2.3 liter ranger conversion/swap
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2.3 liter ranger conversion/swap
im new to cars for the most part, and would like to do some engine work to increase the preformance on my 97 ford ranger xlt. it has a 2.3 liter engine, i would assume its small block, 2 wheel drive, and is a 5 speed manual. what changes would you guys suggest? it has almost 100k miles, so ive been told not to place a bunch of preformance parts onto the stock engine, so would the best thing be a complete engine swap?
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Vermilion Ohio
I would do some research first.... but if it was me I would hop up the one you have while rebuilding it. Have a good rebuild shop put in new bearings and .030 over pistons, then put on a high performance head, cam, headers.... www.racerwalsh.com is a good source for 2.3L hop up.
Or you could do a 5.0L swap, but that's a bigger project....
Or you could do a 5.0L swap, but that's a bigger project....
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Tampa
I have done V8 ranger set ups, they have kits for that now that are cheep. Once you go V8 on a ranger you wont go back to 4's or V6's. I will say this, get a stock V8 and put it in and run for a year and then turn up the horse power. I run C-4 auto's behind my motors less work.You need to see if you can do it in your state. I did it in florida and the state would not give me a tag for it. They said ( to much hp for frame) yea right. LOL, my truck is a short bed running 521hp it's blown with NOS. It's a fun set up to run the ponys boys don't see it coming till it's to late.LOL
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Travelers Rest SC
Hey dogman- Not to hijack the thread- but what did you do about the state not giving you a tag? I'm in Pinellas county- just across the bay, and I know of several V8 Rangers running around. I'd like to know, cuz I'd like to do my '85- I already have the motor. I'm more worried about what my insurance company might say about it. That's something for you to consider, Jent. I totalled an Escort wagon, and the insurance company noticed that it had been converted to stick. They paid, though. And on second thought- gas is alot pricier these days. Maybe I'll just redo the 4 banger...
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Tampa
Well, now without the state checking out the rides any more you can do it. Insurance you don't tell them. LOL On the gas problem I did not have it to bad, Think of it this way. A V8 in a rall buggy all power no weight. I was running around 22-25 mpg. With 500+ hp.
FLgargoyle, I have a mess of parts. Drop me a line.
P.S. I sold the truck.
FLgargoyle, I have a mess of parts. Drop me a line.
P.S. I sold the truck.
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Joined: May 2005
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insurance and registration is one thing, especially cause im in cali. anyone hav a list of legal and illegal modifications here? i searched the dmv site, but they intentionally make it a maze i believe. and as far as gas, for some reason i only get 17 mpg, 19 on a good run. anyone hav an idea as to why?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
When was the last, if any tuneup?
I average over 25 with my 2.3L SCab...but the plugs are like 35K miles old and no codes in a long time to even sweat over....
I average over 25 with my 2.3L SCab...but the plugs are like 35K miles old and no codes in a long time to even sweat over....
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Travelers Rest SC
Originally Posted by dogman
Insurance you don't tell them.
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JakeFM
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Jun 9, 2005 01:20 AM
