I want to build a gas saver. I have an 86 BII 4x4 with the 2.9 v-6. Can I swap in the 4cyl from a ranger? If I do, will I need the 4cl trans? Any other considerations? This BII has sat in my yard for years and now I want to do a project. How about a motor from a geo metro? Haha

 

You can't be serious!! A 4 banger in a B2 will work harder than the 2.9 and prolly get no better mileage, if not worse.

 

They put 4 cylinders in 4x4 rangers. You'll need the computer, engine, transmission and trasfercase. That's about it. You'll need the frame perches as well from the ranger. The 2.3 is a good swap. Don't expect over about 25 or 26mpg highway (which is what it gets now if it's running right).

 

I used to own a 2wd Ranger with a carb'd 2.3 and it seemed to have more power than the 2.8 in my 84 Bronco II and I have been considering this swap as well.My Bronco II has the C-5 transmission, I found a 2wd 4 cyl Ranger at the wreckers with a C-5 and grabbed the bellhousing,flexplate,converter and blockplate so if I ever get around to it I have most of the parts.I have only seen one 4x4 Ranger with a 2.3 in it so I don't think they were too popular,at least not around here,so grabbing the parts from a wrecked one wasn't really an option.

 

If its a manual transmission, it will bolt right up to the 4 cylinder, if its an automatic, you may have to mess with it a bit to get it to work, but it will still bolt right up. The 4 Cyl, 2.8,2.9, 4.0 OHV , 4.0 SOHC all have the same bell housing bolt pattern. Only the 3.0 V6 is different.

 

The 2.3L might save you some gas on the highway with a standard. Probably a draw in stop and go city driving. I would not do an automatic/2.3.

The B2 is a lot heavier then the stripped regular cab Rangers they came in.

It would make a good project. Nice thing is the spark plugs would be easy to change.

 

This will be a highway runner for my 106mi one way commute. You think the 4 banger will work harder than the itybitty 2.9 v-6?? I would like to introduce you to my good friend; his name is gears!

I'm looking to run this as a 2wd, so the swap would be the 4 banger and tranny. I'm thinking about running a low gear in the rear end and get a gear vendors OD so I can have 8 forward gears. I drive 100 of the 106 miles at 75-80mph so if I can run down the freeway at that speed at 1500rpm than that should be some great mileage. The BII is light weight and if this all works out it will be more comfortable than a yaris and you should respect me more for still driving a ford!!

Now, how about a newer 4cyl FI? Was that what you were refering to when you mentioned the computer and such? What years 4cy will swap in?

 

I doubt that 4 banger will push the truck down the road at 80 doing 1500 RPMs. That is way way way out of the power band. For those speeds, I'd say you'd need about 1900-2200 RPM minimum.

 

If you can find one (serious IF) a 2.5 from a mustang would be a good compromise.
Most of those engines were snapped up by 'Mini Stock' racers.

If I have it right, they were the optional motor for mustang II's and ghias.

 

I have a couple of transmissions from 2.3's out in the garage as well as one from a 4.0 and I measured the bolt patterns and they are different.The top 2 bolts on the 4.0 are about 3.5" apart whereas they are about 4.25" apart on the 2.3.

 

Hmm, I thought they were the same. Maybe it was the 3.0 V6 that was the same as the 4cyl and the 2.9/4.0 that was different.

 

Something to concider....Some mustangs &T-birds ran a turbo 4bannger.
I know its been done.

Agree with others to use a manual tranny and wire harness from the donor

and your right with right gearing can get to the higher mpg's, with right combo...one can achieve respectable MPG i know others run in the upper 20's on freeway travel.

the 2.9 likes a bit higher RPM power band....if you're running..say 345 gears you might be able to pick up some MPGS with say 373 gears or even 410


Possibly a cheaper route then gearing & not sure what you're runnning, but bigger tires definatly are economy killers...yes it will rev higher but over all it will be happer, not lugging so hard. Say if you have 245 or 235 15" rim maybe down size to a 205 size tire. you get the idea, couple hundred RPM might to wonders.

just a few thoughts
GEO metro....funny, there 2 cylinder lawn mowers with more gumph then those

 

> I have a couple of transmissions from 2.3's out in the garage
> as well as one from a 4.0 and I measured the bolt patterns and they are different.

I thought so too, but, I never actually hooked 2.9/4.0 stuff to a 2.3L. Good to know.

 

not saying that this form is bad or anything but TRS site has a few members that have gone to the Turbo 4bagger and excellent swap info DaveR's 2.3 Turbo Swap Page - The Ranger Station

you might be able to find this same info here to IDK??

 

I would only do a 2.3 liter turbo engine swap out of a turbo coupe. You will have plenty of power as the 87-88 turbo coupes are rated at 190 HP and you can still manage around 25 mpg. I would never do a non turbo 4 banger swap as it will be a total dog & probally use more gas just to get it moving.

You will have a lot of work ahead of you though.