2.3 hop ups?
Thread Starter
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Still kicking!!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 6
From: Kalispell, Mt.
2.3 hop ups?
A person I know wanted me to see what I could find out about getting a little more "snort" out of his 86 Ranger 2.3. So, here I am.
I suppose there are headers a person could get, but I wouldn't have the foggiest of where. Are there many mods this little go getter will take? And still be within reasonable cost, of course, without a complete major rebuild? I suggested the guy get a newer Ranger with the big V6 in it..at least it used to be rebuildable as compared to the smaller V6. ( This comes from my brother who rebuilt engines for over 30 years..and hated to even see the small V6 come near his shop...so please... don't rant on me if you love your small V6.
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I suppose there are headers a person could get, but I wouldn't have the foggiest of where. Are there many mods this little go getter will take? And still be within reasonable cost, of course, without a complete major rebuild? I suggested the guy get a newer Ranger with the big V6 in it..at least it used to be rebuildable as compared to the smaller V6. ( This comes from my brother who rebuilt engines for over 30 years..and hated to even see the small V6 come near his shop...so please... don't rant on me if you love your small V6.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
I'll be the first to recommend you do a search in this forum on this topic. It's been discussed many times. The little 2.3 is a tough motor, and there are a lot of hop-up goodies, since it has been used in racing for years. Look up Esslinger to see what I'm talking about. Also consider if you want your truck to be emmissions-legal or not. That has a big effect on what you can do. One of the biggest changes you can make is to convert to a turbocharger set-up, like in the T-Birds. Yes, it's the same engine. I believe everything is the same, but you need to tap a hole in the block for oil or something. If you can get a deal on a turbo set-up, it's a lot of bang for the buck. Headers are widely available, as are cams, intake manifolds, carbs, racing heads, ignition, you name it. Probably the cheapest way to gain mega-horsepower is to slip in a 302 V-8, though. There are many kits available for that, too. Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Still kicking!!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 6
From: Kalispell, Mt.
Thanks Gargoyl. Appreciate the reply. Without having to do a search for anything specific and read three dozen threads, I'll do a little bit of the research you suggested and pass the info along to the guy that wants it. You've answered most of what I needed to hear, without being overly specific. I also suggested a 302 rather than the I-4, but I expect by next week, he'll have changed his mind again anyway.
