I am looking at purchasing a 2002 ranger and was curious about the engine. it is a 2300 dual cam 16 valve. When i read that it had a 2.3, i thought that it was just an injected version of the 2.3 they've used for 30-some years. But that old engine is a sohc. Is this newer one a mazda engine? Are there any quirks or hard parts to work on? Just curious as to its reliability. TIA

 

Great engine, buy it!!

I have that motor in my 2005 Escape, great mpg and good performance. Don't know of any weak spot very smooth runner in my Escape. It is a Ford/Mazda design, used in Ranger, Escape, Focus, Fusion, Mercury Milan, Mariner and most all MAzdas

 

It is a completely different engine from the old, SOHC 2.3. My understanding is that it is basically a Mazda-designed engine.

 

I wonder if that Ford Mazda 16V head would fit the older Ford 2.3 like the Volvo 16V head fits the older 2.3 with just a few mods? I got to find the out the bore centers, head bolt pattern and other factors on these new generation heads.....hmmm....OldRob, are we up to this?

I also wonder if this Ranger new generation Ford Mazda engine was ever offered in a Mustang or Capri?

 

Doubt the new head would fit, the design is totally different and the head appears to be wider. This engine was never used in the Mustang or Capri. This new 2.3L was introduced in 2001 in the Ford Ranger, then the MAzda 6 sedan. So it is used in both rear drive and front drive config. Alo the new engine has balance shafts and timing chain instead of belt.