Well if you are going to build something might as well go overkill on it!

 

It's been a while since anything was posted here. Any updates?
Also, any better photos of the engine/trans adapter plate? Which engine was that trans originally bolted to? 2.3, 3.0, or 2.9/4.0 (shared pattern, as I understand it).

Mostly interested due to having run across a 240D engine with 4 speed trans, and contemplating swapping it in place of the 2.3 in my mazda badged ranger, but would prefer to keep the current 5 speed gearbox.

 

Wish I had a good body and frame for my Courier 4x4.

 

I'm still driving it with the oil burning 2.3. I had to put this on hold as I was out of work for almost a year starting Jan. 2010, have no place to work on it, and since i went back to work it's been my commuter. I'm looking forward to riding my 2stroke dirtbike again so I can use less oil.
Another move within the next two months, and then it'll be Courier project time again.

I did put some Toyota wheels on it with 235/75R15s though, they don't fit great but only rub a little

 

I can understand the lack of funding all too well.....

Back in the day, I had an 80 Courier with the Mazda 2.0L. My brother overheated it, and warped the head (aluminum). The money I invested in repairing that engine would have been better spent on the "re-power" kit that was offered for a ranger. Could be bought with either the 2.2L or 2.3L diesel that was offered from the factory.....
As they say, hindsight is 20/20.....

 

What are those buckets out of

 

88 or 89 Subaru RX. They are too thick, I'm going back to the stock style bench as soon as I can find one.

 

How was the fit. How much you have to mod.

 

Well, time for the annual update I suppose.
I finally have started in on this project, the engine is out and the front suspension is mostly gone. Looking it over, I will likely have to cut the firewall out and bring it in a few inches, but not much. I may have to modify the front crossmember under the engine but I'm trying to avoid it.

 

That 4-cyl has possibilities. I've been nosing out info about a Volvo 740-I 4-v head setup that allegedly cranks out naturally aspirated ponies based on cam timing...
That engine could be worth solid gold!

*My Poppa was two things:
1) An aerospace Engineer
2) An old race car fan

He always said that 4 cylinder engines had possibilities that had never yet been properly explored... (!)

 

That four cylinder was beyond tired. It had so much blowby I went from the stock fresh air intake to a vented filler cap to a road draft tube with a catch can and it still got oil EVERYWHERE.
I got the template for the adapter plate done yesterday, today I cut and drilled the actual adapter. 5/8" 6061-T6 aluminum, I'll make it look pretty tomorrow and post some pics.

 

Subscribing this thread just to see what you are up to.

Didn't realize it was a 'one off' for your DD.

 

This is the kind of thinking that builds wicked ridezzz


IF IT HAS A FRAME - you can do anything to it!

 

The only concern I would have is "LEG ROOM"

 

It's actually not just a one off, there are two now and I'm hoping for more in the future. If this swap goes as well as they seem to go, then late next year the Explorer may get the same treatment. It started making noise the other day that sounds like a lifter dying, plus it's been running hot so the old 4.0 may be nearing the end.
I don't think legroom was a primary concern in these old Japanese trucks, although this is the roomiest version of the Courier that we got here.