aero 4 cylinder

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Nov 3, 2005 | 08:24 AM

ken1mod

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aero 4 cylinder

While I was in a salvage yard yesterday, I ran into a 4 cylinder aero. What gloriously open and easy to work on engine.

How underpowered is this beast, are they a joke on hills. I have seen some wonderful 4s in the'past 10 years, the Honda accord vtec four comes to mind, lots of power and economy. Is the aero four worth a darn??

Ken

Nov 3, 2005 | 09:16 AM

93nighthawk

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From: Mitchell, SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken1mod

Is the aero four worth a darn??

Ken

Nope.

It is rated at around 100hp and 100tq. Barely moved the beast. It barely moved the Taurus MT-5. 4 bangers now days have a lot more power compared to them (and fuel economy.) Plus the Honda 4-bangers usually move small econo boxs, not big Aero boxs.

Nov 3, 2005 | 09:48 AM

ken1mod

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Makes sence, I was intoxicated by being able to see the spark plugs.

Simple mind simple pleasures.

Ken

Nov 3, 2005 | 11:48 AM

VanGo

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From: Wichita

And forget towing anything with a NA 4 banger.

There was some interest in installing the Ford 2.3l turbo 4 cyl from a TurboCoupe or SVO Mustang into an Aerostar at another forum I read. I never followed the project or if it even became one.

Nov 3, 2005 | 03:47 PM

AeroPA

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From: Northern PA

Can't say for sure, but they make tons of speed parts for those 2.3 engines. Wonder how much more power you can get out of one?

Seems like a decent carb, cam and header would wake it right up.

I've always thought an I-6 torque monster would be a good engine for this van.

Nov 3, 2005 | 06:20 PM

96_4wdr

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From: Washington state

300 I6 would be a great engine in a towing Aero, but would stick out front of grill and could have a cup holder on back of valve cover

come on Ford engineering, get a better idea, put that new Volvo 5 cyl Gen4 diesel w a 6 sp close space manual in a new design rwd awd box frame van like the Aero. don't make me buy one of those Dodge/Freightliner Sprinters w MB 5 cyl Gen4 diesels.

Last edited by 96_4wdr; Nov 3, 2005 at 06:26 PM.

Nov 3, 2005 | 06:23 PM

ken1mod

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That 300 inch six was killer. a truly great engine. had no need of a transmission, gobs of torque, ran on the smog the car in front put out.

ken

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Nov 3, 2005 | 10:32 PM

93nighthawk

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From: Mitchell, SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken1mod

That 300 inch six was killer. a truly great engine. had no need of a transmission, gobs of torque, ran on the smog the car in front put out.

ken

Of coarse it was killer. It was originally a Tractor engine. Plus the same engine was in production for what, 40+ years. I still can't believe Ford retired it.

As for the 2.3L OHC (unlike the 2.3L HSC found in the Tempo) here are more specific specs on it.

87-90 Engine Specs

2.3L 140ci EFI 9.5:1 Compresion 88-90hp @ 3800rpm 132ft/lb @ 2800 RPM

And people complain how weak the 3.0L v6 is, um, no wonder why Ford dropped the option.

Now if you are hell bent on doing something like this, get a 2.3L OHC Turbo out of a mustang or T-Bird/Cougar, now that will haul butt.

But even with gas prices dropping, I would still consider doing a Ranger 2.3L Turbo diesel conversion. And you would still have the room.