I am retireing a 1987 Ranger 2.3. I told My grandson that I would give it to him. But it is a High Mileage Lil truck. so I told him that I would help him with the Engine. What option's do I have as far as a Larger Engine that will drop in?
It is a 5 Speed Manual. I am not intrested in a Lot of Mod's.
I have a inline 6 From a 1982 Cougar (Carburator) with auto. Tranny.
Could I make that engine Work?
If not are there any other option's, That would work?
Thank's

 

If the truck runs OK, and he's a beginner driver, I'd say let him learn on the 2.3. They do pretty well if you're not too loaded down.
If the engine is shot, I'd say forget the engine swap because of the year-to-year model differences. It ain't like the old days anymore.
Anyway, if the 2.3 is on its last legs, spare both he and yourself some anguish
and get him something that doesn't need major work, and has some decent life left in it.

 

Not exactly the Info I was looking for!!!
I would like to Know if there is any other Engine that will fit in the Truck with the Present 5 Speed Manual.
Also would the Small inline 6 Fit out of the 1982 Cougar. It is a New Engine.
I do not know the size of it But! It is a Small 6 I belive it to be a 200-240
Tnx

 

I don't think a straight six will fit because of the length without some serious modifications. The problem with putting in anything other than the same engine is because of the electronics in these vehicles. If you wanted to put in, say a 2.9 V-6, you would have to get the right wiring harness and computer for that specific engine. I think it would take a wizard to modify the existing wiring to work right. You can always put in a pre-electronics engine, and just scrap the computer, if it's legal in your state. There is a lot of engine swap info in the tech articles on a site called The Ranger Station. Personally, I'd put in another 2.3, if you can find a decent used one. It would have to be the right vintage, tho'. The later ones with 8 spark plugs need different electronics.

 

FLgargoyle is right in that it gets a little hairy with the wiring and all if the motor is not from a similar vehicle. He is also right, that there was a 2.9L V6 made that year too. While you should have no problem fitting this engine in, I believe your problem is going to be the trans. The 2.9L did come in 5sp, but I don't believe it was the same trans. Don't quote me on this, but I thought the 2.3L engines mostly had the Mazda trans, and the 2.9L engines came with the Mitsubishi trans.

My suggestion would be to re-use the 2.3L you have, and rebuild it with your grandson's help. They can have plenty of "go" without being hot-rodded, and still get good fuel ecconomy. This would teach him something I think all men (yes, women too.... I am just trying to be realistic) should know - mechanical know-how. You didn't mention how old your grandson is, but if he is still in his teens, I personally would never give him anything but a 4 banger (non-turbo).

Which also brings me to the other option, if you just have to have more "go"..... find a similar year Thunderchicken Turbo Coupe. They came with a 2.3L turbo motor that you should have a much better time fitting than the V6s.

Welcome to FTE

 

Thank's Fella's
For the advise. I think that I will take ur advise and put some work in this engine
and like you said that will be a good Learning experince for him he is (17) and Very Bright.
Belive it or not but! the 2.3 Engine has 165,000 and still does not use any oil. But! NO POWER!!!!
Well, We got started on it this Morning and I guided Him into how to Take the Head off. Once he got it off I saw at once why it did not have any power.
The head Gasket was blown between 3-4 Piston, That is why we could not get any compression on 3-4 Cyl. 1-2 Cyl. compression was 130. Number 3 was 30.and Number 4 Would not pump up. I did the Fingernail check into the piston hole's and There is not e'nuff to hang ur nail on either Cyl.
So, I think that I will take the Head to the Machine shop and get it checked out and see where I am at.
Tnx Fer the advise.

 

glad to hear you found the problem

 

Glad to hear thst you're on the right track. Head will probably need valve seals at the very least. My '86 has 185 K miles, and it really smokes on start-up. It's got plenty of pep otherwise.

 

With a little head work it sounds like the perfect truck for a 17 year old.
Dave

 

emory1 - Make sure you and your grandson go through the intake system too. I found a TON of buildup in there on my 88' 2.3L. The difference after the cleaning was dramatic.

 

Could you explain a Little more in Detail about" Going thru the intake system"

I am going to take the Head to the Machine shop in the morning.
Do you think it would be a Good Idea to also take the intake and Let them clean that also?
Tnx

 

I was referring to the TB, upper & lower intake manifold, EGR, etc.....

If you search my username I had a thread all about it. I had a TON of crap in there that was robbing alot of power. The butterfly in my TB looked like an Oreo cookie. You can DIY with a can of cleaner made for EFIs & TBs plus an old toothbrush.

 

Ok! Did all that and everthing look's good.
Now! I got my Head back today and I need to ask if someone could tell me the torque Spec on the head bolt's?.
Tnx

 

head (two steps) start in the center and criss-cross rotating outward
step 1: 50 - 60ft/lbs
step 2: 80 - 90ft/lbs

valve cover: 62 - 97in/lbs

manifold: 15 - 22ft/lbs

TB: ?? Wasn't listed

 

im pretty sure the torque for the TB is the same as the manifold