2.3 into a Bronco II

[Canadianice]

I was going to do a 302 conversion on my 84 bronco II but it just poped into my head why not try and drop in a 2.3 and build it up a bit. Something that no one I know has tried. I run 31' bfg tires with an explorer spring lift. Now i would be changing my gears to 4.88's to help out. now I know the 2.3 in 1990 with the 8 plug head was rated around 100 hp and 130 torque. My truck at the moment had the 2.8 which stock was rated at 115 and 150 torque. So If I can get the 2.3 to that level or more would be fun, because with my 23 gallon tank I'm guessing I could get 600 miles or more to the tank. Also was wondering if maybe a 2.5 might be a better swap. Of coarse I want it to remain 4x4 and i feel my 13-50 transfer case is up to the power. Now That leaves me with trying to attach the transfer case to the 4 banger tranny.

So who had advice for this interesting swap?

[idfergusson]

I have been collecting parts to do this swap, I had a Ranger with a 2.3 and it seemed to have more power than the 2.8 in my Bronco II and it got a lot better mileage.My Bronco II has the C-5 transmission, I found a 2.3 Ranger at the wreckers with a C-5 so I grabbed the bellhousing,blockplate,flexplate and torque converter.That should take care of mating the engine to the transmission.I am using a Duraspark distributor in my Bronco II with a GM HEI module so I will just use a 2.3 Duraspark in the beginning as I was thinking of starting out carbureted and then switching to fuel injection down the road.I am assuming 4 cyl Ranger mounts should work but I haven't checked it out.Radiator will probably be a 4 cyl Ranger one or the Bronco II one using the fox Mustang lower rad hose which connects on the drivers side and I will probably use an electric fan as well.

[Canadianice]

Sweet, I have the C5 as well in my truck. I would personally like to run fuel injection because of the off road potential. I will check into finding that bell housing because if i find It I could run My c5 of the 2.3. I'm wondering if there is a possibility of throwing a better tranny behind this motor rather than a 3 speed auto? Something like a M50d or something along those lines so that I have a better gear spread.

[idfergusson]

I have never really reasearched any other transmission, I like the C-5 because it is an offshoot of the C-4 and should be fairly reliable.And it is already in there.If you don't have an engine, maybe look into a turbocharged 2.3 from one of the Thunderbird Turbocoupes, try to get a rusted out one or a total loss.The best ones are the 87-88 ones as they have the 8.8 rear end you can sell as well as numerous other items you can pawn off on ebay.