I found a spot with no traffic and that was straight enough to do a 1/4 mile run. I can't do it too much, but I just wanted to see what numbers it would turn on the G-Tech I got for christmas. It was sad, but actually not as bad as I expected. It also wasn't a perfect run, but the road was flat with no inclines at all. The numbers speed was right on what everyone predicted. I ran a 19.14 @ 69.90 MPH. That's from a 98 Ranger 2.5, Automatic. However, it's got everything I could find to make it quicker, accel ignition, borla exhaust, superchip, volant cold air kit. If I didn't have any of that I can imagine how sad the numbers would be on my stock Ranger, because I felt drastic power improvements each time I added one of those modifications. Actually, I think the worst thing slowing down mine is this automatic, it's the worst transmission I've ever shifted. It's been rebuilt at 87,000 miles and another is coming soon after only 56,000 miles.

 

A 19.14 sounds pretty good to me. The touque of the 2.5 must help.
My '95 2.3L super cab ran a 19.76 s @ 73mph at the local 1/4. I was happy, it broke out of the 20's. It's a 5-speed w/3.73.

 

might I suggest, if you want more power, to ditch the idea if you are wanting to stay normally aspirated. By the time you spend the money to make your 4 banger bring the times down to 17's via normal atmospheric pressure being SUCKED into the engine, you could have dropped a 4.6 V-8 into your truck with gobs of goodies on it.

or if you don't like the added weight and fuel(lack of)economy, go with a turbo set up on your stock motor, which should be quite strong enough for up to about 300 HP.

just a few suggestions. good luck
_Ken