work wonders on these trucks. I'm not sure if it is doable, but I'm awfully tempted to swap out the 2 plug head on my truck for an earlier single plug head from something like a turbo coupe or 87-88 Mustang. I guess the EEC won't get upset about there only being one operable coil pack. It would certainly make changing the plugs easier!!
hey, i wanted to bring the subject back up because i had the same question. now im running the same system as teh guy who started the post, but my engine has almost 100k on it, and ive been told to swap out the engine or rebuild the stock parts rather than get anything preformance. how accurate is this? what do u guys suggest?
hey, i wanted to bring the subject back up because i had the same question. now im running the same system as teh guy who started the post, but my engine has almost 100k on it, and ive been told to swap out the engine or rebuild the stock parts rather than get anything preformance. how accurate is this? what do u guys suggest?
at 100K I would not put a lot of money in without at least checking to see if the rings and bearings are ok. Run a compression check or pull the heads and look at the cylinders. But I woul go ahead and rework that engine.....
I've never heard of a blower for the 2.3L, unless it is for the older carbureted motors.
I think a weekend is kinda optimistic for doing an entire engine swap unless you're putting in 10-12 hour days and have a couple of helpers. It took me nearly all day long just to get the engine out of my SVO by myself.
The only things I have ever heard of aftermarket forced induction for the 2.3L (as in the Lima 2.3L) have been of questionable quality at best from basically back-alley hole in the wall types.
I bought a high flow intake for my 94 2.3 and a modified Mass Airflow Sensor, but whenever i put on the intake the truck bogs really bad at low rpms and i don't know why, i also have a high flow cat, and a delta 40 flomaster exhaust, not sure on the size, but can anyone help me with this?
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wow i oculd get dangerous with this..... Muwhahaha.... who has any info on this?
