2.3L Power??
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
Fellas,
I don't believe the SVO 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine IS THE SAME ENGINE as the 2.3L, 4-cylinder that was installed in our Rangers. The Turbo'd or Supercharged 2.3L engines had camshafts, pistons, computer settings, etc. different from the Ranger 2.3L engine. The Ranger 2.3L was not built to handle a turbo or supercharger installation - I would NOT recommend adding either to our engines.
Our little dual-spark version (with two spark plugs per cylinder and distributorless ignition) was introduced in the 1989 and only produced 105 HP when BRAND-NEW.... and were designed for economy and mileage. So when you're talking about an engine with 100+K miles on it, it is likely producing less HP than new and will not benefit from most of the hot-rodding / HP producing techniques that were used with carbureted engines. So don't expect too much out of our tired, computer-controlled, economy-minded engines.
I'd suggest we simply keep up on the recommended tune-up maintenance and change the fluids and filters as recommended.
If your tired, little engine doesn't do what you NEED it to do, then rebuild it or change it out for a newer or larger engine.
The 2.3L Rangers built since 2001 get the DURATEC 2.3L engine; and are another completely different engine from the earlier 2.3L engines. They are a Mazda-based engine and made 143 HP when new, so 'Rootbeer', that is why you're seeing better performance than these guys with the older version 2.3L.......
BarnieTrk
I don't believe the SVO 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine IS THE SAME ENGINE as the 2.3L, 4-cylinder that was installed in our Rangers. The Turbo'd or Supercharged 2.3L engines had camshafts, pistons, computer settings, etc. different from the Ranger 2.3L engine. The Ranger 2.3L was not built to handle a turbo or supercharger installation - I would NOT recommend adding either to our engines.
Our little dual-spark version (with two spark plugs per cylinder and distributorless ignition) was introduced in the 1989 and only produced 105 HP when BRAND-NEW.... and were designed for economy and mileage. So when you're talking about an engine with 100+K miles on it, it is likely producing less HP than new and will not benefit from most of the hot-rodding / HP producing techniques that were used with carbureted engines. So don't expect too much out of our tired, computer-controlled, economy-minded engines.
I'd suggest we simply keep up on the recommended tune-up maintenance and change the fluids and filters as recommended.
If your tired, little engine doesn't do what you NEED it to do, then rebuild it or change it out for a newer or larger engine.
The 2.3L Rangers built since 2001 get the DURATEC 2.3L engine; and are another completely different engine from the earlier 2.3L engines. They are a Mazda-based engine and made 143 HP when new, so 'Rootbeer', that is why you're seeing better performance than these guys with the older version 2.3L.......
BarnieTrk
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
Other ideas to consider -- just as installing an electric fan eliminates the power-robbing mechanical fan, so will power steering or A/C rob your 2.3L, 4-cylinder of some much-needed HP.
If you eliminate the Air-Conditioning compressor and convert the steering to manual, I am confident you will notice a gain in usable power!
Yes, you'll need to re-size your serpentine drive belt due to the elimination of those accessories, but that is do-able at not too much cost.
Traxxis,
As anyone changed out the timing belt yet? If not, then I'd put that in the near-future plans. I believe it's recommended to be changed every 70K miles..... While you're at it, I'd suggest you also change the thermostat and water pump, since you'll be "right there".
The first thing we try to ensure is that we keep our Rangers running good and in tune, then to improve their performance as our budget allows.
BarnieTrk
If you eliminate the Air-Conditioning compressor and convert the steering to manual, I am confident you will notice a gain in usable power!
Yes, you'll need to re-size your serpentine drive belt due to the elimination of those accessories, but that is do-able at not too much cost.
Traxxis,
As anyone changed out the timing belt yet? If not, then I'd put that in the near-future plans. I believe it's recommended to be changed every 70K miles..... While you're at it, I'd suggest you also change the thermostat and water pump, since you'll be "right there".
The first thing we try to ensure is that we keep our Rangers running good and in tune, then to improve their performance as our budget allows.
BarnieTrk
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sirrealism
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
28
Jan 26, 2015 12:32 PM
Toplait
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jan 12, 2015 04:01 AM
